Marine Science at JCU
Marine Science is the largest research strength in the University and aligns strongly with the major themes of JCU; especially Tropical Ecosystems, Conservation and Climate Change. Over 25% of the budget of the University is committed to this area. Marine Science is a virtual group within an interdisciplinary group of multiple Schools and Centres, as well as University units that are responsible for infrastructure (e.g. the Marine and Aquaculture Facilities Unit). Schools within Marine Science coordinate the internationally accredited Bachelor of Marine Science (by the Institute of Marine Engineering Science and Technology – IMarEST) and multiple other courses that focus on specific aspects of marine science (e.g. Aquaculture, Environmental Science, Environmental & Marine Geosciences, and Marine Biology).
Courses in Marine Science
Documents for Accredited Degree in Marine Science by IMarEST (UK)
Access by password only – Click Here
Contacts
Manager of the Marine Science Degree
Dr Orpha Bellwood
E-mail: Orpha.Bellwood@jcu.edu.au
Phone:+61 (7) 4781 4234
Coordinator of the Marine Science Degree
Dr Kevin Parnell
E-mail: Kevin.Parnell@jcu.edu.au
Phone:+61 (7) 4781 4531
Deputy Coordinator of the Marine Science Program
Professor Michael Kingsford
E-mail: Michael.Kingsford@jcu.edu.au
Phone:+61 (7) 4781 4345
Please direct student enquires to the Degree Manager
Research in Marine Science
The virtual group in marine science is made up of staff from multiple Schools within JCU that include the following. The School of Marine and Tropical Biology which has an international reputation in aquaculture, biological oceanography, marine biology, coral reef studies, population and quantitative genetics, population ecology and fisheries and marine conservation.The School of Earth and Environmental Science has internationally renowned capabilities in marine geology; geomorphology, ocean surface mapping, social aspects of fisheries, fisheries and marine conservation (especially marine mammals). The School of Engineering and Environmental Science has strengths in physical oceanography, seabed erosion, marine engineering and instrumentation.Strengths in other areas include, The School of Business which has research programs on tourism and the impact of tourism on marine mammals; School of Arts and Social Sciences in marine archaeology and maritime anthropology; School of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences in viral epidemiology and infectious diseases in aquatic organisms.
Research Centres in Marine Science
Further focus on the marine science as a research strength is provided by research centres that have a memberships that included members of Schools as well as others that are the result of external collaboration or
ARC Centre for Coral Reef Studies (programs: Evolution and Environmental change, Marine Reserves and Connectivity, Understanding and Managing Coral Reef Biodiversity, Genetic, molecular and physiological processes, Resilience of linked Social-Ecological Systems)
With a marine focus
Sustainable Tropical Fisheries and Aquaculture (CSTFA)
Australian Centre for Tropical and Freshwater Research (TropWater)
With a terrestrial focus
Tropical Environmental Studies and Sustainability
Tropical Biodiversity and Climate Change
Research infrastructure in Marine Science
Within the interdisciplinary group of multiple Schools and Centres there is a diversity of infrastructure which is used for research and training in marine science.
Marine and Aquaculture Research Facilities Unit (MARFU)
Orpheus Island Research Station
Aquarium Facilities (Cairns)
RV James Kirby
Super computer – (eResearch-JCU)
Specialist laboratories studying fluid dynamics (Engineering)
GIS visualisation labs
Advanced Analytical Centre (AAC)
Water Analysis ( TropWATER Analytical Services )
27 Small Boats (3.7 to 5m) (multiple Schools)
Other infrastructure is available through our collaboration with the Australian Institute of Marine Science (AIMS) that is located about 50 km from the JCU campus in Townsville.There is a formal collaboration, entitled AIMS@ JCU, between the two institutions to maximise research collaboration and opportunities for the training of student in Marine Science.
The office for AIMS@ JCU is based on the campus in Townsville.
