Overview
Overview
Marine environments around the world are increasingly vulnerable to climate change, coastal development and resources extraction. This course responds to the growing need to protect Australia’s coastal waters in particular, with an emphasis on marine biology, oceanographic sciences and resource management.
This course has been designed in collaboration with industry, to ensure that you develop in-demand scientific research skills. Throughout your studies, you will learn to think as a marine scientist, gaining knowledge from staff with research expertise in fish ecology, coral reef ecology, marine pollution, seafloor mapping, sustainable fisheries and aquaculture.
You’ll also engage with professionals working in marine and coastal science and management organisations. These may include Curtin’s Centre for Marine Science and Technology; Western Australia’s Department of Fisheries, Water and Environmental Regulation and Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions; and marine science consultancies.
Coastal and Marine Science is also offered as a Bachelor of Advanced Science (Honours) course.
Double degrees
You can extend your expertise and career opportunities by studying Coastal and Marine Science as a double degree with Arts or Commerce. (You can choose from various majors in the Bachelor of Arts or the 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 course lead to?
Careers
- Marine scientist
- Aquaculturalist
- Ecotoxicologist
- Environmental consultant
- Natural resource manager
- Fisheries scientist
- Natural resource consultant
- Pollution control consultant
Industries
- Coastal management
- Marine conservation
- Aquaculture
- Fisheries
- Ecotourism
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