Bachelor of Environmental Science (Marine Biology)
The course
Bachelor of Environmental Science (Marine Biology)
Warrnambool Campus
Deakin’s Bachelor of Environmental Science (Marine Biology) will provide you with a unique opportunity to study temperate marine biology, in a marine environment that has some of the highest biological diversity in Australia. The course of study is designed to provide theoretical and practical expertise in a range of biological, ecological and environmental processes and issues in the marine environment. You will undertake fieldwork in natural marine environments on the Victorian coast throughout the course, providing an exciting hands-on program of study.
Through the course you can also experience the environment first-hand through state-of-the-art equipment, including research vessels and remotely-operated underwater vehicles which beam images back to the boat as they are being generated on the sea floor down to 100m depth. These images are used to bring the marine environment to life, giving you the opportunity to participate in activities like identifying marine plants and animals as the underwater vehicle runs across a reef or along the seabed. The course has a strong ecological focus, linking biological and oceanographic processes in the study of marine environments.
Why study this course?
The combination of knowledge and skills gained from this course will place you among the most employable environmental science graduates both in Australia and internationally.
Deakin is a founding partner in the Victorian Marine Sciences Consortium, which provides access to laboratory facilities at Queenscliff. Industry and government organisations are represented on the course advisory board to ensure that the course focuses on employability of graduates and regional research partners (e.g. Catchment Management Authorities, water authorities) contribute to project work during the course to ensure it remains relevant and progressive. These partners provide support and opportunities for students undertaking professional development and training.
You will also have the opportunity to gain workplace experience with an industry or government-based environmental organisation.
Career opportunities
Career opportunities for graduates of this course include marine biology tour guide, fishery officer, marine biology consultant, laboratory technician, local government environmental officer, aquaculture manager, sustainability project officer as well as moving into research or pursuing postgraduate study.
Fieldwork and camps
Intensive blocks of fieldwork at Warrnambool and Queenscliff, including summer schools, and an opportunity to study a tropical marine environment on the Great Barrier Reef, provide an exciting marine biology experience and absorbing methods of learning for students.
Fieldwork: Into the Wild with Deakin, the Deakin Environment field trip experience
Facilities
Students have access to state-of-the-art facilities and equipment including a range of vessels, aquarium systems and the exciting remotely operated underwater vehicles. Students will be given opportunities for at-sea fieldwork.
Tropical Biology Association
The School of Life and Environmental Sciences is a member of the Tropical Biology Association (TBA). This nongovernmental, non-profit organisation works in partnership with environmental institutions in Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Madagascar and Malaysia. The TBA provides practical training for conservation biologists and practitioners with the potential to have a significant impact on biodiversity management and research. Students benefit from this membership by receiving priority access to places on TBA field courses at reduced rates.
Further information is available at www.tropical-biology.org
Flexibility
A degree in Environmental Science is a broad qualification that combines the skills for a specialised career with more generic skills that give graduates job flexibility and broad career options.
International study opportunities
Deakin's Study Abroad and Exchange Office offers various programs including exchange, study abroad, short-term study programs, study tours and international volunteering opportunities, enabling students to study overseas for a few weeks, a trimester, or a year as part of their degree. Deakin Environment students have studied in a range of countries, including New Zealand, Canada, USA and Costa Rica.
Related courses
Dean's Scholars Program, Environmental Science (Environmental Management and Sustainability), Environmental Science (Freshwater Biology), Environmental Science (Wildlife and Conservation Biology), Science with Environmental Science major sequence.
Course structures and prerequisites
For complete information on course structures and prerequisites refer to the Deakin course search website
Want to find out more?
Contact us at the School of Life and Environmental Sciences
