How do I study marine science?

Marine science can be studied at UNSW as part of several undergraduate degree programs, and in postgraduate degrees (Masters, PhD).

There are many undergraduate courses at UNSW that feature marine science. These courses can be taken as part of the following degree programs:

Bachelor Science
3 years full time. UAC code 429000 UNSW code 3970
Available majors: Biological Science, Ecology, Marine Biology, Marine Geology, Marine Science (Physical Oceanography), Spatial Information Systems

Bachelor of Science (Advanced Science)
4 years full time. UAC code 429013 UNSW code 3972
Available study plans: Biological Science, Ecology, Marine and Coastal Studies

Further information on study plans for the marine science majors can be found here

Bachelor of Environmental Science
4 years full time. UAC 429008 UNSW 3988
Specialising in: Marine Biology, Oceanography

Bachelor of Science (Communication) UAC 429004 UNSW 3993 or
Bachelor of Science (Media and Communications) UAC 429004 UNSW 3994
Both 3 years full time.
Available majors: Marine Biology, Marine Geology, Marine Science (Physical Oceanography).

Combined Degrees. Any Marine science majors offered in the Bachelor of Science program, can be combined with the following degrees.

Science/Law 5 years full time UAC code 426000 UNSW 4770

Science/Commerce 4 years full time UAC 424003 UNSW code 3529

Science/Engineering 5 years full time

Science/Arts 4 years full time UAC 429001 UNSW code 3930

Science/Education UAC code 429002 UNSW code 4075

Undergraduate courses

The following courses focus entirely, or in a large part, on the marine sciences. Click on the course title for a course description.

First year

• ENVS1011 Environmental Science 1
• GEOS1701 Environmental Systems & Process
• GEOS1711 Planet Earth

Second year

• BIOS2031 Biology of Invertebrates
• MATH2240 Introduction to Oceanography and Meteorology
• MSCI2001 Introductory Marine Science
• MSCI2051 Coral reef: Environment and Ecology

Third year

• BIOS3081 Ocean Biology and Fisheries
• BIOS3681 Ocean Biology and Fisheries (Advanced Level)
• BIOS3091 Marine and Aquatic Ecology
• GEOS3731 Catchment and Coastal Geomorphology
• GEOS3761 Environmental Change
• GEOH3921 Coastal Resource Management
• MATH3261 Atmosphere-Ocean Dynamics
• MATH3241 Fluid Dynamics
• MICR3071 Environmental Microbiology
• MSCI3001 Physical Oceanography
• MSCI6200 Coastal Monitoring Techniques

Fourth year

• Students interested in honours projects should approach individual schools
• Honours in the School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences
• Honours in the School of Mathematics

General studies

• GENS0501 Marine Environment

Postgraduate degrees

General information on postgraduate degrees, including application proceedures and scholarships, is provided by the Science Faculty

Those interested in research degrees (Masters, PhD) should read the more specific information provided by individual schools:

Research degrees in the School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences

Research degrees in the School of Mathematics

Coursework degrees: The Master of Marine Science (MSCIA8625) is not being offered in 2006. Other cousework programs can have a considerable marine component (e.g., the Masters of Environmental Management).

How to apply?
Australian students should lodge an application with the Universities Admissions Centre (UAC) quoting the UAC code for their chosen degree program. International students should apply directly to The University of New South Wales by contacting the UNSW International Office and quoting the UNSW code for their degree program of choice.
T: +61 2 9385 6996 E: internationaloffice@unsw.edu.au