Course aims

The program of studies aims to provide students with a broad understanding of the biology of marine organisms, their relationships with the physico-chemical marine environment, and their potential responses to changes. It also provides students with the ability to acquire extensive subject knowledge in marine biodiversity, ecology, genetics, conservation, fisheries and related areas. It also aims to to develop a range of transferable skills for research, analysis and communication skills including the capability to:

understand and apply scientific principles in a marine biology context
retrieve and present scientific information about marine biology, including communicating effectively with a variety of audiences in written and spoken form
critically analyse and evaluate information relevant to marine biology and solve problems
appreciate the multidisciplinary aspect of marine sciences and engage positively with people and ideas beyond their discipline area
work effectively and productively within teams
work independently and take responsibility for updating and adapting their knowledge and skills
appreciate the ethical and societal contexts of marine sciences.

This course provides the broad-based foundation that will support ongoing professional development, preparing graduates for further study in marine sciences or for a career in marine biology or related area where the range of skills and knowledge acquired is needed or desirable.

Learning outcomes

On completion of the course, students will be able to:

demonstrate familiarity with theories, subject content, professional methodologies, ethical frameworks and research procedures in marine sciences and be able to critically apply them in marine biological studies
understand and describe the processes through which current knowledge about marine biology and its related disciplines were developed
analyse and critically evaluating ideas/information/data in marine biology, and apply relevant scientific principles to solve problems by, for example, creating hypotheses, testing theories and predictions, designing and carrying out experiments and analysing reported data
competently design marine biological studies, employing sampling methods and techniques that work effectively in the field and laboratory, and applying numerical skills for data analysis
appreciate work practices relating to OH&S and animal ethics in regards to marine biological studies
demonstrate skill at identifying organisms found in marine and costal environments
understand the dynamics of marine ecosystems and their potential responses to changes
apply conservation and management principles for marine conservation and sustainable use of marine resources
communicate their findings to a variety of audiences in written and spoken form
appreciate that marine biology is multidisciplinary and has connections to other science and non-science disciplines
work and learn independently and appreciate the need for continuing professional development
interact effectively as part of a team in order to achieve common goals.