Bachelor of Science (Marine Biology)
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. 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.
*QS World University Rankings by Subject, Earth and Marine Sciences, 2021
**Good Universities Guide, 2021
Entry Requirements
For our students who are studying offshore in 2021 and 2022, 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 |
|---|---|
| 2021 CSP ATAR | 72.2 |
| 2021 CSP IB | 26 |
| Guaranteed Entry Score - ATAR | 75 |
| Guaranteed Entry Score - IB | 26 |
| Deferment | Yes - 2 year |
| Intake | February and July |
| Enquiries | Future Students team |
2021 Admissions Data for school leavers
| ATAR (raw ATAR, excluding any applicable adjustment factors) |
Lowest ATAR to receive an offer | 69.1 |
|---|---|---|
| Median ATAR to receive an offer | 75.8 | |
| Highest ATAR to receive an offer | 93.7 | |
| Selection Rank (ATAR plus any adjustment factors) |
Lowest Selection Rank to receive an offer | 72.2 |
| Median Selection Rank to receive an offer | 78 | |
| Highest Selection Rank to receive an offer | 96.6 | |
| 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 |
| 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 2022. If you have studied at higher education level in the last two years (for 2022 entry this means you were enrolled in either 2021 or 2020), 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 2020). 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
Student Profile
| Applicant background | Semester one/Full year intake 2021 | |
|---|---|---|
| Number of students | Percentage of all students | |
| (A) Higher Education study (includes a bridging or enabling course) |
7 | 26.9% |
| (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: | ||
|
12 | 46.2% |
|
N/A | N/A |
|
<5 | N/A |
| International students | <5 | N/A |
| All students | 26 | 100.0% |
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
|
More information on Student Contribution Amounts.
Scholarships
These scholarships, as well as many others funded by industry and non-profit organisations, are available to potential and currently enrolled students.
Careers
Career Readiness
The Bachelor of Science (Marine Biology) degree sets you up for successful employment with:
-
conservation groups
-
consultancy firms
-
councils
-
environmental protection agencies
-
state governments
-
university research laboratories
-
water authorities.
You might be:
-
collecting data and resources by scuba diving and boats
-
managing fisheries and coastal planning
-
monitoring climate change and water quality
-
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 and intellectual breadth
- Creative and critical thinking, and problem solving
- Teamwork and communication skills
- Professionalism and leadership readiness
- Intercultural and ethical competency
- Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultural competency
- Digital capabilities
- 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, ...
Degree Structure
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
Related Degrees
Testimonial
Studying has provided me with a solid foundation of knowledge that I rely on in my career today.
Sarah Hamlyn
Staff Biologist, Monte Marine Laboratory at the International Centre for Coral Reef Restoration, Florida
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: Tuesday, 21 Sep 2021
