Deakin’s marine biology course provides you with a unique opportunity to study temperate marine biology in an environment that has some of the highest biodiversity in Australia. Through extensive hands-on laboratory and fieldwork experiences you’ll discover the great diversity that exists in coastal and oceanic ecosystems, and learn how to sustainably manage precious marine environments.
The course has a strong ecological focus, linking biological and oceanographic processes in the study of marine environments. You’ll explore coral reefs to icebergs, estuaries to oceans, the surf zone to the deep abyss. You’ll learn about how marine ecosystems function and how marine organisms interact with their living and non-living environments.
Throughout the course you’ll get a strong understanding of environmental sustainability, and use scientific methods and tools to practice sustainable management of natural resources within marine and coastal environments, relevant to both Australia and overseas.
You’ll gain stimulating hands-on experience through fieldwork in natural marine environments on the Victorian coast, including the Great Ocean Road. For example, each year students study in the Merri Marine Sanctuary where they can develop their skills in scientific research methods, impact assessment and marine and coastal management. Students will also have the opportunity to work with government and non-government organisations on specific volunteer projects, including Parks Victoria and monitoring of penguins on Middle island, Fishcare and Friends of the Merri.
You will have the opportunity to study tropical marine environments within Australia and gain a broader view of the world by electing to study overseas.
You’ll also have the opportunity to complete a professional practice unit, which involves a placement within a relevant, course-related organisation within either Australia or overseas.
Career opportunities for graduates include employment in marine ecotourism, marine education, fisheries, aquaculture, environmental consultancy, environmental risk assessment, aquariums and museums, and can range from marine education, laboratory technician, environmental consultant, field officer, marine park ranger, local government environmental officer, sustainability project officer, GIS analyst, as well as moving into marine biology research or pursuing postgraduate study.
Units in the course may include assessment hurdle requirements.
Career opportunities
Career opportunities for graduates of this course include marine biology tour guide, fishery officer, marine biology consultant, laboratory technician, local government environmental officer, aquaculture manager, sustainability project officer, as well as moving into research or pursuing postgraduate study.
Course expenses
In addition to student contribution fees, students should be aware that they may be required to meet their own expenses in connection with food and accommodation while on fieldwork.
Course rules
To complete the Bachelor of Environmental Science (Marine Biology), students must attain 24 credit points. Most units (think of units as ‘subjects’) are equal to 1 credit point. So that means in order to gain 24 credit points, you’ll need to study 24 units (AKA ‘subjects’) over your entire degree. Most students choose to study 4 units per trimester, and usually undertake two trimesters each year.
The course comprises a total of 24 credit points which must include the following:
21 core units
3 elective units
Completion of SLE010 Laboratory and Fieldwork Safety Induction Program (0 credit-point compulsory unit)
Completion of STP010 Introduction to Work Placements (0 credit-point compulsory unit)
level 1 - up to 10 credit points
level 3 - at least 6 credit points of which at least 4 must be science course-grouped
# Must have successfully completed STP010 Introduction to Work Placements (0 credit point unit)
^ available from 2017
Course structure
Electives
Select from a range of elective units offered across many courses. In some cases you may even be able to choose elective units from a completely different discipline area (subject to meeting unit requirements).
