Program Overview

In this course you will develop a deep understanding of environmental and conservation theory, gain practical experience and build connections with industry and the community, to ensure you have the skills needed for a career in managing the environment and conserving threatened species and communities.

You will develop practical, creative-thinking, problem-solving, and data-analysis skills, both inside, and outside the classroom, helping solve some of the world’s most complex problems. You will also contribute to real-world research projects at our on-campus conservation category wetlands and banksia woodlands or at exciting locations across Western Australia, including our iconic coastlines or our diverse bushlands.

You might also choose to expand your career prospects even further with a double major in a complementary scientific area or a double degree in another discipline, such as law, business, management or communications.

Major: Marine Biology

It is estimated that up to 80% of all life on earth exists in the ocean – it could be even more considering less than 10% of the ocean has been explored by humans.

Forget swimming with dolphins and looking at coral – although there’s every chance you’ll get to do that at some point in your degree – a major in Marine Biology will ensure you develop a detailed understanding of the marine biota and ecological processes of marine environments. Gain an appreciation of the diversity of marine life, the interactions between species and biota, and the physical environment.

With a strong emphasis on fundamental biological principles and how these underpin successful marine conservation and management, you’ll cover topics including marine botany, fish biology, marine wildlife populations, marine ecology, aquaculture and human impacts and management, supported by extensive field work and practical learning.

3 reasons to study Marine Biology at Murdoch

• Participate in field research camps, including to Point Peron or Coral Bay.
• Become job-ready with every unit you study comprising laboratory sessions or fieldwork.
• Put theory into context on local and global scales with real-life examples and a holistic approach to learning.

What you'll learn
Learn in industry-standard laboratories, equipped with world-class research instruments where you’ll build essential skills and knowledge to meet your career or study goals. Topics you’ll cover include:

• The diversity of marine life and the ecological processes of marine environments
• Adaptations of marine life to the physical environment, and their responses to climate change
• Animal diversity, marine botany, marine ecology, oceanography, aquaculture, fish and wildlife populations