Bachelor of Science (Marine Biology) B.Sc (MB)

2009

Program Outline

This program is all about the largest and most diverse ecosystem on the planet - the sea. It is strange that our planet is named 'Earth' when most of it is 'sea', and stranger that many graduates train in tropical seas when the bulk of jobs are in temperate (antarctic to sub-tropical) seas.

Most of Australia's population lives on temperate coasts and for this reason we prepare graduates for work on these coasts by demonstrating the problems and needs facing marine industry and conservation.

The program provides access to staff with national and international acclaim for research excellence, with a strong emphasis on giving students field experience. Students use the same equipment that is pioneering research across the northern and southern hemispheres.

This course prepares students for careers in marine biology via training in use of coherent, logical procedures and rigorous experimental planning for practical work in the field and laboratory. There is demand for people with these skills in temperate marine biology.

Program Structure

The first year involves core studies in biology, geology and statistics. In subsequent years, students study ecological and evolutionary biology courses, which include marine biology components, as well as coastal management and specialised research methodology. At third year, there are three specific marine courses that cover the theoretical, practical and fieldwork aspects of marine biology.

Admission Information

Domestic applicants

Not a domestic applicant?

2008 CSP IB	27
SATAC Code	324431
2008 CSP TER	78.15
HESS group	General
Annual tuition fees	Commonwealth-supported place: $4,162
Mid-year entry?	Yes
Enquiries	Student Centre

Selection Criteria

Year 12 applicants

You must not have completed more than 2 years full time equivalent university study (48 units). You compete for a place with your Tertiary Entrance Rank (TER).

Assumed Knowledge

SACE Stage 2 Chemistry, Mathematical Studies

Alternative entry pathways

• Higher Education applicants
  You must have completed at least half a year full time equivalent university study. A Grade Point Average (GPA) is calculated for each separate program you have undertaken (apart from some double degree programs where the GPA is combined). You compete on the basis of your best GPA.
• VET applicants
  You must have completed an AQF Certificate IV or above. Your application will be ranked according to the level of the award.
• Special Entry applicants
  You must meet the following criteria: you must be 21 years or over on January 1st of the year that you will be studying*, you must not hold a completed higher education level award, and if you have been enrolled in a course leading to a higher education level award in the last 3 years, you must not have completed more than 2 years full time equivalent university study. If you meet this criteria, you will be ranked according to your result in the Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT). Your STAT result is weighted such that the verbal component contributes 40% and the quantitative component contributes 60% to your overall score. Personal Competencies (PC) and Employment Experience (EE) statements may also contribute to your rank. If you submit a PC or EE statement, and one of these ranks higher than your STAT score, then the highest ranking statement will contribute 50% to your overall rank and the STAT will contribute the remaining 50%. If you do not submit a PC or EE statement, or if the statements have a lower rank than the STAT, then you will compete for a place on the basis of your STAT result only. *The age restriction is 19 years or over if you have completed either the Flinders Foundation course or the UniSA Foundation Studies program or the UniSA Program for Adult Learners. Indigenous applicants may be eligible for entry through the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Access Scheme. See Wilto Yerlo for further information.
• Without formal qualifications?
  You may be eligible for our special access schemes.

How to Apply

SATAC Code: 324431

Apply through SATAC SATAC application dates Application and Admission

International applicants

Not an international applicant?

International TER	80
IELTS Total	6 [more info]
Annual tuition fees	International student place: $22,000
Mid-year entry?	Yes
Enquiries	Student Centre

Selection Criteria

Assumed Knowledge

Chemistry and Mathematics desirable

Equivalent Scores

International TER	80
IELTS Total Reading Listening Speaking Writing	6 5.5 5.5 6 6

How to Apply

Application information for international students

Important application deadlines for international students

International applicants applying with Australian year 12 results

Not an international applicant applying with Australian year 12 results?

International TER	80
Annual tuition fees	International student place: $22,000
Mid-year entry?	Yes
Enquiries	Student Centre

Selection Criteria

Assumed Knowledge

SACE Stage 2 Chemistry, Mathematical Studies

Study Plans

The study plans given are examples of pathways through this degree. For a complete description, see the program rules.

Career Opportunities

Graduates may seek work in:

• Conservation groups
• Consultancy firms
• Councils
• Environmental protection agencies
• State governments
• University research laboratories
• Water authorities.

Employment duties may include:

• Collecting data and resources by SCUBA and boats
• Managing fisheries and coastal planning
• Monitoring climate change and water quality
• Policy formation and creating marine protected areas.

Potential careers

Research Scientist, Environmental Biologist, Environmental Consultant, Marine Biologist, Fisheries Researcher, Life Scientist, Consultant, Policy Adviser, Political Advisor, Project Officer, Electrical/Electronic Engineer, Research Assistant, Research Associates, Environmental Geology, Environmental Management, Environmental Project Officer, Science Educators, Scientific Data Analyst, Scientific Officer, Government officer, Biodiversity Assessment, Personal/Research Officer (Local MP), ...

Program Rules

Faculty of Sciences

Further Information

Useful Links

Marine Biology at the University of Adelaide