Bachelor of Science (Marine Biology) Mid-Year Entry
Go below the surface
Marine biology is the study of our planet’s largest and most diverse ecosystem—the sea.
Marine biologists observe, preserve and discover ocean life, from tiny shelled creatures and thriving underwater forests to flashing squids and roving sharks.
The University of Adelaide is ranked in the top 100 in the world for Earth and Marine sciences and best in South Australia^.
What will you do?
Our Bachelor of Science (Marine Biology) has a focus on contemporary marine biology practices on both a local and global scale, with a five-star student satisfaction ranking for teaching quality and overall experience*. You will:- get hands-on in marine and freshwater environments
- master your expertise in the lab, then apply these techniques in the field
- learn the skills to be able to work on temperate seas—from sub-polar to sub-tropical, where there is a high demand for graduates
- explore pressing and critical issues like conservation, species protection and the effects of plastics on the ocean
- access cutting-edge technology and equipment used in pioneering research around the world
- learn from nationally and internationally acclaimed researchers
- dive into coastal management, evolutionary science and marine ecology.
Where could it take you?
You could explore future life in a high-CO2 world, dive on underwater volcanoes or lead oceanic ecotours. You might study the effects of climate change on our reefs or research the impact of microplastics in fish. Perhaps you’ll make documentaries to educate the wider public or discover totally new marine species.
* Student Experience Survey Teaching Quality Satisfaction Level 2018
^ QS University Subject Rankings – Earth and Marine Sciences 2020
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Entry Requirements
For those who are based in Adelaide, we will be offering a blended delivery mode that combines face-to-face with remote learning in as many courses as possible, taking into consideration social distancing and hygiene. All lectures will continue to be delivered online for the remainder of the year, with some exceptions.
For our students who are studying offshore for the remainder of the 2021 Academic Year, the University will continue to offer high-quality access to the learning resources remotely for most programs. This includes all lectures, tutorials and other support material. Students will be advised in advance if there are course components that cannot be provided in remote mode and, wherever possible, offered alternative courses. Please refer to the COVID-19 FAQ page for a list of programs where in-person attendance is required.
Choose your applicant type to view the relevant admissions information for this program.
I am a:Domestic applicants
SATAC Code 324431 2020 CSP ATAR 65.4 2020 CSP IB 24 Guaranteed Entry Score - ATAR 75 Guaranteed Entry Score - IB 26 Deferment Yes - 2 year Intake February and July Enquiries Future Students team 2020 Admissions Data for school leavers
ATAR
(raw ATAR, excluding any applicable adjustment factors)Lowest ATAR to receive an offer 58.5 Median ATAR to receive an offer 83.6 Highest ATAR to receive an offer 99.55 Selection Rank
(ATAR plus any adjustment factors)Lowest Selection Rank to receive an offer 65.4 Median Selection Rank to receive an offer 86.35 Highest Selection Rank to receive an offer 99.95 Minimum eligibility score 65 Additional criteria considered Selection rank only Selection Criteria
Recent Secondary Education Applicants with recent secondary education are those whose admission is primarily based on the completion of Year 12 within the last two years, however if you completed your secondary education more than two years ago, you may still be able to be considered on the basis of your secondary schooling. You must not have completed more than 2 years full time equivalent university study (48 units). You compete for a place with your Selection Rank (ATAR plus any applicable adjustment factors). Indigenous applicants may be eligible for entry through the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Access Pathway. See Wirltu Yarlu for further information. Assumed Knowledge SACE Stage 2: Chemistry and Mathematical Methods (if studied year 12 prior to 2017, the equivalent subject was called Mathematical Studies) Higher Education Study You must have completed at least six months full time equivalent higher education study (the number of courses and units will vary depending on your prior institution however at the University of Adelaide, this equates to 4 courses / 12 units). 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. Indigenous applicants may be eligible for entry through the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Access Pathway. See Wirltu Yarlu for further information. Vocational Education and Training (VET) study You must have completed an AQF Certificate IV or above from a Registered Training Organisation. Your application will be ranked according to the level of the award. Indigenous applicants may be eligible for entry through the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Access Pathway. See Wirltu Yarlu for further information. Work and life experience To be eligible to sit the Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT) as as pathway for entry, you must be 18 years or over before 1 February 2021. If you have studied at higher education level in the last two years (for 2021 entry this means you were enrolled in either 2020 or 2019), you must not have accumulated more than a TOTAL of 2 years full-time (or part-time equivalent) higher education study (ie. including any study prior to 2019). If you meet this criteria, you will be ranked according to your result in the Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT). Your STAT result is not weighted between verbal and quantitative components. Indigenous applicants may be eligible for entry through the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Access Pathway. See Wirltu Yarlu for further information. Other Entry Pathways How to Apply
SATAC Code: 324431
Student Profile
Applicant background Semester one/Full year intake 2020 Number of students Percentage of all students (A) Higher Education study
(includes a bridging or enabling course)<5 N/A (B) Vocational education and training (VET) study <5 N/A (C) Work and life experience
(admitted on the basis of previous achievement not in the other three categories)N/A N/A (D) Recent secondary education: - Admitted solely on the basis of ATAR
(regardless of whether this includes the consideration of adjustment factors)
20 69.0% - Admitted where both ATAR and additional criteria were considered
(e.g. portfolio, audition, extra test, early offer conditional on minimum ATAR)
N/A N/A - Admitted on the basis of other criteria only and ATAR was not a factor
(e.g. special consideration, audition alone, schools recommendation scheme with no minimum ATAR requirement)
N/A N/A International students <5 N/A All students 29 100.0% International applicants
Not an international applicant?
CRICOS 057802F Intake February and July Selection Criteria
English Language Requirements
Australian Year 12 Successful completion of an Australian year 12 qualification with a minimum pass in an accepted English language subject English Tests accepted by the University of Adelaide IELTS Overall 6.5 Reading 6 Listening 6 Speaking 6 Writing 6 TOEFL Overall 79 Reading 13 Listening 13 Speaking 18 Writing 21 Pearson Overall 58 Reading 50 Listening 50 Speaking 50 Writing 50 C1 Advanced Overall 176 Reading 169 Listening 169 Speaking 169 Writing 169 Qualifications that meet minimum English requirements A range of alternative qualifications may meet the University’s minimum English requirements Academic Entry Requirements
More InformationSecondary School Qualifications Selection Rank (International) 75 International Baccalaureate (IB) 26 Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education (HKDSE) 18 United Entrance Certificate (UEC) [Malaysia] 20 General Certificate of Education (GCE) Advanced Level 7 Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) 70% British Columbia Certificate of Graduation (Canada) 4.8 Alberta High School Diploma (Canada) 78 ISC & CBSE [India] 70% ISBE [India] 80% SAT (in conjunction with American High School Diploma) 1200 AP (in conjunction with American High School Diploma) 7 Abitur 3.4 Thailand Certificate of Secondary Education 2.5 Bang Tot Nghiep Trung Hoc Pho Thong 7.5 STPM or Matrikulasi 2.78 Kuwait General School Secondary Certificate 74 The University of Adelaide College Foundation Program 74 Eynesbury Foundation Program 360 ANU Foundation Studies 66% Monash Foundation Year 70% Trinity College Foundation Studies Program 72 UNSW Foundation Year 7.0 University of Sydney Foundation Studies Program 6.7 Western Australian Universities' Foundation Program (WAUFP) 57 University of Queensland Foundation Studies Program 4.2 Non-Go8 Foundation Score 74 SMA3 (in conjunction with National Final Examination Certificate) 80 Other Qualifications Students who don't meet the academic requirements or who have other qualifications from the South Pacific Islands, Japan, Korea, Philippines or Taiwan may be eligible to apply for a Pre-University Pathway to prepare for or gain entry into the University's undergraduate academic programs. For additional information see Pathway Programs Prerequisites
Assumed Knowledge Chemistry and Mathematics is desirable How to Apply
- Admitted solely on the basis of ATAR
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Fees and Scholarships
Choose your applicant type to view the relevant fees and scholarships information for this program.
I am a:Domestic applicants
Indicative annual tuition fees Commonwealth-supported place: $7,333More information on Student Contribution Amounts.
International applicants
Not an international applicant?
Indicative annual tuition fees (24 units) International student place: $41,500 Scholarships
These scholarships, as well as many others funded by industry and non-profit organisations, are available to potential and currently enrolled students.
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Careers
Career Readiness
The Bachelor of Science (Marine Biology) degree sets you up for successful employment with:
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conservation groups
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consultancy firms
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councils
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environmental protection agencies
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state governments
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university research laboratories
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water authorities.
You might be:
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collecting data and resources by scuba diving and boats
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managing fisheries and coastal planning
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monitoring climate change and water quality
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policy formation and creating marine protected areas.
The University of Adelaide Careers Service prepares, inspires and empowers students to achieve successful career transitions and connect with industry.
Graduate Attributes
The objective of this program is to produce graduates with specific attributes as outlined in University of Adelaide Graduate Attributes.- Deep discipline knowledge
- Critical thinking and problem solving
- Teamwork and communication skills
- Career and leadership readiness
- Intercultural and ethical competency
- Self-awareness and emotional intelligence
Industry Placement
Throughout your degree, you’ll take field trips to local beach and areas. In third year, you’ll go on a week-long field camp at the Marine Research Station in York Peninsula.
During most years, you’ll also have the opportunity to go on international trips to coastal regions including Timor-Leste and China. You’ll visit aquaculture farms and fish markets, undertake scuba diving courses, help local communities monitor marine parks, map local habitats and learn about coastal communities in developing countries. These international trips usually run for two weeks.Potential careers
Microbiologist, Conservation Scientist, Life Scientist, Project Officer, Environmental Project Officer, Research Associates, Resource Management, Environmental Management, Scientific Officer, Biodiversity Assessment, Resource Manager, Environmental Remediation Officer, Environmental Scientist, Aquaculture, Science Communicators, Ecotour Operator, Environmental Manager, Wedding Photographer, Wildlife Conservationist, Research Scientist, Environmental Biologist, Environmental Consultant, ...
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Study Overseas
A Study Overseas experience is an integral component to your academic journey at The University of Adelaide. The university is committed to offering its students the opportunity to study overseas through a range of degrees offered via Study Overseas, including student exchange, study tours, short study degrees, internships and placements. There are many exciting opportunities in Europe, Asia, the Americas, Africa, and Oceania ranging from a few weeks to a full academic year.
To find available opportunities visit Study Overseas.
Study Abroad and Exchange
The Faculty of Sciences recommends students who want to undertake an exchange in an overseas university plan to go in Semester 2 of Level 2 and/or Semester 1 of Level 3.
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Degree Structure
Level 1 involves core studies in biology, geology and statistics. At subsequent levels, students study ecological and evolutionary biology courses that include marine biology components, as well as coastal management and specialised research methodology. At level 3, there are specific marine courses that cover the theoretical, practical and fieldwork aspects of marine biology.Academic Program Rules
The Calendar is a comprehensive handbook of the University's academic program rules.
Example Study Plan
Assessment
Assignments, exams, practical work, field trip reports
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Related Degrees
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Further Information
- Online: Enquire, ask a question, or search the Knowledge Base
- Phone: +61 8 8313 7335 (toll free 1800 061 459)
- Face to face: Book an appointment
- Visit us: Our annual Open Day provides an excellent opportunity to see our campus, meet with academics, and discuss your study options.
The University of Adelaide is committed to regular reviews of the courses and programs it offers to students. The University of Adelaide therefore reserves the right to discontinue or vary programs and courses without notice. Please read the important information contained in the disclaimer.
Last updated: Saturday, 21 Nov 2020
