Study the Bachelor of Science (Marine Biology)

Study Marine Biology at Flinders

Deep dive into marine life and explore the living marine world.

Get a broad understanding of the biology of marine organisms, their relationships with the physico-chemical marine environment, and their potential responses to changes. The degree provides you with the ability to acquire extensive knowledge in marine biodiversity, ecology, genetics, conservation, fisheries and related areas, and builds transferable skills.

Fast facts

Course facts at a glance.

Domestic

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International Student

I am not a citizen of
Australia or New Zealand.

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I am a
Domestic Student

I am an Australian or New Zealand Citizen.

I'm an Australian Permanent Resident
(including Humanitarian Visa holders).

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Prerequisites

None

Assumed knowledge

None

2024 selection rank

70.00

Guaranteed selection rank

75.00

TAFElink

Certificate IV or above

Adjustment factors available

Yes

SATAC code

234301

Delivery mode

In person:

– Bedford Park

Online: No

Duration

3 years full-time
(or part-time equivalent)
Deferrable: Yes

Annual indicative fee

2023: $8,355

How are these fees calculated?

Start dates

– March
– July

Student and ATAR profile

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Student and ATAR profile

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Why study Marine Biology at Flinders

Learn from internationally eminent marine biologists and oceanographers undertaking world-class research on current issues in marine science
Focus on global environmental issues related to the oceans and marine life
No background in science required, just an inquiring mind
Combines cutting-edge technical and theoretical knowledge with flexibility, allowing you to tailor your progress, skills and knowledge to suit your interests
Opportunities to participate in marine-based fieldwork, including field trips to different marine bio-regions

Your career

The range of specialty areas and career opportunities are expansive. There are marine biologists who study the basic biochemistry of marine organisms, or the growth or behaviour of individual plants or animals. Some adopt an even larger perspective and study how entire marine ecosystems function.

Potential occupations include:

marine biologist
marine and coastal community education officer
oceans science project officer
marine policy officer
marine parks scientist.

Potential employers include:

government
coastal and marine industries
environmental groups
fisheries
research and development organisations
tourism
water authorities.

See all events

Events

“There is a lot of opportunity to do field work and to explore both the coast line in South Australia and overseas as well.”

Cassie Hoepner
Bachelor of Science (Honours) (Marine Biology)
PHD Coral Reef Ecology

What you will study

First year A typical first year may include:	core topics in evolution of biological diversity, the molecular basis of life, introduction to marine biology, marine sciences, the nature of science, and biostatistics a topic in chemical structure and bonding or general chemistry study of chemistry for the life sciences
Second year A typical second year may include:	core topics in experimental design and statistics for biology; genetics, evolution and biodiversity; ecology; animal diversity; marine ecology; and coasts and oceans a selection of elective topics
Third year A typical third year may include:	core topics in conservation biology and restoration ecology; marine and freshwater biology; plant and algal diversity; marine mammals, birds and reptiles; and fisheries biology, science and management a biology research project
Honours year A typical honours year may include:	a major marine biology research thesis allowing high-performing students to progress to a higher degree by research further development of professional skills, particularly those relevant to research and development

View study program

Practical experience

The degree provides you with practical experience that prepares you for the workforce.

Develop research techniques including fieldwork, survey design, statistical analysis, spatial data analysis (including geographic information systems), and other forms of qualitative and quantitative analysis.
Learn to retrieve, synthesise and communicate information, as well as managing data and drawing on different sources of knowledge.
Undertake a negotiated project area based on your interests, such as a literature study, field or laboratory investigation, modelling or data analysis study, or an industry or simulated work integrated learning assignment

What you will need

As part of the degree, you will be expected to perform tasks requiring walking and manual dexterity in field and laboratory situations.

Study abroad

There are opportunities to take your studies overseas through internships and short-term study abroad programs, including international exchange programs with other universities.

ATAR and Student Profile Information

ATAR and Selection Rank profile

The table below shows ATAR and Selection Rank data for students offered a place wholly or partly on the basis of ATAR commencing in Semester 1, 2024. It is limited to applicants that have recently completed secondary education (within the last two years). Data may reflect multiple courses available within a suite of courses.

Notes:
<5 – less than 5 ATAR based offers made
N/A – This course uses additional selection criteria and therefore Selection Rank is not published

ATAR-based offers only across all offer rounds	ATAR - Excluding adjustment factors	Selection Rank - ATAR plus any adjustment factors
Highest rank to receive an offer	99.70	99.95
Median rank to receive an offer	79.85	83.78
Lowest rank to receive an offer	62.10	70.05

Student Profile

The table below gives an indication of the likely peer cohort for new students in this course. It provides data on students who commenced study in this course in Semester 1, 2024 including those admitted through all offer rounds and international students studying in Australia. Applicant background groupings are based on educational background, not basis of admission. Data may reflect multiple courses available within a suite of courses.

Notes:
<5 – the number of students is less than 5
N/P – Not published: the number is hidden to prevent calculation of numbers in cells with less than 5 students

Applicant background (Semester 1, 2024)	Number of students	Percentage of all students
Higher education study (includes a bridging or enabling course)	26	21%
Vocational education and training (VET) study	11	9%
Work and life experience	7	6%
Recent secondary education - Admitted solely on the basis of ATAR (regardless of whether this includes the consideration of adjustment factors such as equity or subject bonus points)	46	37%
Recent secondary education - Admitted where both ATAR and additional criteria were considered (e.g. portfolio, audition, extra test)	<5	<5
Recent secondary education - Admitted on the basis of other criteria only and ATAR was not a factor (e.g. special consideration pathways)	30	24%
International Students	N/P	N/P
All students	126	100%

Add Innovation and Enterprise
to your degree

At Flinders University, we recognise that careers are evolving and the workplace of the future will look very different from today.

Whatever undergraduate course you are studying at Flinders, you can add innovation and enterprise electives to your degree to gain new, adaptable and transferrable skills that will equip you for the careers of tomorrow.

Learn More

Pursue multiple passions with a combined degree

Expand your career options by combining this degree with one of the following:

You can combine this degree with any other bachelor degree within the College of Science and Engineering, subject to meeting entry requirements

Search all combined degree options

How to apply

Choose your preferred course.

Check the entry requirements and admission pathways available to you.

Choose other courses to include in your preferences.

Visit SATAC and submit your application online.

Admission pathways

Applicants can apply for this course using Year 12 qualifications, previous higher education study, TAFE/VET qualifications, or through adult entry (STAT/Foundation Studies/tertiary preparation course).

Find the entry path that’s right for you.

Explore our pathways

Choosing your preferences

When choosing your preferences through SATAC, some other Flinders degrees you might want to include in your list are:

How to apply

Select your course.

Check entry requirements.

Check your eligibility for credit.

Apply online

Obtain certified documents.

Submit your application and documents.

View further details

English language pathways

If you don’t meet our English language entry requirements and need to improve your English language proficiency, you can do so through Flinders University Academy – or our approved English Language Instruction Course for Overseas Students (ELICOS) providers.

This means that you can attend the required English language tuition at approved ELICOS providers and gain direct entry into university without an IELTS or TOEFL test.

Find out more

Academic program pathways

If you don’t meet our academic entry requirements, you can still gain entry to Flinders University through Flinders University Academy. With a range of diplomas, foundation and English language courses, students can find a direct pathway into the destination degree of their choice.

Find out more

Course enquiries

Want more information about studying at Flinders University? Contact us to find out more – we’d love to help you decide if Flinders University is the right choice for you.

Course enquiries

For all course enquiries phone or email us or complete the course enquiry form.

1300 354 633

askflinders@flinders.edu.au

Bachelor of Science (Marine Biology)

Study Marine Biology at Flinders

Fast facts