Approximately 70% of the Earth’s surface is covered by oceans which harbour underwater life. Yet, many of the species living underwater remain to be discovered. Marine Science focuses on all the aspects of the ocean’s environment, biology and ecosystems, how these interact and how this in turn influences our planet. This interdisciplinary field bridges Biology, Chemistry, Ecology, Physics and Mathematics.
Marine Science aims to understand the wonders of the underwater world but also limiting the detrimental human and environmental repercussions on the marine wildlife. Ocean acidification, climate change, over-fishing and pollution for example threaten marine biodiversity. You may have heard to the Australian Great Barrier Reef, the largest coral reef ecosystem. Unfortunately, with the rising ocean temperatures, the heat “expels” the colour in algae leading to “bleached corals” and biodiversity loss.
If the above themes interest you and you wish to make a valuable contribution to the oceans, you should consider becoming a marine scientist:
- Enrol in undergraduate courses such as costal studies, marine biology, marine ecology, marine conservation or oceanography. As this is a cross-disciplinary field, many different paths exists based on what interests you so make you browse all available options and countries which offer such a Bachelor before making a final decision.
- Expect entry requirements to be around Natural Sciences ie your Mathematics, Chemistry, Biology and/or Physics grades as well as a passion for this field. How do you know if this for you? Try it out through possible internship, work-shadowing or volunteer experiences. How does a local beach clean-up sound? Pick up some gloves and a bucket.
- Studied modules usually revolve around biology, chemistry, data analysis and statistics, oceanography (subject to change based on the offered courses and chosen specialisations). More niche subjects can include tropical ecology or fisheries sciences. A solid mathematical background is also needed for all the modelling and predicting processes.
Featured Courses
The CPD accredited courses are carefully crafted to help you gain in-depth knowledge on a topic of your interest.
Next Generation Sequencing (NGS)
This intermediate-level course provides a thorough overview of the field of next-generation sequencing, from its properties and strength and its major applications, to an overview of a typical sequencing workflow.
Molecular Microbiology
Molecular microbiology is a very progressive field of science, there is an enormous demand to understand the omnipresent microbes influencing our everyday life on sub-cellular level, which will be subject of this course.
Gene Therapy
Gene therapy is one of the youngest disciplines providing a novel way into treating diseases.
Cancer Biology: Exploring the Molecular and Genetic Aspects
This is an intermediate-level course that explores the molecular and genetic basis of cancer, its evolution, and cancer immunology.
Neuroscience
Neuroscience is one of the most advanced and fastest growing sciences. The beginning of the 21st century has seen huge developments in techniques to study and understand how the brain works.
CRISPR: Revolutionising Genome Editing
This advanced-level course is designed to develop an understanding of complex concepts related to genomics, particularly CRISPR/Cas technology and its applications...
4. Marine Science studies heavily rely on fieldwork – analysing ocean samples, standing at the stern on a boat and tagging turtles. There are high chances that you will end up wet! You also will dedicate your “dryer days” to data crunching and scientific literature reading so be prepared.
5. Examples of scientific literature you may exposed to: foraging and migration behaviours of turtles in the eastern Gulf of Mexico, vegetation response to climate change and enhancing microbial metabolism (chemical processes to maintain Life) for removal of pollutants in water environments.
