Objectives
The course aims to create an educational environment that will mentor students to: * gain a broad biological understanding of the structure and function of living organisms; * appreciate the underlying physical forces which shape marine ecosystems; * understand the fundamental processes involved in marine ecosystem function; * develop a high level of scientific knowledge of the living components of the world's oceans; * identify and understand current topical issues in marine biology and the life sciences; * appreciate the nature, utility and limitations of the scientific method; * be able to apply this knowledge to solve a broad array of scientific and non-scientific problems through critical analysis; * understand the political, economic and cultural contexts in which scientists work; * be adept at working effectively in multidisciplinary teams and valuing diverse points of view; * be effective oral, written and interpersonal communicators to a wide range of audiences; * be empowered to become life-long learners who are able and willing to cope with change; * act ethically as professionals. Learning outcomes On completion of their degree, students will have developed a comprehensive and well-founded knowledge in their science discipline and a range of transferable professional skills. Subject knowledge Graduates of the course are expected to be able to: * employ knowledge, skills and scientific techniques to research, monitor and report on marine processes and to manage and conserve marine resources; * identify and understand current topical issues in marine biology and the life sciences and make a contribution to developing a further understanding of these issues; * appreciate the nature, utility and limitations of the scientific method; * recognise the political, economic and cultural contexts in which scientists work. Transferable professional skills Graduates of the course are expected to be able to: * employ scientific methodologies such as experimental design, and the critical analysis of data; * communicate and present information clearly and fluently in both written and spoken forms; * interact effectively as part of a team in order to work towards a common outcome; * work and learn independently; * reason critically and logically and make independent judgements; * engage effectively with information and communication technologies; * demonstrate research skills appropriate for further study and employment; * appreciate the need for continuing professional development; and * act ethically as professionals.
Course description
The Bachelor of Science in Marine Biology will introduce you to all aspects of marine science.
It combines technical depth with great flexibility, allowing you to tailor your progress, skills and knowledge to suit your interests.
Great emphasis is placed on teamwork, project design, sampling protocols, in-depth analysis, and written and oral communication, including discussion of key topics.
You will also conduct practical exercises on marine organisms, collecting real data from the marine environment and undertaking research projects onshore, in our aquarium facilities, or at sea.
The course provides graduates with a mix of generic and specific skills that will make you competitive for jobs in marine biology and prepare you for employment in a wide range of potential disciplines.
What is Marine Biology?
Marine biology is the study of the living world in the sea, from the simple molecules that support life to the complex interactions between populations of many species.
The range of specialty areas is huge. There are Marine biologists who study the basic biochemistry of marine organisms, or the growth or behaviour of individual plants or animals. Some adopt an even larger perspective and study how entire marine ecosystems function.
Why study Marine Biology at Flinders?
-We have a large team of marine biologists and oceanographers undertaking world-class research on current issues in marine science. We also have a team of aquaculturists, who are major partners in 2 seafood related CRCs (Cooperative Research Centre) and offer links between the 2 degrees.
-We are a lead partner in the Marine Innovation SA (MISA), which facilitates research, and infrastructure in the areas of Biosecurity, Ecosystem Services, Aquaculture Innovation and Product Quality and Value Adding. Through MISA:
-we expanded the Lincoln Marine Science Centre in Pt Lincoln, providing further opportunities for research and teaching in marine biology and marine resource use
-we increased our academic staff numbers, as a result of MISA's joint appointments with the South Australian Research and Development Institute (SARDI).
-Our marine biology lecturers have strong links with the national and international community, industry and government departments.
-Students are introduced to a range of local marine biology practitioners and taken on field trips to see the facilities at SARDI Aquatic Sciences West Beach and on board the SARDI research vessel Ngerin.
-An extensive array of equipment & infrastructure to support marine research including current meters/profilers, flow-through fluorometers, underwater digital video, submersible multiprobes, particle-size analyser, recirculating seawater aquarium systems with over 20,000 litres total capacity, photo/video-microscopes, etc.
Combined degree options
Combine with
Duration (full-time equivalent)
Bachelor of Innovation and Enterprise (Science & Technology)
4 years
Refer to Science and Technology combined degrees for further information.
Career opportunities
What can I do with my Bachelor of Science in Marine Biology degree?
Study a language
Flinders also offers all students the opportunity to major in a language in conjunction with any undergraduate course. The Diploma in Language is designed to provide students with competence in a chosen language that adds greater portability to their qualifications. You will complete a total of one extra year of study and graduate with both your chosen degree and the Diploma in Language. You can apply for this at time of enrolment.
The Bachelor of Science in Marine Biology requires three years of full-time study (or the equivalent part-time) and the honours program an additional year (or equivalent part-time).
The course is offered by the Faculty of Science and Engineering.
Enrolment in the honours program may be offered to a student who meets certain academic criteria and subject to the school/department being able to provide appropriate resources and staff to supervise the program of study.
The structure of the course allows students to undertake the University's Globalisation program as part of their degree.
PROGRAM OF STUDY [February, 2009]
To qualify for the Bachelor of Science in Marine Biology, a student must complete 108 units with a grade of P or NGP or better in each topic, according to the following program of study.
No more than 45 units of First Year level topics may be included in the 108 units for the degree.
Not all topics are necessarily available in a given year.
First Year
36 units comprising:
BIOL1102
Molecular Basis of Life
4.5
BIOL1101
Evolution of Biological Diversity
4.5
BIOL1301
Professional Skills for Marine Biologists
4.5
EASC1102
Marine Sciences 1
4.5
plus:
CHEM1101
Chemistry 1A, or
4.5
CHEM1201
Introduction to Chemistry A, and
4.5
CHEM1102
Chemistry 1B, or
4.5
CHEM1202
Introduction to Chemistry B
4.5
and 9 units of elective topics selected from any offered by the University, provided entry and course requirements are met.#
# For a list of recommended First Year electives see below.
Second Year
36 units comprising:
BIOL2102
Marine Organisms and Environments
6
BIOL2121
Genetics, Evolution and Biodiversity
6
BIOL2162
Functional Biology and Experimental Design
6
CPES2131
Coasts and Oceans
6
BIOL2172
Animal Diversity, or
6
BIOL2271
Marine and Terrestrial Animal Diversity
3
plus 6 or 9 units of electives. While students may select electives from any area of the University, they may wish to choose electives that articulate with their First Year electives.
Third Year
36 units comprising:
BIOL2112
Aquatic Life Histories
3
BIOL3363
Marine Biology Research Project
6
BIOL3101
Marine Ecological Processes
6
BIOL3102
Marine Vertebrates
6
plus 15 units of electives from science or non-science areas (students may wish to choose electives that articulate with their First and Second Year electives).
RECOMMENDED ELECTIVES
First Year
Highly recommended
BIOL1201
Introduction to Aquaculture
4.5
BIOL1112
Biology and Society
4.5
EASC1101
Earth and Environment 1
4.5
GLOB1001
Introduction to Globalisation
4.5
STAT1412
Data Analysis Laboratory
4.5
ENVS1702
Environment, Economy and Culture
4.5
CPES1102
Science and Society
4.5
CPES1201
Physics for the Life Sciences A
4.5
CPES1202
Physics for the Life Sciences B
4.5
Second Year and/or Third Year
BIOL2122
Comparative Physiology
6
BIOL2141
Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
6
BIOL2142
Disease and Immunology
6
BIOL2161
Plant and Algal Biology: From Environment to Biotechnology
6
BIOL2171
Behaviour and Ecology
6
BIOL2201
Introduction to Ecotourism
3
BIOL2232
Foundations in Microbiology
6
BIOL2330
Basic Microbiology
3
BIOL2341
Animal Disease and Defence
3
BIOL2424
Physiological Systems
3
BIOL3003
Research Project in Biology A
3
BIOL3141
Advanced Microbiology: Microbial Ecology and Infectious Disease
6
BIOL3142
Microbiology Theory
3
BIOL3151
Plant Ecology and Evolution
6
BIOL3152
Conservation and Restoration
6
BIOL3380
Animal Behaviour
3
BIOL3390
Vertebrate Palaeontology
6
CPES2152
Global Climate Change and Natural Hazards
6
STAT2304
Statistics for Biology
3
HONOURS PROGRAM
A student who has completed all the requirements of the Bachelor of Science in Marine Biology, or another qualification which the Faculty Board agrees is equivalent, may be accepted as a candidate for the honours degree providing a sufficiently high standard has been achieved in fulfilling the requirements for the bachelors degree.
To qualify for the honours degree, a student must complete satisfactorily 36 units of study in an approved program.
36 units comprising:
BIOL7027 Marine Biology Honours Research Project (24 units). Students should enrol in a combination of sub-topics chosen from the following, ensuring that they enrol in 24 units overall.
BIOL7027A
Marine Biology Honours Research Project (6/24 units), Part 1
6
BIOL7027F
Marine Biology Honours Research Project (6/24 units), Part 2
6
BIOL7027G
Marine Biology Honours Research Project (6/24 units), Part 3
6
BIOL7027H
Marine Biology Honours Research Project (6/24 units), Part 4
6
BIOL7027B
Marine Biology Honours Research Project (9/24 units)
9
BIOL7027C
Marine Biology Honours Research Project (18/24 units)
18
BIOL7027D
Marine Biology Honours Research Project (12/24 units), Part 1
12
BIOL7027H
Marine Biology Honours Research Project (12/24 units), Part 2
12
BIOL7027E
Marine Biology Honours Research Project (15/24 units)
15
plus 12 units selected from the following:
BIOL7002
Biology Honours Research Proposal
3
BIOL7003
Biology Honours Literature Review
3
BIOL7004
Scientific Method and Data Presentation
3
BIOL7005
Critical Readings in Biology
3
or other topics approved by the honours assessment panel, appropriate to a student's program.
Globalisation program
Students may use their elective topics to undertake the University's Globalisation program as part of their degree. The program is unique to Flinders. There are no prerequisites and no prior knowledge is assumed in any topic. GLOB3002 is available only to students taking a major sequence of 33 units in Globalisation.
A minor sequence in the Globalisation program is comprised of 21 units. It must include both First Year topics (9 units) and 2 out of 3 upper year topics (12 units). Each First Year topic is available as an elective topic. Single upper year topics may be available as electives subject to the agreement of the Faculty where the subject-matter of the topic is deemed relevant to the curriculum of the Bachelor of Science in Marine Biology.
Cannot be taken at honours level.
