Qualifications & Leading Universities
You need to pass your year 12 exams with English and excellent results in mathematics, chemistry, biology and physics. A number of universities offer undergraduate courses in marine biology. Your first undergraduate course will be a three-year full-time Bachelor of Science or Applied Science degree with majors in biology, marine biology or a related subject.
The toughest universities to gain entry to are: Macquarie University, University of New South Wales and Wollongong University in NSW, the University of Queensland and James Cook University in Queensland, the University of Melbourne in Victoria and University of Western Australia.
For fresh graduates, there is fierce competition to find work in the marine biology field. To improve your chances at finding a job, gain as much practical field experience as you can. For example you could, volunteer to participate in field or laboratory work at universities or marine research agencies. It is also recommended you continue your university studies to at least Honours level. A postgraduate qualification (Masters or PhD) will further improve your chances of employment.
The entry criteria for tertiary institiutions differs from year to year. The above comments are a guide only. To gain specific entry criteria either contact the relevant university or use Hobson's The Good University Guide.
Relevant Universities Colleges & TAFE
Careernav have trolled through all the universities, specialist colleges and TAFE’s across the nation to identify those courses we consider relevant to this career. We have only focussed on the core single degree and its full time period. We acknowledge many combination degrees are available and different students combine different degrees. Course names also differ by university and we have grouped like courses together. We may have missed the odd course being offered, so we recommend for a more detailed guide check with the universities direct or one of the university course guide books such as Hobson’s. Please note Careernav are totally impartial and do not recommend one tertiary institution over another. To view the A to Z of tertiary institutions that offer relevant courses for this career.
Promoting Tertiary Institutions
All tertiary institutions have an open invitation to make available their course outline using the ‘For Institutions’ tab in the footer section of each page. From time to time universities, colleges or TAFE will take up Careernav’s offer to promote their courses and make available ‘Course Outline’ for your consideration. When an icon appears, consider its relevance and download the Course Outline on the one that interests you by clicking “I would like to learn more” at the end of the course profile.
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About the Author
School of Marine and Tropical Biology
School of Marine and Tropical Biology Faculty of Science and Engineering James Cook University, Townsville
James Cook University is recognized internationally for its undergraduate, postgraduate and research programs in Biological Sciences. The School of Marine and Tropical Biology strategic intent is to be the leading research and education centre for the study of biology in the tropics. It expands the knowledge and understanding of biology through excellence in research and teaching, with a focus on tropical systems.With its immense biodeiversity in marine and terrestrial environments, North Queensland is one of the best places in the world to study whole organism biology and ecology.
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