Major Overview
- Description
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 its 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 your studies, you will gain practical experience through hands-on laboratory-based exercises, field trips and computer-based labs.
- Outcomes
Students are able to (1) critically review 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) demonstrate competency in high-level critical thinking and communication skills suited to gaining employment in marine biology.
- Broadening guidelines
All students studying towards a Bachelor's Degree at UWA are required to Broaden their studies by completing a minimum of four units (24 points) of study outside their degree specific major. Broadening is your opportunity to explore other areas of interest, investigate new disciplines and knowledge paradigms and to shape your degree to suit your own aspirations and interests. Many of you will be able to undertake more than this minimum amount of broadening study and we encourage you to do so if this suits your aspirations. Over the next few months you will find here some broadening suggestions related to your degree-specific major. While we know that many students value guidance of this sort, these are only suggestions and students should not lose sight of the opportunity to explore that is afforded by your Broadening Choices. Advice can also be sought from your Allocated Student Advising Office.
Suggested broadening units for Marine Biology:
SCIE1500 Analytical Methods for Scientists or MATH1729 Mathematics Fundamentals (unless student has completed ATAR Mathematics Methods) or
GENE2250 Principles of Inheritence or GEOG2201 Geographic Information Systems or
ECON1120 Environmental Economics or OCEN1101 Global Ocean Challenges
If you are interested to further develop your skills in Science Communication we also recommend the Science Communication Minor as a set of four related broadening units:
SCOM1101 Communicating Science;
SCOM2208 Science Writing (Sem 1);
SCOM2205 Science Presentations (Sem 2);
SCOM3319 Exhibitions and Interpretation (Sem 1). "
- Prerequisites
Mathematics Methods ATAR or equivalent or higher or Mathematics Applications ATAR with a mathematics unit taken in the first year. Students without ATAR mathematics will take two first year mathematics units.
Chemistry ATAR or an additional chemistry unit taken in the first year.
- Courses
Marine Biology can be taken as a degree-specific major in the following degree courses:
Example Study Plan
See study plans for more information.
Units
Key to availability of units:
- S1
- Semester 1
- S2
- Semester 2
Level 1
Degree-specific major units
Take all units (24 points):
| Availability | Unit code | Unit name | unit requirements |
|---|---|---|---|
| S1 | BIOL1130 | Frontiers in Biology | None |
| S2 | BIOL1131 | Plant and Animal Biology | None |
| S1 | EART1105 | Dynamic Planet | None |
| S1, S2 | SCIE1104 | Science, Society and Data Analysis |
Bridging units
Bridging units must be successfully completed within the first 48 points of study.
Students who have not achieved a scaled mark of at least 50 in Mathematics Methods ATAR or equivalent or higher are required to complete MATH1721 or SCIE1500.
Students who have not achieved a scaled mark of at least 50 in Mathematics Applications ATAR or equivalent or higher are required to complete MATH1720 and either MATH1721 or SCIE1500.
Note: MATH1721 should be taken if also considering majors or minors that require it for progression to level 2 (e.g. Maths, Physics, Chemistry or Computer Science).
Students who have not achieved a scaled mark of at least 50 in Chemistry ATAR or equivalent or higher are required to complete CHEM1003.
| Availability | Unit code | Unit name | unit requirements |
|---|---|---|---|
| S1, S2 | CHEM1003 | Introductory Chemistry |
|
| S1, S2 | MATH1720 | Mathematics Fundamentals |
|
| S1, S2 | MATH1721 | Mathematics Foundations: Methods | |
| S1, S2 | SCIE1500 | Analytical Methods for Scientists |
Level 2
Degree-specific major units
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
Degree-specific major units
Take all units (24 points):
| Availability | Unit code | Unit name | unit requirements |
|---|---|---|---|
| S2 | BIOL3305 | Fisheries Science: Foundation and Application |
|
| S1 | ENVT3306 | Coastal Conservation and Management |
|
| S2 | ENVT3307 | Oceanography |
|
| S1 | SCIE3304 | Field Techniques in Marine Science |
|