Coastal and Marine Science (Advanced)

Outline Outline

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.

Student experience

The Curtin Coastal and Marine Science course has been designed with industry input to deliver a learning experience focused on developing scientific and marine research skills. The course is delivered by staff actively researching a variety of fields including fish ecology, coral reef ecology, marine pollution, coastal geomorphology, sustainable fisheries and aquaculture. The result is a dynamic and engaging learning environment in which teaching is informed by current research. Our students are challenged to think as marine scientists, developing their initiative and intellectual curiosity to help understand and protect the marine environment.

This major sits within the Bachelor of Advanced Science (Honours) degree. To apply for this major, you will apply for the Bachelor of Advanced Science (Honours).

See our handbook for more course information.

What you'll learn

• Demonstrate an advanced knowledge of the nature of science, its methods and processes, and an advanced knowledge in coastal and marine science enabling the ability to contribute new knowledge to the field.
• Critically analyse challenging and multi-faceted problems in marine science, address them by applying practical and theoretical tools; critically evaluate findings within the current body of disciplinary knowledge.
• Access and make judgements on the value of available knowledge using a variety of tools, and incorporate them into the planning, conduct and communication of their own work.
• Communicate approaches and solutions, ideas and findings to informed professional scientific and industry audiences.
• Use established and emerging technologies related to marine science and apply them within the context of the profession.
• Engage in self-driven continuous discipline and professional education and training in marine science.
• Participate in the generation and application of science in addressing global problems; demonstrate compliance with international ethical and professional standards.
• Work collaboratively and respectfully with scientists from a range of cultural backgrounds and understand the cultural issues that impact research in marine science or the broader profession.
• Be able to work as an independent marine scientist and collaboratively within teams either as a professional leader or collaborator using effective problem solving and decision making skills within the professional context of marine science.