Program Overview
The Master of Marine Biology program at the University of Western Australia equips students for careers in marine biology research or industry. The coursework covers quantitative marine biology, processes in marine environments, and the application of marine science in practice and management. Students gain hands-on learning and exposure to modern analytical tools through field work and collaborations with industry partners. The program culminates in a coursework-only or coursework and dissertation option.
Program Outline
Master of Marine Biology (Coursework or Coursework and Dissertation) - University of Western Australia
Degree Overview:
This program is designed to prepare students for a meaningful marine biology career in industry or as a researcher. It focuses on both the quantitative elements of marine biology and processes in marine environments, as well as the application and translation of marine science into industry practice and management. The program aims to equip students with the knowledge and skills to contribute to marine and coastal science and management, addressing the challenges presented by climatic and environmental change that impact these important coastal ecosystems.
Outline:
Course Structure:
- Conversion: Students who have not completed a bachelor's degree with a major in Marine Biology or equivalent must complete relevant conversion units up to the value of 24 points from this group, as advised by the School.
- BIOL4411 Marine Field Studies (6 points)
- ENVT4413 Marine Ecosystems (6 points)
- GENE4002 Integrated Topics in Genetics I (6 points)
- SCIE4401 Data Use in Science (6 points)
- Core: All students must take all units (36 points):
- BIOL4407 Marine Conservation and Fisheries Management (6 points)
- BIOL4408 Marine Ecology (6 points)
- BIOL4410 Environmental Genomics (6 points)
- BIOL5504 Sex in the Sea (6 points)
- SCIE4402 Data Management and Analysis in the Natural Sciences (6 points)
- SCIE5505 Global Change and the Marine Environment (6 points)
- Core (Coursework Only): Students in the coursework-only program take 12 points:
- SCIE5004 Professional Skills in Science (6 points)
- SCIE5005 Science in Practice (6 points)
- Option (Coursework and Dissertation): Students in the coursework and dissertation program take 30 points:
- BIOL5552 Masters in Biological Sciences Research Dissertation Part 1 (6 points)
- BIOL5553 Masters in Biological Sciences Research Dissertation Part 2 (6 points)
- BIOL5554 Masters in Biological Sciences Research Dissertation Part 3 (6 points)
- BIOL5555 Masters in Biological Sciences Research Dissertation Part 4 (6 points)
- BIOL5556 Masters in Biological Sciences Research Presentation Skills (6 points)
- Option (Coursework Only): Students in the coursework-only program take 24 points, with 12 points at Level 5. Students in the coursework and dissertation program take 6 points:
- BIOL5301 Big Data, Modelling and Meta-analysis in Biology, Conservation and the Environment (6 points)
- BIOL5542 Conservation Genetics (6 points)
- ENVT5509 Global Ecological Challenges (6 points)
- ENVT5512 Ecosystem Biogeochemistry (6 points)
- ENVT5575 Aquaculture and the Blue Economy (6 points)
- ENVT5576 Aquatic Ecology (6 points)
- SCIE5304 Science Practicum (6 points)
- SCOM5309 Citizen Science (6 points)
Work Integrated Learning:
The following units enable students to interact with industry and government agencies that use and manage marine resources:
- SCIE5304 Science Practicum
- SCIE5004 Professional Skills in Science
- SCIE5005 Science in Practice
- BIOL4407 Marine Conservation and Fisheries Management
- BIOL4408 Marine Ecology
Teaching:
- Faculty: The program is taught by internationally recognized experts in marine biology, ecology, spatial ecology, fisheries science, conservation, and management.
- Facilities: Students have access to world-leading facilities at the Indian Ocean Marine Research Centre (IOMRC).
- Unique Approaches: The program emphasizes hands-on learning and exposure to modern analytical tools, providing students with the opportunity to build technical skills and valuable connections through field work, workshops, placements, internships, and other activities.
Careers:
- Specific Job Titles:
- Marine Biologist (researcher)
- Marine Consultant
- Marine Natural Resource Manager
- Marine Conservation Specialist
- Marine Science Communicator
- Environmental Scientist
- Fisheries Scientist
- Industries:
- Marine environmental consulting
- Government agencies
- Resource industry
- Marine renewables
- Aquaculture
- NGOs
- Academia
Other:
- Location: Perth (Crawley campus)
- Delivery: On-campus
- Attendance: Full-time or Part-time
- Starting Dates: Semester 1, Semester 2
- Duration: 1.5-2 years
- Indian Ocean Marine Research Centre (IOMRC): A purpose-built collaborative facility for marine science and ocean engineering research.
