Coastal and Marine Science
MJRH-ADCMS

Coastal and Marine Science (Advanced)

Undergraduate major

In the Coastal and Marine major (BAdvSci) (Honours) you will study Marine Science with an emphasis on marine biology, oceanographic sciences and resource management.

This offering version is phasing out and no longer taking applications. You may be able to apply for a later version.

Course outline
  • ATAR

    ATAR

    Guaranteed ATAR 95
  • Qualification
    Coastal and Marine Major (BAdvSci) (Honours)
  • Credit

    Credit

    800
Course outline

Check the application deadline for the parent course

Course outline

Overview

Overview

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 a core of 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 in which 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 jobs can the Coastal and Marine Science (Advanced) course lead to?

Careers

  • Aquaculturalist
  • Ecotoxicologist
  • Environmental officer
  • Fisheries scientist
  • Marine scientist
  • Natural resource manager

Industries

  • Aquaculture
  • Coastal management
  • Ecotourism
  • Fisheries
  • Marine conservation
  • Pollution control

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.

Professional recognition and accreditation

Graduates from this major will be eligible to apply for membership of the Australian Marine Science Association, the Society of Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry, and the Environment Institute of Australia and New Zealand.

Admission criteria

What you need in order to get into this course. There are different pathway options depending on your level of work and education experience.

Select an option that best suits you:

You’re considered a high school leaver if you:

  • Completed year 12 in Australia or overseas in the past two years, or
  • Completed TAFE or VET studies in the past two years.

ATAR pathway

  • Guaranteed ATAR 95

    This course has a guaranteed ATAR of 95

  • Essential WACE subjects (prerequisites)

    Essential WACE subjects (prerequisites)

    Mathematics Methods ATAR.

  • Desirable WACE subjects

    Desirable WACE subjects

    at least one of Chemistry ATAR; Biology ATAR; Marine and Maritime Studies ATAR.

Please see our correlation comparability for previous TEE subjects, WACE courses and WACE ATAR courses.

StepUp Entry

StepUp Entry

Successful StepUp Entry and StepUp Equity Adjustment Admission Pathway (StepUp Bonus) applicants will be eligible to be considered for admission into this course.

Alternative pathways

  • STAT entry

    Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT)

    STAT is not accepted for this course

English requirements

Curtin requires all applicants to demonstrate proficiency in English. Specific English requirements for this course are outlined in the IELTS table below.

You may demonstrate English proficiency using the following tests and qualifications.

IELTS Academic (International English Language Testing System)

Writing

7.0

Speaking

7.0

Reading

7.0

Listening

7.0

Overall band score

7.0

Find your pathway to Curtin

Think you don’t have the marks or qualifications to study at Curtin? We have several pathways to help you meet admission. Use our pathway finder to find your best way to studying with us.

Pathway finder tool

How others gained admission

View the ATAR breakdown to see the low, median and high ATAR scores of students who started studying this course recently.

To see the other pathways students have taken, see the pathway breakdown.

Application Requirements

You’re considered someone with work and life experience if:

You have left secondary education more than two years ago (i.e. who are not classified as recent secondary education applicants) and have not undertaken vocational education training (VET) or higher education study since then.

How we define ‘experience’
‘Experience’ includes a combination of factors sufficient to demonstrate readiness for higher education such as mature-age entry, professional experience whether completion of the Skills for Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT) is required or not, community involvement or work experience. Applicants may have undertaken non-formal programs that have helped prepare them for tertiary education or are relevant to the proposed higher education field of study.

Pathways

  • STAT entry

    Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT)

    STAT is not accepted for this course

English requirements

Curtin requires all applicants to demonstrate proficiency in English. Specific English requirements for this course are outlined in the IELTS table below.

You may demonstrate English proficiency using the following tests and qualifications.

IELTS Academic (International English Language Testing System)

Writing

7.0

Speaking

7.0

Reading

7.0

Listening

7.0

Overall band score

7.0

Find your pathway to Curtin

Think you don’t have the marks or qualifications to study at Curtin? We have several pathways to help you meet admission. Use our pathway finder to find your best way to studying with us.

Pathway finder tool

Application Requirements

You’re considered someone who studied at TAFE or have done an apprenticeship if:

Applicants with vocational education and training (VET) study are those whose highest level of study since leaving secondary education is a VET course. This includes study at a public TAFE or other VET provider, whether a qualification was completed or not. Applicants with VET study may have other qualifications such as a Year 10 or Year 12 secondary school certificate.

Pathways

  • TAFE entry

    Not accepted. VET study cannot meet the equivalent ATAR requirement.

  • STAT entry

    Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT)

    STAT is not accepted for this course

English requirements

Curtin requires all applicants to demonstrate proficiency in English. Specific English requirements for this course are outlined in the IELTS table below.

You may demonstrate English proficiency using the following tests and qualifications.

IELTS Academic (International English Language Testing System)

Writing

7.0

Speaking

7.0

Reading

7.0

Listening

7.0

Overall band score

7.0

Find your pathway to Curtin

Think you don’t have the marks or qualifications to study at Curtin? We have several pathways to help you meet admission. Use our pathway finder to find your best way to studying with us.

Pathway finder tool

Application Requirements

You’re considered someone who has recently left university if:

Applicants with higher education are those whose highest level of study since leaving secondary education is a higher education course, such as a university degree. This may include applicants who are currently studying a higher education course at another education provider and want to transfer to Curtin University, or applicants who are currently studying at Curtin but want to switch to a different course. It may also include applicants who have completed past study with university and non-university higher education providers.

Curtin course switcher criteria

To switch into this course, you need to have:

  • Attained an ATAR of 95; or
  • Completed 200 credits over one year, with a course weighted average (CWA) of 80% or higher; and
  • Met the prerequisites.

Maths Methods prerequisites can be met with:

  • Maths Methods ATAR or equivalent; or
  • MATH1014 Foundations of Calculus
  • MATH1015 Linear Algebra 1 with a final mark of at least 70; or
  • MATH1016 Calculus 1 or
  • MATH1017 Accelerated Mathematics 1

The Chemistry prerequisite can be met with:

  • Chemistry ATAR or equivalent; or
  • CHEM1003 Introduction to Chemistry and CHEM1005 Introduction to Biological Chemistry.

Higher education course switcher criteria

This course has a semester one intake only. Please refer to the TISC website for more information.

English requirements

Curtin requires all applicants to demonstrate proficiency in English. Specific English requirements for this course are outlined in the IELTS table below.

You may demonstrate English proficiency using the following tests and qualifications.

IELTS Academic (International English Language Testing System)

Writing

7.0

Speaking

7.0

Reading

7.0

Listening

7.0

Overall band score

7.0

Find your pathway to Curtin

Think you don’t have the marks or qualifications to study at Curtin? We have several pathways to help you meet admission. Use our pathway finder to find your best way to studying with us.

Pathway finder tool

Application Requirements

Unsure what option suits you?

We’re here to help you navigate the complexities of university admission. Choose the support you need from the options below.

Find your pathway to Curtin

Think you don’t have the marks or qualifications to study at Curtin? We have several pathways to help you meet admission. Use our pathway finder to find your best way to studying with us.

Pathway finder tool

Application Requirements

Other requirements and notes for this course


In addition to the course-specific admission criteria listed above, please read our general admission criteria. Our general admission criteria apply to all courses at Curtin University.

This course is designed for high performing science students. As such students are expected to maintain a minimum academic standard. If that standard is not reached students will be recommended to transition to the Bachelor of Science (Coastal and Marine Science).

Credit for recognised learning (CRL)

Use your experience to get credit towards your degree

Finish your course sooner with credit for your previous study or work experience.

Fees and scholarships

Please view the Bachelor of Advanced Science (Honours) degree for indicative fees.

Looking for more detail on the course structure?

View course structure

Frequently asked questions

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  • The offering information on this website applies only to future students. Current students should refer to faculty handbooks for current or past course information.

    The information on this page may be subject to change. In particular, Curtin University may change the content, method or location of delivery or tuition fees of courses.

    While Curtin uses reasonable efforts to ensure that the information provided on this page is accurate and up to date, errors and omissions sometimes occur. Curtin makes no warranty, representation or undertaking (expressed or implied) nor does it assume any legal liability (direct or indirect) for the accuracy, completeness or usefulness of any information.

    View courses information disclaimer.

  • Curtin course code: MJRH-ADCMS
  • Last updated on: 10 December 2024

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