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Marine Biology Jobs and information

What is Marine Biology

Marine biology is the study of plants and animal life within the seas ecosystems. The marine biology field covers many aspects including animals, plants and protists of our estuaries, coasts, and oceans, ranging from sharks to bacteria and microscopic algae. Rather then focus on the taxonomy of species, marine biology’s specie classification is focused on the environment in which covered species are those that spend some or all their time in the water.

Marine biology is a large area of study and also includes many sub fields including:

  • Biochemistry of marine organisms
  • Species and biomes
  • Ecosystems
  • Reef habitats
  • Growth, behaviour and interactions of animals or plants
  • Geothermal ventricals
  • Qualifications in Marine Biology

    A degree Marine Biology is usually accomplished through a Bachelor of Science degree with a stream in marine biology, however course titles vary according to institutions.

    Marine Biology is a multidisciplinary field of study, linking Biology and the ecology, as well as other environmental sciences. A marine biology degree provides students with a vast range of opportunities to study marine organism fundamentals, especially in relation to biology as well as to genetics, conservation and aquaculture.

    Possible subjects through out a marine biology degree include the following:

  • Biology
  • Chemistry
  • Statistics
  • Conservation biology
  • Ecology of Marine Organisms
  • Biological Oceanography
  • Marine Mammal Biology
  • Community Ecology
  • Plant Speciation and Evolution
  • Cell Biology


  • Note: Marine biology is continually changing, as the new advances in biology continue, genetic research is playing an important role in analysing in species.

    Other optional qualifications to get into Marine Biology

    It is common that students not necessarily take a Marine Biology degree, some students may take the path of a conventional Biology degree and specialise in marine biology with a Masters or PhD qualification.

    Jobs in Marine Biology

    With a science degree a marine biologist has variety of employments options that he may take, these including general biological positions available in the aquaculture industries and ecotoxicology as well as marine biology positions or non-degree related employment such as administration.

    Graduates of Marine biology are known as “Marine biologists” and are involved in a wide range of projects including:

  • Impact studies on whether marine protected areas conserve local biodiversity
  • Growth and reproduction of commercially important species.
  • Effects of global climate change on coastal ecosystems.
  • Controlling invasive marine pest species.
  • ecological effects of aquaculture

    Employment opportunities include:

  • Research
  • Environmental Management
  • Nature Conservation
  • Wide variety of non-biological careers (e.g. management, administration, leisure and tourism industry)
  • Water companies
  • Coastal authorities
  • Government and University research laboratories
  • Leisure industry
  • Pharmaceutical industry


  • Note: More qualifications including a masters or PHD in science may often be required for some of the more senior research positions and it is common that students persist with their honours for practical experience.


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