Undergraduate Major

Marine Biology

Turn your passion for the ocean into a fulfilling career by exploring its depths, and how to preserve them, with a major in Marine Biology.

What type of student are you?

Domestic International

Murdoch code: MJ-MB
Study mode: Full Time or Part Time
Selection rank: 70
CRICOS code: See course

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Overview

It is estimated that up to 80% of all life on earth exists in the ocean – it could be even more considering less than 10% of the ocean has been explored by humans.

Forget swimming with dolphins and looking at coral – although there’s every chance you’ll get to do that at some point in your degree – a major in Marine Biology will ensure you develop a detailed understanding of the marine biota and ecological processes of marine environments. Gain an appreciation of the diversity of marine life, the interactions between species and biota, and the physical environment.

With a strong emphasis on fundamental biological principles and how these underpin successful marine conservation and management, you’ll cover topics including marine botany, fish biology, marine wildlife populations, marine ecology, aquaculture and human impacts and management, supported by extensive field work and practical learning.

3 reasons to study Marine Biology at Murdoch

Participate in field research camps, including to Point Peron or Coral Bay.
Become job-ready with every unit you study comprising laboratory sessions or fieldwork.
Put theory into context on local and global scales with real-life examples and a holistic approach to learning.

What you'll learn

Learn in industry-standard laboratories, equipped with world-class research instruments where you’ll build essential skills and knowledge to meet your career or study goals. Topics you’ll cover include:

The diversity of marine life and the ecological processes of marine environments
Adaptations of marine life to the physical environment, and their responses to climate change
Animal diversity, marine botany, marine ecology, oceanography, aquaculture, fish and wildlife populations

Your career

You’ll be qualified to work as a scientist in a range of marine-based professions, including marine environmental management, marine industries, marine biodiversity conservation, marine-based tourism and marine ecology. Career options could include:

Coastal Manager
Fisheries Officer
Marine Environmental Consultant
Biological Oceanographer
Marine Park Ranger
Aquatic Ecologist
Aquaculturist
Marine Policy and Planning Officer
Marine Biologist in marine-based tourism

Progress to structure

Study areas

Environmental and Conservation Sciences

Courses with this major

To study this major, you must apply for one of these courses.

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Progress to structure

Structure

To help plan the structure of your course, search for our suggested course plans.

Total credit points: 24

Unit code	Unit name	Credit points
Major		24 credit points
Required Units		18 credit points
BIO180	Introduction to Marine Biology	3
BIO254	Marine Botany	3
BIO244	Animal Diversity	3
BIO377	Marine Ecology	3
ENV244	Oceanography and Marine Pollution	3
BIO303	Marine Wildlife Populations and Management	3
Specified Electives		6 credit points
ENV331	Environmental Management	3
	OR
BIO380	Aquaculture	3
	OR
BIO393	Tropical Marine Biology	3
	OR
ENV344	Liveaboard Oceanography, Systems and Processes	3
	OR
ECS200	Applied Ecological Approaches	3

Progress to entry requirements

Entry requirements

I have completed studies in

Select which option best describes your path to university :

Higher Education

You have completed university study in Australia, including a bridging or enabling course.

Recent Secondary Education

You are finishing high school this year or have done so in the last two years.

Vocational Education & Training

You have completed an apprenticeship or a VET course at TAFE or another private training provider.

Work & Life Experience

You have completed an aptitude test or spent time away from study for work.

Means of admission	Minimum academic requirement	Minimum English requirement
Murdoch Institute of Technology (MIT) courses	Successful completion of one of the following: Murdoch University Preparation Course with a minimum of 50% in every subject MUPC (1 Trimester) Foundation Studies Course with a minimum of 50% in every subject.	Successful completion of one of the following: Murdoch University Preparation Course Introduction to Academic Communication unit Foundation Studies Course with a minimum of 50% in every subject.
Enabling courses (after Year 12)	Successful completion of one of the following: OnTrack Flex, OnTrack Sprint or K-Track at Murdoch University. An enabling or bridging program at another Australian university	Successful completion of the course.
University study	Successful completion of 2 units at an Australian University or Open Universities Australia (OUA).	Successful completion of 2 units at an Australian University or Open Universities Australia (OUA).
Enabling courses (in Year 12)	Successful completion of one of the following: Murdoch FlexiTrack High Program in Year 12 TLC Learning for Tomorrow in Year 12 An enabling or bridging program at another Australian university	Evidence of completing Year 11 and 12 in Australia at any level (domestic applicants only), OR Evidence of completing a minimum of 2 years study at TAFE or an RTO (domestic applicants only), OR A STAT Written English score of 140 or higher, OR Scaled mark of 50 or higher in one of the following: English ATAR Literature ATAR English as and Additional Dialect (EALD)

Murdoch Institute of Technology (MIT) courses
Minimum academic requirement Successful completion of one of the following: Murdoch University Preparation Course with a minimum of 50% in every subject MUPC (1 Trimester) Foundation Studies Course with a minimum of 50% in every subject.
Minimum English requirement Successful completion of one of the following: Murdoch University Preparation Course Introduction to Academic Communication unit Foundation Studies Course with a minimum of 50% in every subject.

Enabling courses (after Year 12)
Minimum academic requirement Successful completion of one of the following: OnTrack Flex, OnTrack Sprint or K-Track at Murdoch University. An enabling or bridging program at another Australian university
Minimum English requirement Successful completion of the course.

University study
Minimum academic requirement Successful completion of 2 units at an Australian University or Open Universities Australia (OUA).
Minimum English requirement Successful completion of 2 units at an Australian University or Open Universities Australia (OUA).

Enabling courses (in Year 12)
Minimum academic requirement Successful completion of one of the following: Murdoch FlexiTrack High Program in Year 12 TLC Learning for Tomorrow in Year 12 An enabling or bridging program at another Australian university
Minimum English requirement Evidence of completing Year 11 and 12 in Australia at any level (domestic applicants only), OR Evidence of completing a minimum of 2 years study at TAFE or an RTO (domestic applicants only), OR A STAT Written English score of 140 or higher, OR Scaled mark of 50 or higher in one of the following: English ATAR Literature ATAR English as and Additional Dialect (EALD)

Means of admission	Minimum academic requirement	Minimum English requirement
Overseas Year 12	Please refer to the information under the country of study.	Please refer to the information under the country of study.
Minimum Selection Rank (WA/ACT/NSW/NT/SA/TAS/VIC)	70	Scaled mark of 50 or higher in one of the following (or interstate equivalent): English ATAR Literature ATAR English as an Additional Dialect (EALD) ATAR Or a STAT Written English score of 140 or higher. Or evidence of completing year 11 and 12 in Australia at any Level (Domestic applicants only).
Enabling courses (in Year 12)	Successful completion of one of the following: Murdoch FlexiTrack High Program in Year 12 TLC Learning for Tomorrow in Year 12 An enabling or bridging program at another Australian university	Evidence of completing Year 11 and 12 in Australia at any level (domestic applicants only), OR Evidence of completing a minimum of 2 years study at TAFE or an RTO (domestic applicants only), OR A STAT Written English score of 140 or higher, OR Scaled mark of 50 or higher in one of the following: English ATAR Literature ATAR English as and Additional Dialect (EALD)
Experienced based entry	A successful experience based entry application that demonstrates relevant aptitude and ability in a related learning area. Find out more about the Experienced based entry.
Extenuating circumstances	We'll consider applications from prospective students whose education has been compromised due to genuine hardship, resulting in them falling short of entry requirements for an undergraduate course. Find out more.	Case-by-case assessment.
VET course studied at school	Successful completion of a Certificate IV or higher.	Evidence of completing year 11 and 12 in Australia at any Level (Domestic Applicants Only) Evidence of completing a minimum of 2 years of studies at TAFE or an RTO (Domestic Applicants Only). Scaled mark of 50 or higher in one of the following: English ATAR Literature ATAR English as an Additional Dialect (EALD) ATAR or a STAT Written English score of 140 or higher.
International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma	Total score of 24 or higher.	Higher level (HL): 3 or better. Standard Level (SL): 4 or better. Evidence of completing year 11 and 12 in Australia at any Level (Domestic Applicants Only) Evidence of completing a minimum of 2 years of studies at TAFE or an RTO (Domestic Applicants Only).
Western Australian Universities Foundation Program (WAUFP)	CPS 54 or higher.	50% in English Language and Australian Cultural Studies (ELACS).
GCE A Levels	Aggregate of 6 points from: A maximum of the best three A-level subjects; OR A combination of A-level and AS-level subjects At least two A-level subjects are included in the calculation AS-level subject attempted at A-level is not eligible to be included A-level grades (A*=6, A=5, B=4, C=3, D=2, E=1) AS-level grades (A=2.5, B=2, C=1.5, D=1, E=0.5)	A Levels: D in one of the following: English Language English Literature Knowledge and Inquiry. AS Level: C in one of the following: English Language English Literature Knowledge and Inquiry.
Queensland Certificate of Education (QCE)	Overall Position (OP) of 13 or lower.	Sound Achievement (4) or better in a Queensland Studies Authority approved subject of one of the following: English English Extension (Literature) English for ESL Learners. Evidence of completing year 11 and 12 in Australia at any Level (Domestic Applicants Only) Evidence of completing a minimum of 2 years of studies at TAFE or an RTO (Domestic Applicants Only).

Overseas Year 12
Minimum academic requirement Please refer to the information under the country of study.
Minimum English requirement Please refer to the information under the country of study.

Minimum Selection Rank (WA/ACT/NSW/NT/SA/TAS/VIC)
Minimum academic requirement 70
Minimum English requirement Scaled mark of 50 or higher in one of the following (or interstate equivalent): English ATAR Literature ATAR English as an Additional Dialect (EALD) ATAR Or a STAT Written English score of 140 or higher. Or evidence of completing year 11 and 12 in Australia at any Level (Domestic applicants only).

Enabling courses (in Year 12)
Minimum academic requirement Successful completion of one of the following: Murdoch FlexiTrack High Program in Year 12 TLC Learning for Tomorrow in Year 12 An enabling or bridging program at another Australian university
Minimum English requirement Evidence of completing Year 11 and 12 in Australia at any level (domestic applicants only), OR Evidence of completing a minimum of 2 years study at TAFE or an RTO (domestic applicants only), OR A STAT Written English score of 140 or higher, OR Scaled mark of 50 or higher in one of the following: English ATAR Literature ATAR English as and Additional Dialect (EALD)

Experienced based entry
Minimum academic requirement A successful experience based entry application that demonstrates relevant aptitude and ability in a related learning area. Find out more about the Experienced based entry.

Extenuating circumstances
Minimum academic requirement We'll consider applications from prospective students whose education has been compromised due to genuine hardship, resulting in them falling short of entry requirements for an undergraduate course. Find out more.
Minimum English requirement Case-by-case assessment.

VET course studied at school
Minimum academic requirement Successful completion of a Certificate IV or higher.
Minimum English requirement Evidence of completing year 11 and 12 in Australia at any Level (Domestic Applicants Only) Evidence of completing a minimum of 2 years of studies at TAFE or an RTO (Domestic Applicants Only). Scaled mark of 50 or higher in one of the following: English ATAR Literature ATAR English as an Additional Dialect (EALD) ATAR or a STAT Written English score of 140 or higher.

International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma
Minimum academic requirement Total score of 24 or higher.
Minimum English requirement Higher level (HL): 3 or better. Standard Level (SL): 4 or better. Evidence of completing year 11 and 12 in Australia at any Level (Domestic Applicants Only) Evidence of completing a minimum of 2 years of studies at TAFE or an RTO (Domestic Applicants Only).

Western Australian Universities Foundation Program (WAUFP)
Minimum academic requirement CPS 54 or higher.
Minimum English requirement 50% in English Language and Australian Cultural Studies (ELACS).

GCE A Levels
Minimum academic requirement Aggregate of 6 points from: A maximum of the best three A-level subjects; OR A combination of A-level and AS-level subjects At least two A-level subjects are included in the calculation AS-level subject attempted at A-level is not eligible to be included A-level grades (A*=6, A=5, B=4, C=3, D=2, E=1) AS-level grades (A=2.5, B=2, C=1.5, D=1, E=0.5)
Minimum English requirement A Levels: D in one of the following: English Language English Literature Knowledge and Inquiry. AS Level: C in one of the following: English Language English Literature Knowledge and Inquiry.

Queensland Certificate of Education (QCE)
Minimum academic requirement Overall Position (OP) of 13 or lower.
Minimum English requirement Sound Achievement (4) or better in a Queensland Studies Authority approved subject of one of the following: English English Extension (Literature) English for ESL Learners. Evidence of completing year 11 and 12 in Australia at any Level (Domestic Applicants Only) Evidence of completing a minimum of 2 years of studies at TAFE or an RTO (Domestic Applicants Only).

Means of admission	Minimum academic requirement	Minimum English requirement
Diploma or Advanced Diploma AQF level 5-6	Successful completion of a Diploma or Advanced Diploma.	Successful completion of a Diploma or Advanced Diploma.
Certificate IV AQF level 4	Successful completion of a Certificate IV.	Evidence of completing year 11 and 12 in Australia at any Level (Domestic Applicants Only), OR Evidence of completing a minimum of 2 years of studies at TAFE or an RTO (Domestic Applicants Only), OR STAT Written English score of 140 or higher (145 if prior to May 2010).

Diploma or Advanced Diploma AQF level 5-6
Minimum academic requirement Successful completion of a Diploma or Advanced Diploma.
Minimum English requirement Successful completion of a Diploma or Advanced Diploma.

Certificate IV AQF level 4
Minimum academic requirement Successful completion of a Certificate IV.
Minimum English requirement Evidence of completing year 11 and 12 in Australia at any Level (Domestic Applicants Only), OR Evidence of completing a minimum of 2 years of studies at TAFE or an RTO (Domestic Applicants Only), OR STAT Written English score of 140 or higher (145 if prior to May 2010).

Means of admission	Minimum academic requirement	Minimum English requirement
Mature Age Pathway (MAP)	MAP involves an interview and a portfolio submission to be assessed by the Academic Chair of the course. Admission is based on relevant work and life experience. Applicants must also meet the English Language Competency requirements for the course. Email us for more information.	Evidence of completing year 11 and 12 in Australia at any Level (Domestic Applicants Only). Evidence of completing a minimum of 2 years of studies at TAFE or an RTO (Domestic Applicants Only). Must be met according to the respective courses standard ELC requirements, STAT Written English 140, etc.
Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT)	Multiple Choice score of 135 (145 if taken prior to May 2010).	Evidence of completing year 11 and 12 in Australia at any Level (Domestic Applicants Only). Evidence of completing a minimum of 2 years of studies at TAFE or an RTO (Domestic Applicants Only). Written English Score of 140 (145 if taken prior to May 2010).
Experienced based entry	A successful experience based entry application that demonstrates relevant aptitude and ability in a related learning area. Find out more about the Experienced based entry.

Mature Age Pathway (MAP)
Minimum academic requirement MAP involves an interview and a portfolio submission to be assessed by the Academic Chair of the course. Admission is based on relevant work and life experience. Applicants must also meet the English Language Competency requirements for the course. Email us for more information.
Minimum English requirement Evidence of completing year 11 and 12 in Australia at any Level (Domestic Applicants Only). Evidence of completing a minimum of 2 years of studies at TAFE or an RTO (Domestic Applicants Only). Must be met according to the respective courses standard ELC requirements, STAT Written English 140, etc.

Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT)
Minimum academic requirement Multiple Choice score of 135 (145 if taken prior to May 2010).
Minimum English requirement Evidence of completing year 11 and 12 in Australia at any Level (Domestic Applicants Only). Evidence of completing a minimum of 2 years of studies at TAFE or an RTO (Domestic Applicants Only). Written English Score of 140 (145 if taken prior to May 2010).

Experienced based entry
Minimum academic requirement A successful experience based entry application that demonstrates relevant aptitude and ability in a related learning area. Find out more about the Experienced based entry.

English Requirements

You must meet a minimum standard in English to study at Murdoch, which for most courses can be demonstrated by providing evidence that you have completed Year 11 and 12 in Australia at any level if you are a domestic student, or through either English proficiency tests, university preparation courses, English language courses, previous tertiary study or vocational education.

Advanced Standing

Everyone has a different path to university so if you’ve already completed formal or informal learning, you could receive advanced standing. Also known as recognition of prior learning, advanced standing can reduce the amount of study needed to complete your degree by giving you credit for certain units.

Formal learning can include previous study in higher education vocational education or adult and community education. Informal learning can include on the job learning, various kinds of work and life experience.

Find out more

This information applies to courses offered at our Australian campuses only. Courses offered at our Dubai and Singapore campuses or delivered by Open Universities Australia may have different requirements.

Enabling pathways

If you don’t currently meet our admission requirements, we have a range of enabling pathways to help build your skills.

Progress to fees and scholarships

Fees and scholarships

How much will it cost?

Instead of paying an overall course fee, you pay for the individual units you enrol in. The total course cost will vary depending on the units you choose.

Following your successful application, you’ll receive a Letter of Offer which will contain specific course and fee information.

If you are applying for an undergraduate course, you may be eligible for a Commonwealth Supported Place. Postgraduate programs are full fee paying, unless indicated otherwise in your Letter of Offer.

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How to apply

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Marine Biology

What type of student are you?

Overview

Study areas

Courses with this major

Apply to start

Sign up to hear from us

Structure

Total credit points: 24

Courses with this major

Where could a science degree take you?

Entry requirements

Select which option best describes your path to university :

Higher Education

Recent Secondary Education

Vocational Education & Training

Work & Life Experience

Minimum academic requirement

Minimum English requirement

Minimum academic requirement

Minimum English requirement

Minimum academic requirement

Minimum English requirement

Minimum academic requirement

Minimum English requirement

Minimum academic requirement

Minimum English requirement

Minimum academic requirement

Minimum English requirement

Minimum academic requirement

Minimum English requirement

Minimum academic requirement

Minimum academic requirement

Minimum English requirement

Minimum academic requirement

Minimum English requirement

Minimum academic requirement

Minimum English requirement

Minimum academic requirement

Minimum English requirement

Minimum academic requirement

Minimum English requirement

Minimum academic requirement

Minimum English requirement

Minimum academic requirement

Minimum English requirement

Minimum academic requirement

Minimum English requirement

Minimum academic requirement

Minimum English requirement

Minimum academic requirement

Minimum English requirement

Minimum academic requirement

English Requirements

Advanced Standing

Adjustment for Murdoch RISE

Advanced Standing

Enabling pathways

Fees and scholarships

Scholarships

How much will it cost?

How much will it cost?

Scholarships

How to apply

How to apply