Marine environments all around the world are increasingly vulnerable to climate change and continued coastal development and resources extraction.

This major responds to the growing need to protect Australia’s coastlines, with an emphasis on marine biology, oceanographic sciences and resource management.

The course is informed and delivered by staff with research expertise in fish ecology, coral reef ecology, marine pollution, coastal geomorphology, sustainable fisheries and aquaculture. It has been designed with industry input, to ensure you develop scientific and marine research skills. You will be challenged to think as a marine scientist, developing your initiative and intellectual curiosity to help understand and protect the marine environment.

During your studies you'll interact with professionals working in marine and coastal science and management, such as Western Australia’s departments of Fisheries, Environmental Protection, and Environment and Conservation; marine science consultancies; and Curtin’s Centre for Marine Science and Technology.

This major sits within the Bachelor of Science (Science). It can also be studied as part of the Bachelor of Advanced Science course. To apply for this major, you will apply for the Bachelor of Science (Science).

Why study

Opportunities in coastal and marine science are growing rapidly. Graduates are sought in various industries and organisations – including federal, state and local governments,  environmental consultancies and non-government organisations – to devise solutions and advise on how to tackle future challenges.

How this course will make you industry ready

• You will 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. Permanently 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.

Careers

• Aquaculturalist
• Ecotoxicologist
• Environmental officer
• Fisheries scientist
• Marine scientist
• Natural resource manager

Industries

• Aquaculture
• Coastal management
• Ecotourism
• Fisheries
• Marine conservation
• Pollution control