Overview
Overview
The need for coastal and marine scientists to ensure the sustainable management of 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.
This major reflects the growing need to protect Australia’s coastline, with an emphasis on marine biology, oceanographic sciences and resource management.
It has been designed with industry input to deliver a learning experience focused on developing scientific and marine research skills. The course is informed and delivered by staff who actively research in fields including fish ecology, coral reef ecology, marine pollution, coastal geomorphology, sustainable fisheries and aquaculture.
You will be challenged to think as a marine scientist, developing your initiative and intellectual curiosity to help understand and protect the marine environment.
You will also interact with people working in marine and coastal science and management, such as the Department of Environment and Conservation, the Department of Fisheries, the WA Environmental Protection Authority, marine science consultancies, and Curtin’s Centre for Marine Science and Technology.
You can study this major as part of a science and arts or science and commerce double degree.
How this course will make you industry ready
Opportunities in coastal and marine science are growing rapidly. Graduates with skills in both physical and life sciences are sought by federal, state and local government, as well as environmental consultancies and non-government organisations, to devise solutions and advise on how to tackle future challenges.
What jobs can the Coastal and Marine Science Major (BSc Science) 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
- apply principles and practices of environmental and biological science to the planning and sustainable management of coastal zones
- apply problem-solving and decision-making skills to develop innovative and sustainable solutions to the challenges facing Australia’s coastal zones
- locate, extract and interpret relevant evidence and scientific literature to inform decision making; critically assess the value of information and available data in the creation of a scientifically-based argument
- demonstrate written, oral and interpersonal communication skills appropriate to the conduct of a science professional
- argue the merits and limitations of current and developing technologies in marine and coastal research and management
- use research and learning skills to maintain currency of knowledge of the science related to management of coastal and marine areas; evaluate and actively engage in their own continued learning and development as environmental scientists
- recognise the national and global imperatives driving coastal changes to biological, chemical and physical systems; integrate international case studies and experiences in the application of knowledge to coastal decision-making
- incorporate indigenous and other community perspectives in the development of solutions to issues relating to the coastal zone
- demonstrate professional and ethical practice in keeping with community and industry standards, and relevant to marine science
