Apply for Coastal and Marine Science Major (BSc Science)

Marine scientist measuring depth
MJRU-COMRS

Coastal and Marine Science

Undergraduate major

Be a part of Australia's coastal and marine science community that is ensuring the sustainable management of our marine environment.

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Course outline
  • ATAR

    ATAR

    Minimum ATAR 70
  • Qualification
    Coastal and Marine Science Major (BSc Science)
  • Credit

    Credit

    200
Course outline

Select your preferred degree

This course belongs to multiple degrees. Select the single degree or double degree below to see the application deadlines.

Course outline
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Outline

Outline

Marine environments all around the world are increasingly vulnerable to climate change and ongoing coastal development and subsea resources extraction. Opportunities in coastal and marine science are therefore growing rapidly, with graduates sought by government, industry and non-profit organisations to help advise on how to tackle challenges and devise solutions.

This major also responds to the growing need to protect Australia’s coastal waters, with an emphasis on marine biology, oceanographic sciences and resource management.

The course is designed and delivered by staff with research expertise in fish ecology, coral reef ecology, marine pollution, seafloor mapping, sustainable fisheries and aquaculture. It has been designed with industry input, to ensure you develop scientific and marine research skills. You will be challenged to think as a marine scientist, developing your initiative and intellectual curiosity to help understand and protect the marine environment.

During your studies you’ll interact with professionals working in marine and coastal science and management. These may include Curtin’s Centre for Marine Science and Technology and marine science consultancies, as well as the Western Australian departments of Fisheries; Water and Environmental Regulation; and Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions.

This major sits within the Bachelor of Science (Science). This course also be studied as a Bachelor of Advanced Science course.

Double degrees

You can study the Bachelor of Science (Coastal and Marine Science) with the Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Commerce.

How this course will make you industry ready

  • You'll undertake extensive fieldwork as part of this major, including a 10-day study tour to visit coastal infrastructure and installations on the Western Australian coast.
  • You'll interact with professionals working in coastal zone management, such as WA's Department of Fisheries and Department of Environment and Conservation, as well as resource and tourism businesses.
  • Curtin uses innovative teaching tools such as 'piercam' to bring the coastal environment into the classroom. Stationed on Ningaloo Reef, piercam is an underwater camera that broadcasts live vision via the web. A second camera will be installed on the North West Cape to track whale migration.

What jobs can the Coastal and Marine Science lead to?

Careers

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

Industries

  • Fisheries and aquaculture
  • Coastal management
  • Ecotourism
  • Marine conservation
  • Pollution control

Further study

What you'll learn

  • have demonstrated knowledge and understanding in coastal and marine science that is typically at a level that, whilst supported by advanced textbooks, includes some aspects that will be informed by knowledge of the forefront of coastal and marine science, GC1
  • can apply their knowledge and understanding in a manner that indicates a professional approach to coastal and marine science, and have competencies typically demonstrated through devising and sustaining arguments (to both specialist and non-specialist audiences) and solving problems within coastal and marine science, GC2
  • understand the constructs of the scientific method and apply these principles in coastal and marine science using digital technologies, GC3
  • can gather and interpret relevant data within coastal and marine science to inform judgements that include reflection on relevant social, scientific, or ethical issues, including being aware of the diversity of international perspectives associated with coastal and marine science, and how these impact upon the practice of coastal and marine science, GC4
  • understand and appreciate cultural diversity and how it impacts on the practice of coastal and marine science, GC5
  • display a high standard of professional behaviour, including effective time management, both independently and as a team member, GC6

Why study Coastal and Marine Science

Cutting-edge

Use innovative tools like a ‘piercam’ live-broadcasting underwater camera stationed on Ningaloo Reef, that broadcasts live vision via the web.

Work experience

Undertake a 10-day study tour along the Western Australian coast to learn about coastal infrastructure.

Professional recognition

Upon graduating, you are eligible for membership of the Australian Marine Sciences Association.

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

  • Minimum ATAR 70

    This course has a minimum ATAR of 70

  • Essential WACE subjects (prerequisites)

    Essential WACE subjects (prerequisites)

    Mathematics Applications ATAR.

  • Desirable WACE subjects

    Desirable WACE subjects

    Animal Production Systems ATAR, Applied Information Technology ATAR, Biology ATAR,Chemistry ATAR, Computer Science ATAR, Earth and Environmental Science ATAR, Engineering Studies ATAR, Human Biology ATAR, Integrated Science ATAR, Marine and Maritime Studies ATAR, Physics ATAR, Plant Production Systems ATAR, Psychology 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

  • UniReady

    If you don’t meet our minimum admission criteria, the UniReady Enabling Program can help you qualify for entry into a range of undergraduate courses.

  • Certificate IV + English Competency

    The certificate IV is the minimum requirement for university entry. It qualifies you for entry to Curtin courses with a 70 ATAR. You must also meet English language proficiency.

  • STAT entry

    Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT)

    Not accepted.

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

6.0

Speaking

6.0

Reading

6.0

Listening

6.0

Overall band score

6.0

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.

Other requirements and notes for this course

Admission criteria may be different if you are studying this major as part of a double degree. Please contact the Admissions Office for more information.

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.

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 Special Tertiary Admission 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)

    Not accepted.

ATAR pathway

  • Minimum ATAR 70

    This course has a minimum ATAR of 70

  • Essential WACE subjects (prerequisites)

    Essential WACE subjects (prerequisites)

    Mathematics Applications ATAR.

  • Desirable WACE subjects

    Desirable WACE subjects

    Animal Production Systems ATAR, Applied Information Technology ATAR, Biology ATAR,Chemistry ATAR, Computer Science ATAR, Earth and Environmental Science ATAR, Engineering Studies ATAR, Human Biology ATAR, Integrated Science ATAR, Marine and Maritime Studies ATAR, Physics ATAR, Plant Production Systems ATAR, Psychology ATAR.

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

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

6.0

Speaking

6.0

Reading

6.0

Listening

6.0

Overall band score

6.0

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

Other requirements and notes for this course

Admission criteria may be different if you are studying this major as part of a double degree. Please contact the Admissions Office for more information.

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.

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

    AQF Certificate IV - Separate evidence of Higher English language proficiency is required; or AQF Diploma; or AQF Advanced Diploma AND satisfied the prerequisite. The Maths Applications prerequisite can be met with: Maths Applications ATAR; or MATH1013 Introductory Mathematics; or MATH1005 Pre-Calculus.

  • STAT entry

    Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT)

    Not accepted.

ATAR pathway

  • Minimum ATAR 70

    This course has a minimum ATAR of 70

  • Essential WACE subjects (prerequisites)

    Essential WACE subjects (prerequisites)

    Mathematics Applications ATAR.

  • Desirable WACE subjects

    Desirable WACE subjects

    Animal Production Systems ATAR, Applied Information Technology ATAR, Biology ATAR,Chemistry ATAR, Computer Science ATAR, Earth and Environmental Science ATAR, Engineering Studies ATAR, Human Biology ATAR, Integrated Science ATAR, Marine and Maritime Studies ATAR, Physics ATAR, Plant Production Systems ATAR, Psychology ATAR.

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

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

6.0

Speaking

6.0

Reading

6.0

Listening

6.0

Overall band score

6.0

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

Other requirements and notes for this course

Admission criteria may be different if you are studying this major as part of a double degree. Please contact the Admissions Office for more information.

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.

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 met:

  • the admission criteria for minimum entry; and
  • the prerequisite.

The Maths Applications prerequisite can be met with:

  • Maths Applications ATAR; or
  • MATH1013 Introductory Mathematics; or
  • MATH1005 Pre-Calculus.

Higher education course switcher criteria

To switch into this course from another higher education course, you need to have met:

  • the admission criteria for minimum entry; and
  • Maths Applications ATAR or unit/s assessed as comparable to Math Applications ATAR.

ATAR pathway

  • Minimum ATAR 70

    This course has a minimum ATAR of 70

  • Essential WACE subjects (prerequisites)

    Essential WACE subjects (prerequisites)

    Mathematics Applications ATAR.

  • Desirable WACE subjects

    Desirable WACE subjects

    Animal Production Systems ATAR, Applied Information Technology ATAR, Biology ATAR,Chemistry ATAR, Computer Science ATAR, Earth and Environmental Science ATAR, Engineering Studies ATAR, Human Biology ATAR, Integrated Science ATAR, Marine and Maritime Studies ATAR, Physics ATAR, Plant Production Systems ATAR, Psychology ATAR.

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

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

6.0

Speaking

6.0

Reading

6.0

Listening

6.0

Overall band score

6.0

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

Other requirements and notes for this course

Admission criteria may be different if you are studying this major as part of a double degree. Please contact the Admissions Office for more information.

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.

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
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 charges

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

Looking for more detail on the course structure?

View course structure

How to apply

Please review information on how to apply for the campus of your choice

  • 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: MJRU-COMRS
  • Last updated on: 10 December 2023

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