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.

Admission Information

Admissions information for domestic and international students.

Domestic

Selection criteria:	Year 12 applicants 2008 Commonwealth-supported TER: 78.15 You must not have completed more than 2 years full time equivalent university study (48 units). You must have gained a 'Recorded Achievement' in four SACE Stage 2 HESS (Higher Education Selection Subjects) General subjects (or interstate/International Baccalaureate equivalents). For a full list of SACE subjects and their HESS status please refer to the SATAC Tertiary Entrance Booklet. You compete for a place with your Tertiary Entrance Rank (TER). 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.
Assumed knowledge:	SACE Stage 2 Chemistry, Mathematical Studies
How to apply:	SATAC Code: 324431 Apply through SATAC SATAC application dates Application and Admission
Mid-year entry?	Subject to availability
Annual tuition fees:	Commonwealth-supported place: $4,162
General enquiries:	Student Centre

International

Selection criteria:	IELTS Total Reading Listening Speaking Writing 6 5.5 5.5 6 6 International TER 80
Assumed knowledge:	Chemistry and Mathematics desirable
How to apply:	Application information for international students Important application deadlines for international students
Mid-year entry?	Yes
Annual tuition fees:	International student place: $22,000
General enquiries:	Student Centre

Study Plans

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

Please note that this program is under review and the courses listed at levels II and III are indicative only. Level I
Semester 1 (core courses) BIOLOGY 1101 Biology I: Molecules, Genes and Cells GEOLOGY 1103: Earth Systems I together with an additional 6 units of Level I courses chosen from courses offered by the Faculty of Sciences. A maximum of 3 units may be taken from courses offered by the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, Faculty of Engineering, Computer and Mathematical Sciences, and the School of Architecture, Landscape Architecture and Urban Design. Semester 2 (core courses) BIOLOGY 1202: Biology 1:Organisms ENV BIOL 1002: Ecological Issues I STATS 1004: Statistical Practice I (Life Sciences)* together with an additional 3 units of Level I courses chosen from courses offered by the Faculty of Sciences. A maximum of 3 units may be taken from courses offered by the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, Faculty of Engineering, Computer and Mathematical Sciences, and the School of Architecture, Landscape Architecture and Urban Design. *STATS 1000: Statistical Practice I may be taken instead of STATS 1004: Statistical Practice I (Life Sciences)
Level II
Semester 1 (core courses) ENV BIOL 2500: Botany II ENV BIOL 2503: Zoology II GEOLOGY 2500: Sedimentary Geology II Semester 2 (core courses) ENV BIOL 2502: Ecology II Plus passes in additional Leve II courses to the value of 12 units chosen from: SOIL&WAT 2501: Spatial Information & Land Evaluation II GEST 2030: Managing Coastal Environments or additional courses selected in consultation with the Program Coordinator and in accordance with Academic Program Rules 5.6.3 for the degree of Bachelor of Science.
Level III
Semester 1 ENV BIOL 3006 Research Methods in Environmental Biology ENV BIOL 3121 Concepts in Ecology ENV BIOL 3124 Frontiers in Marine Biology Semester 2 ENV BIOL 3010 Marine Ecology III ENV BIOL 3221 Research Methods in Marine Biology Passes in additional Level III courses to the value of 9 units, chosen from: GEST 2043 Introduction to Environmental Impact Assessment SOIL&WAT 3007WT GIS for Environmental Management * or Level III science electives * Summer semester

Career Opportunities

Our graduates will find work with state governments, environmental protection agencies, water authorities, consultancy firms, councils, conservation groups and university research laboratories.

Their work may include collecting data on biodiversity of marine life and resources by SCUBA and boats, monitoring climate change and water quality, managing fisheries and coastal planning, policy formation and creating marine protected areas.

Potential careers

Animal Behaviouralist, Animal Breeding, Animal Welfare, Aquaculture, Biotechnology, Research Scientist, Ecologist, Environmental Biologist, Wildlife Officer, Environmental Consultant, Marine Biologist, Fisheries Researcher, Life Scientist, Ministerial Adviser, Parliamentary Adviser, Parliamentary Member, Consultant, Policy Adviser, Political Advisor, Politician, Diplomatic corps, Project Officer, Ecotourism, Education Coordinator, Public Relations Officer/ Publicist, Electrical/Electronic Engineer, Research Assistant, Research Associates, Environmental Geology, Environmental Management, Environmental Project Officer, Science Communicators, Science Educators, Scientific Data Analyst, Scientific Officer, Foreign Affairs, Government officer, Teacher, Team Leader, Technical Officer, Tutor, Journalist, Journalist (Science Communications)

Useful Links

Marine Biology at the University of Adelaide

Program Rules

Faculty of Sciences