Web mail | LearnJCU | Contacts | Bulletins | Campus Maps

Bachelor of Science (Marine Biology - Advanced)

Fish over Coral (Acropora)

Overview

Careers at the cutting edge of marine biology research, conservation, and management, increasingly require a high level of quantitative ability and analysis plus a capacity to work within multidisciplinary teams. James Cook University has responded to this trend by introducing an advanced level of training within its Bachelor of Science programs. This advanced program aims to provide graduates with the necessary skill base to become future leaders in the field of marine biology.

JCU is recognised around the world as a leading institution for marine biology studies. Its strong links with major research organisations and specialist facilities (including ready access to the neighbouring World Heritage listed Great Barrier Reef) provide excellent opportunities to marine biology students. JCU's Marine Biology - Advanced will access this unique support while targeting exceptional and highly motivated students.

The program provides greater emphasis on quantitative training and scientific writing skills with an interdisciplinary perspective that is increasingly essential for leaders in science, conservation and management.

Related Courses

Description:

.

Duration:

3 years fulltime

Mode:

On campus, full or part time *

Workload:

Normal workload expectations are a minimum of 10 hours per week for every subject, including class contact hours, preparation and time spent on assessment tasks.

Type:

Undergraduate

Credit points:

72 credit points o

Intake:

February and August

Campus:

Townsville and Cairns**,

Faculty:

Science Engineering and Information Technology

Prerequisite/s:

English; Chemistry; Maths B

QTAC code:

316231 Townsville

Course code:

* Duration: Part-time study is available to domestic students only.

o Credit points: Represent the combined value of individual subjects in a degree. One subject usually constitutes three credit points.

Structure

For subject descriptors please consult the relevant university handbook at http://www.jcu.edu.au/student/courses/index.htm

MARINE BIOLOGY - ADVANCED

Townsville, Cairns (1st year only)

Level 1

BZ1001:03 Fundamentals of Biology

CH1001:03 Chemistry: A Central Science

MA1000:03 Mathematical Foundations

MA1003:03 Mathematical Techniques

ZL1001:03 The Diversity of Animal Life

Plus

9 credit points of subjects satisfying the Award Requirements for the Bachelor of Science.

Please note in particular - Rule 3.1 at least 18 credit points from science level 1 subjects; of these, at least 3 credit points (one subject) must be obtained from each of the following subject groups: (full lists of subject by discipline can be found in master schedule or using subject search.

Group 1: All first year MA and PH subjects except PH1001

Group 2: All first year CH and CP subjects together with BM1000, but excluding CH1020 and CP1030 (Students enrolled in a major in the biological sciences should select a CH subject or BM1000)

Group 3: All first year BT/BZ/MB/ZL subjects

Group 4: All first year EA and EV subjects

Level 2

BS2001:03 Quantitative Methods in Biology

Plus

6 credit points from:

MB2050:03 Functional Biology of Marine Organisms

MB2060:03 Marine Ecology and Environmental Assessment

MB2070:03 Evolution and Biogeography of Marine Organisms

MB2080:03 Marine Invertebrate Biology

Plus

Subjects to total of 24 credit points, at least 6 of which must be level 2 CH, EA, MA or PH subjects.

Level 3

Select 12 credit points from:

MB3059:03 Biological Oceanography (Advanced)

MB3169:03 * Evolution and Ecology of Reef Fishes (Advanced)

MB3199:03 * Coral Reef Ecology (Advanced)

MB3219:03 * Life History and Evolution of Reef Corals (Advanced)

MB3239:03 Design and Analyses in Ecological Studies (Advanced)

MB3269:03 Ecological Dynamics: An Introduction to Modelling (Advanced)

MB3279:03 Coastal and Estuarine Ecosystems (Advanced)

Plus

Subjects to the total of 24 credit points satisfying the Award Requirements for the Bachelor of Science.

* Restricted subjects which require approval of Academic Adviser.

Level 4 - Honours students only

MB4001:12 Marine Biology Honours (Part 1 of 2)

MB4002:12 Marine Biology Honours (Part 2 of 2)

Career Opportunities

Graduates of this course are prepared for careers in the high end of the job market in marine biology, including:

  • research and teaching in universities and research institutions such as the Australian Institute of Marine Science (AIMS), the CSIRO and state fisheries divisions, as well as their equivalents;

  • environmental resource management with organisations such as the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority (GBRMPA) and state environment departments;

  • conservation biology with major national and international conservation organisations such as the World Conservation Society, the World Wildlife Fund, and the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN).

Professional Accreditation

JCU marine biology graduates can apply to join a variety of professional organizations including the Australian Marine Science Association, the Australian Coral Reef Society and numerous other specialist associations.

Other Majors available in the Bachelor of Science

  • Aquaculture

  • Archaeology

  • Biochemistry/Molecular Biology

  • Botany

  • Chemistry

  • Computer Science

  • Ecology

  • Environmental Earth Science

  • Environmental Science

  • Genetics and Genomics

  • Geography

  • Geology/Economic Geology

  • Hydrology and Water Resources

  • Marine Biology

  • Marine Biology - Advanced

  • Mathematics

  • Microbiology

  • Pharmacology

  • Physics

  • Physiology

  • Psychology

  • Spatial Science

  • Zoology

Application and Contact Information