Master Of Marine Biology

What to expect Develop a comprehensive knowledge of marine biology as well as a diverse skill set with this interdisciplinary marine biology degree. Participate in specialised, hands-on training in unmatched locations like the JCU Orpheus Island Research Station on the Great Barrier Reef. Gain extensive experience in research methods and data and laboratory analysis while honing your data science and communication skills to bring your practise and research to the next level. Prepare for your future career through internships within government agencies and research institutions involved with the stewardship of UNESCO World Heritage listed coral reefs and other extraordinary environments like mangrove forests and the deep sea. Gain advanced knowledge and experience in the five areas that are most sought after by marine sector employers: marine biology, mathematics/statistics/modelling, environmental science and management, marine and microbial ecology, and cross-disciplinary studies. Enhance your research capabilities with the advanced research skills embedded in all subjects of the degree. Pursue your passion for discovery through the Master of Marine Biology’s Research major or gain valuable hands-on experience during a three-month workplace internship with one of JCU’s leading industry or government partners. Go deeper into the areas of marine biology that spark your passion as you explore topics such as quantitative marine ecology, conservation biology, fisheries, and the biology, life history and taxonomy of tropical marine organisms. You will study tropical marine systems with an emphasis on coral reefs and surrounding waters, seagrass meadows, mangrove assemblages and the adjacent sandy and rocky shores. JCU is a university for the Tropics, a region that is home to 80 per cent of the world’s terrestrial species and over 90 per cent of its mangroves and reef-building corals*, meaning your studies will equip you with the knowledge and skills to promote the conservation of the majority of the world’s biodiversity. Gain in-depth experience through field trips, laboratory-based classes, research projects and professional internship opportunities through JCU’s unique access to learning environments including the JCU Orpheus Island Research Station, the new Technology and Innovation Centre at the JCU Townsville, Bebegu Yumba campus, Douglas, the Marine and Aquaculture Research Facility (MARF), as well as the Advanced Analytical Centre (AAC) and high performance super computer. Career Opportunities: As a graduate of Australia’s only standalone Master of Marine Biology degree you will have outstanding discipline knowledge of marine biology, transferrable scientific, technical and quantitative skills, and qualities that enable you to contribute to improving marine ecosystems and tropical societies. During your one-year research project or three-month professional internship you will have opportunities to work with national and international institutions, local environmental industries, NGOs, and government departments for fisheries, science or environmental management. These opportunities frequently lead to employment or further research through PhD studies post-graduation. Graduate with confidence from the University rated #1 in Queensland for full-time employment outcomes and post-graduate level starting salary*. Highly regarded by employers, JCU marine biology graduates are sought after within a range of private and public sector organisations, both in Australia and internationally, for technical, research, education, management and policy-related positions. You can go on to employment within a high-profile environmental management and consultancy agency, a government department, a scientific research institute, a commercial venture, or in an education, tourism or even a global environmental media group.