Program Overview

This course enables you to better tailor your study to suit your specific interests in science and gives you access to advanced-level units relevant to an honours degree.

You will learn core science units and choose a science major in which to specialise. From your second year you’ll benefit from work-integrated learning opportunities that give you practical experience and skills before you graduate – an attribute that is highly valued by employers.

You’ll also undertake internal and external research experiences, and in your final year you may conduct a self-directed honours project that adds to the scientific knowledge of your field.

This science degree is unique in Western Australia in that you will also study scientific professional practice, entrepreneurship and leadership. It is designed to ensure you graduate as a resourceful and creative professional who can respond innovatively to changing industry and employment landscapes.

Major: Coastal and Marine Science
The need to sustain Australia's marine environment is more important than ever as we face an uncertain future driven by climate change, increasing resource extraction and coastal development. A strong scientific understanding of the complexities of these sensitive ecosystems is developed alongside the skills to apply relevant practical and technological tools toward their sustainable management.

In this major you'll study marine science with an emphasis on marine biology, oceanographic sciences and resource management. Fields of study include biology, sustainable aquaculture, environmental impact assessment, marine taxonomy/biodiversity, marine ecology, geomorphology and the physical environment of the coastal zone.

The curriculum focuses on Australian marine ecosystems; however, international case studies are incorporated. This degree is an opportunity to meet the need for increased research into coastal environments while managing the sustainability of current and future anthropogenic activities within marine and coastal systems.

This major is part of the Bachelor of Advanced Science (Honours), a course designed for high-performing students to pursue their interest in science through research, leadership and entrepreneurship. It provides a flexible and personalised approach to studying marine science, with students able to explore the field through for-credit immersive research experiences, industry placement and/or interdisciplinary team-based projects.

The major culminates in a capstone experience where you'll have the opportunity to pursue marine science projects that may be based anywhere from pure research right through to translational (entrepreneurial) science.

The course provides opportunities in second and third year to undertake internal and external internships and immersive work experience (sourced by the student) that can be used for course credit.

Students in this course gain a practical experience through a range of field-based experiences in marine environments. Work-based learning is ensured through the requirement to engage in immersive industry and/or research experience.