Marine Biology [not available in 2020] major
If you are fascinated by our amazing marine plants and animals and the coastal environments in which they live, then Marine Biology is the major for you. Western Australia's marine environment is a biodiversity hotspot with up to 80 per cent of fish, invertebrates and other organisms found nowhere else in the world, making WA an ideal living laboratory for your studies. This major includes marine biology and ecology, marine and coastal management , and oceanography. It combines knowledge of marine aquatic life with a solid understanding of the physical environment. Through experimental design and research you will learn to appreciate the complex interactions that occur in marine ecosystems. During the course of your studies you will gain practical experience through hands-on laboratory-based exercises, field trips (several of which are overnight) and computer based labs.
Outcomes
Students are able to (1) recognise the relationship between structure, function and process at all biological levels: molecular, cellular, organismal, population, community and ecosystem; (2) apply scientific principles, incorporating theoretical concepts, keen observation, sound experimental design, analysis and insightful interpretation into marine research; (3) demonstrate a knowledge of the diversity, life history strategies and functional traits of marine biota; (4) explain the ecological relationships between organisms and their environment at a range of spatial and temporal scales and evaluate how these may be altered by climate change; (5) explain how the interactions between physical and biotic components can influence decisions about sustainable management; (6) develop skills in the use of laboratory and field techniques commonly used in marine biology; (7) develop skills in modelling and statistics as relevant to marine research; (8) conduct quantitative marine research in a safe, ethical and professional manner; and (9) apply the knowledge and skills required for employment related to marine biology.
Degree-specific major
Marine Biology [not available in 2020] can be taken as a degree-specific major in the following degree courses:
BP004 Bachelor of Science
BH005 Bachelor of Philosophy (Honours)
Overview of unit sequence
Marine Biology [not available in 2020] is a degree-specific single major comprising:
- four Level 1 units
- four Level 2 units
- four Level 3 units
| Key to availability of units: |
|---|
| S1 = Semester 1; S2 = Semester 2 |
Level 1
Take all units (24 points):
| Availability | Unit code | Unit name | unit requirements |
|---|---|---|---|
| S1 | BIOL1130 | Frontiers in Biology | |
| S2 | BIOL1131 | Plant and Animal Biology | |
| S1 | EART1105 | Dynamic Planet |
|
| S2 | SCIE1104 | Science, Society and Data Analysis |
Level 2
Take all units (24 points):
| Availability | Unit code | Unit name | unit requirements |
|---|---|---|---|
| S2 | BIOL2204 | Marine Biology |
|
| S2 | ENVT2221 | Global Climate Change and Biodiversity | |
| S1 | ENVT2250 | Ecology | |
| S1 | SCIE2204 | Marine Systems |
Level 3
Take all units (24 points):
| Availability | Unit code | Unit name | unit requirements |
|---|---|---|---|
| BIOL3305 | |||
| S1 | ENVT3306 | Coastal Conservation and Management |
|
| S2 | ENVT3307 | Oceanography |
|
| S1 | SCIE3304 | Field Techniques in Marine Science |
Choosing your degree-specific major
You must satisfy the requirements of a degree-specific major before you complete your course. The flexible structure of an undergraduate course allows you to try out a number of different subjects to see what interests you before nominating your degree-specific major. You have the choice to either nominate your degree-specific major when you first enrol in the course or delay nominating it until your second year.
To plan the first year of your study without nominating a degree-specific major, you are advised to choose units that will pave the way to two or more degree-specific majors that are of interest to you. For examples of the choice of units available in first year, search the first-year study plans .
To fully understand the structure of an undergraduate course, read the course structure information and the Undergraduate Degree Course Rules.
The following example illustrates how the Marine Biology [not available in 2020] degree-specific major can be included in the Bachelor of Science course.
There are more choices open to you. For more examples, search the study plans .
Choosing a second major
You also have the option to choose a second major from those available in the Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Biomedical Science, Bachelor of Commerce, Bachelor of Design Only available to re-enrolling students. or Bachelor of Science course, giving you the opportunity to pursue your interests no matter how different they are.
The following example illustrates how the Marine Biology [not available in 2020] degree-specific major can be combined with a second major in the Bachelor of Science course.
For more examples of combinations of majors, search the study plans .
Marine Biology [not available in 2020] can also be taken as a second major.
Second major
Marine Biology [not available in 2020] can be taken as a second major in the following degree courses:
- BP001 Bachelor of Arts
- BP006 Bachelor of Biomedical Science
- BP002 Bachelor of Commerce
- BP003 Bachelor of Design Only available to re-enrolling students.
- BP004 Bachelor of Science
- BH005 Bachelor of Philosophy (Honours)
Overview of unit sequence
The Marine Biology [not available in 2020] second major is a single major comprising:
- four Level 1 units
- four Level 2 units
- four Level 3 units
| Key to availability of units: |
|---|
| S1 = Semester 1; S2 = Semester 2 |
Level 1
Take all units (24 points):
| Availability | Unit code | Unit name | unit requirements |
|---|---|---|---|
| S1 | BIOL1130 | Frontiers in Biology | |
| S2 | BIOL1131 | Plant and Animal Biology | |
| S1 | EART1105 | Dynamic Planet |
|
| S2 | SCIE1104 | Science, Society and Data Analysis |
Level 2
Take all units (24 points):
| Availability | Unit code | Unit name | unit requirements |
|---|---|---|---|
| S2 | BIOL2204 | Marine Biology |
|
| S2 | ENVT2221 | Global Climate Change and Biodiversity | |
| S1 | ENVT2250 | Ecology | |
| S1 | SCIE2204 | Marine Systems |
Level 3
Take all units (24 points):
| Availability | Unit code | Unit name | unit requirements |
|---|---|---|---|
| BIOL3305 | |||
| S1 | ENVT3306 | Coastal Conservation and Management |
|
| S2 | ENVT3307 | Oceanography |
|
| S1 | SCIE3304 | Field Techniques in Marine Science |
Choosing a second major
The flexible structure of an undergraduate course allows you the option of including a second major. You have the choice to either nominate your second major when you first enrol in the course or delay it until your second year. For a major to be recorded on your academic record it must be nominated before the requirements of the course are completed.
To fully understand the structure of an undergraduate course, read the course structure information and the Undergraduate Degree Course Rules.
The following example illustrates how Marine Biology [not available in 2020] can be included as a second major in an undergraduate degree course.
For more examples of combinations of majors, search the study plans .
Marine Biology [not available in 2020] can also be taken as a degree-specific major.