| AQF Level |
Level 7 Bachelor Degree |
| CRICOS Code |
037278J |
| Overview and Aims of the Program |
The Bachelor of Marine Science (BMarSc) provides the essential knowledge, key work skills and fieldwork experience needed to monitor and study the use of marine resources, to solve problems specific to the marine realm and conduct marine research. The degree seeks to unite the patterns of biological diversity in the marine ecosystem through the study of the organism interactions with the environment and to place these into perspective against the response to geological and climatic changes at various timescales. Our aim is to allow undergraduate students to develop an in-depth knowledge base across the fundamentals of both marine biology and marine geology. In acquiring these principles and concepts, we aim to transfer an understanding of modern, and future responsible use, of ocean habitats and resources. The degree also provides students with relevant skill sets and thinking specific to the marine environment; proficiencies that are transferable to other scientific and industry based employers. For students looking to extend their qualifications, the degree is an excellent basis for entry into the Master of Marine Management, offered in collaboration with the Sydney Institute of Marine Science (SIMS), or as an ideal starting point for a research career developed through the Master of Research at Macquarie University.
The key features of the BMarSc degree are its unique framework of marine biology and geology units and its flexibility in allowing students to develop their interest in one of those disciplines through the later stages of the degree. Field experiences and laboratory work is deemed essential for relevant marine skill development across both disciplines. |
| Graduate Capabilities |
The Graduate Capabilities Framework articulates the fundamentals that underpin all of Macquarie’s academic programs. It expresses these as follows:
Cognitive capabilities
(K) discipline specific knowledge and skills
(T) critical, analytical and integrative thinking
(P) problem solving and research capability
(I) creative and innovative
Interpersonal or social capabilities
(C) effective communication
(E) engaged and ethical local and global citizens
(A) socially and environmentally active and responsible
Personal capabilities
(J) capable of professional and personal judgement and initiative
(L) commitment to continuous learning |
| Program Learning Outcomes |
By the end of this program it is anticipated you should be able to:
1. classify and describe the key marine microorganisms, plants, invertebrates and vertebrates, including their evolutionary adaptations that suit them to the marine environment (K, L)
2. identify marine communities and describe them in ecological terms (e.g. key species, distributions, interactions, populations, dispersal, ecological tolerances) and as basis for ecological theories (K, T)
3. identify and describe the key sedimentary and geological processes that contribute to the marine seafloor, and the development of coastal environments and their modulation by oceanic and sedimentary processes (K)
4. differentiate between physical, chemical, geological and biological parameters that define marine ecosystems and how these ecosystems are modulated by changes in the Earth’s climatic evolution (K)
5. explain the evolution of the ocean environment in context to the tectonics, oceanography and organism diversity (K, T, L)
6. evaluate the impacts and outline the challenges of climatic and human activities in the marine environment (K, T, P, L)
7. develop hypotheses and use appropriate methods to test patterns and processes in the marine environment (K, T, P, I, J)
8. acquire, synthesize, statistically analyse and report data to appropriately test hypotheses (K, T, P)
9. display competency in marine science laboratory and/or field methods (K, P)
10. identify and adopt safe work practices in the laboratory and the field environment (E, A)
11. practice professional ethics in the conduct of marine science (E, A)
12. identify and communicate marine issues to peers and a public audience via written, oral or digital media (C, T, E, J)
13. display both independent management skill and team-work cooperation. The latter inclusive of leadership or group management skills (C, E, A, J)
14. advocate the interdisciplinary linkages of marine science between biology, geology, chemistry, physics and oceanography (T, E, J). |
| Learning and Teaching Methods |
The Marine Science program is intensely interdisciplinary by design. You will acquire relevant knowledge, skills, and methods spanning biology, geology, and environmental sciences. Key to the program is an emphasis on integration of data and methods to achieve an integrative understanding of marine systems and issues.
The majority of units have associated lecture, laboratory and/or tutorial sessions, and a significant component of the degree involves developing hypotheses, collecting and analysing data, and reporting results. The program is structured to engage students in the scientific method and to apply these methods to the marine environment. A significant number of units have substantial field components in which an emphasis is placed on practical field skills and understanding a diverse array of data collection methods. There is also a strong emphasis on quantitative approaches to answering scientific questions. |
| Assessment |
The assessments are as diverse as the subject matter. Early on emphasis is placed on demonstrating understanding of foundational knowledge, whereas later in the program greater emphasis is placed on articulating the relationships between data and ideas. Key throughout the program is developing hypotheses, collecting and analysing data, and clearly communicating results to a variety of audiences. Clear standards and criteria for coursework, what is assessed and how it is assessed, are contained in each unit guide.
The majority of units have exams, essays and/or practical reports. Several third year units have assessments based on research projects encompassing the entirety of the scientific method. |
| Recognition of Prior Learning |
Macquarie University may recognise prior formal, informal and non-formal learning for the purpose of granting credit towards, or admission into, a program. The recognition of these forms of learning is enabled by the University’s Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) Policy (see www.mq.edu.au/policy) and its associated Procedures and Guidelines. The RPL pages contain information on how to apply, links to registers, and the approval processes for recognising prior learning for entry or credit.
Domestic Students
For undergraduate RPL information visit www.goto.mq.edu.au/nonschoolrpl
For domestic postgraduate RPL information visit www.goto.mq.edu.au/pgrpl
International Students
For RPL information visit www.mq.edu.au/international/rpl |
| Support for Learning |
Macquarie University aspires to be an inclusive and supportive community of learners where all students are given the opportunity to meet their academic and personal goals. The University offers a comprehensive range of free and accessible student support services which include academic advice, counselling and psychological services, advocacy services and welfare advice, careers and employment, disability services and academic skills workshops amongst others. There is also a bulk billing medical service located on campus.
Further information can be found at www.students.mq.edu.au/support/
Campus Wellbeing contact details:
Phone: +61 2 9850 7497
Email: campuswellbeing@mq.edu.au
www.students.mq.edu.au/support/wellbeing |
| Program Standards and Quality |
The program is subject to an ongoing comprehensive process of quality review in accordance with a pre-determined schedule that complies with the Higher Education Standards Framework. The review is overseen by Macquarie University's peak academic governance body, the Academic Senate and takes into account feedback received from students, staff and external stakeholders. |
| Graduate Destinations and Employability |
Marine scientists work on the conservation, use and development of the marine and coastal environment. Opportunities in marine science are improving due to the growing concerns for the protection and the wise use of our natural resources. Students with a background in the marine sciences can apply for graduate recruitment programs offered by environmental consulting firms, mining companies, Geo-science Australia, Bureau of Meteorology, CSIRO and some other state or local Government departments entrusted with the protection of the environment.
Other employment options include:
• aquaculture/mariculture specialist
• coastal manager
• computer-based ecological modeler
• marine data analyst
• environmental consultant/surveyor
• education officer
• exploration geologist
• fisheries officer
• journalist
• marine geologist
• marine palaeontologist
• marine tourism guide
• marine research technician
• ocean energy specialist
• palaeoceanographer or palaeoclimatologist
• petroleum geologist or geophysicist
• quarantine officer
• satellite imagery specialist
• marine scientist
• science teacher
• underwater archaeologist. |
| Assessment Regulations |
This program is subject to Macquarie University regulations, including but not limited to those specified in the Assessment Policy, Academic Honesty Policy, the Final Examination Policy and relevant University Rules. For all approved University policies, procedures, guidelines and schedules visit www.mq.edu.au/policy. |
| Accreditation |
This is an Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) accredited qualification. |
