Master of Marine Biology

Program Overview

The Master of Marine Biology at JCU provides advanced knowledge and skills in marine biology, ecology, and conservation. Students gain hands-on experience at the Orpheus Island Research Station and develop expertise in data analysis, research methods, and scientific communication. The program offers various major options, including Coral Reef Science, Marine Conservation and Management, Marine Genomics, and Fisheries Science, preparing graduates for careers in marine research, management, and policy.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

Develop outstanding discipline knowledge of marine biology and advance your skills in the areas most sought after by marine sector employers. Gain unrivalled hands-on experience in unique locations like the JCU Orpheus Island Research Station on the Great Barrier Reef. Work with emerging technologies for marine ecosystem monitoring, learn how to incorporate vital data analysis methods into your work and research, and collaborate with world-leading researchers in Coral Reef Science and Management.

Objectives:

• Provide students with a comprehensive knowledge of marine biology and ecology, including recent developments in the discipline.
• Develop students' abilities to retrieve, analyze, synthesize, and evaluate complex information in order to critically appraise the application of contemporary theories in marine biology.
• Enhance students' organizational, analytical, and interpretative skills through the utilization of mathematical, statistical, and technological tools.
• Train students in the planning and conduction of reliable, evidence-based laboratory and/or field experiments, ensuring proper selection and application of methodologies.
• Cultivate critical reflection skills, enabling students to assess their own knowledge, attitudes, and professional needs.
• Develop students' proficiency in communicating scientific concepts, methodologies, data, arguments, and conclusions through written and oral means.
• Equip students with the ability to identify knowledge gaps and generate solutions to complex problems in marine ecosystems by applying scientific principles and expert judgment.
• Familiarize students with regulatory requirements, ethical principles, and cultural frameworks, allowing them to work effectively and responsibly in diverse contexts.
• Provide students with mastery of technical skills essential to marine science practice, including field and laboratory-based data collection, data handling and processing, and project management.
• Empower students to plan and execute substantial research-based projects or demonstrate autonomy and expert judgment within a professional workplace environment.

Outline:

Core Subjects:

• Advances in Marine Biology (MB5000:03)
• Evidence and Controversy in Marine Science (MB5350:03)
• Career Planning (SC5200:03)

Major Options:

Coral Reef Science

• Coral Reef Geomorphology (EV5406:03)
• Tropical Marine Ecology and Coastal Impacts (MB5001:03)
• Marine Conservation Biology (MB5004:03)
• Biological Oceanography (MB5055:03)
• Evolution and Ecology of Reef Fishes (MB5160:03)
• Coral Reef Ecology (MB5190:03)
• Coral Reef Reserves as Fisheries Management Tools (MB5310:03)
• Marine Ecology and Upwelling (SC5810:03)

Marine Conservation and Management

• Human Dimensions of Nature, Environment, and Conservation (EV5020:03)
• Coastal and Marine Management and Conservation (EV5701:03)
• Tropical Marine Ecology and Coastal Impacts (MB5001:03)
• Marine Conservation Biology (MB5004:03)
• Managing Tropical Fisheries (MB5014:03)
• Conserving Marine Wildlife: Sea Mammals, Birds, Reptiles (MB5204:03)
• Coastal, Estuarine, and Mangrove Ecosystems (MB5270:03)
• Grand Challenges in Fisheries (MB5620:03)

Marine Genomics

• Aquaculture: Stock Improvement (AQ5004:03)
• Aquaculture: Principles and Practices (AQ5006:03)
• Advanced Genes, Genomes, and Development (BC5101:03)
• Advanced Bioinformatics (BC5203:03)
• Evolution (BZ5450:03)
• Ecological and Conservation Genetics (BZ5450:03)
• Marine Conservation Biology (MB5004:03)
• Marine Biogeography (MB5070:03)

Fisheries Science

• Sustainable Aquaculture (AQ5015:03)
• Human Dimensions of Nature, Environment, and Conservation (EV5020:03)
• Fisheries Science (MB5003:03)
• Managing Tropical Fisheries (MB5014:03)
• Marine Reserves as Fisheries Management Tools (MB5310:03)
• Fishing Gear and Technologies (MB5610:03)

Careers:

Graduates of JCU's Master of Marine Biology are highly sought after by private and public sector organizations in Australia and internationally. Career opportunities exist in technical, research, education, management, and policy-related positions. Graduates may find employment at environmental management and consultancy agencies, government departments, scientific research institutes, commercial ventures, educational institutions, tourism organizations, and even global environmental media groups.