Coastal and Marine Science

Be a part of Australia's coastal and marine science community that is ensuring the sustainable management of our marine environment.

Key details

About this course

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).

Double degree options

You can study a Bachelor of Science (Coastal and Marine Science) with a Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Commerce.

See our handbook for more course information.

• You'll 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. 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

• Bachelor of Science (Honours)
• Master of Science (Dryland Agricultural Systems)
• Master of Science (Water Quality and Treatment)
• Master of Philosophy
• Doctor of Philosophy

• have demonstrated knowledge and understanding in coastal and marine science that is typically at a level that, whilst supported by advanced textbooks, includes some aspects that will be informed by knowledge of the forefront of coastal and marine science, GC1
• can apply their knowledge and understanding in a manner that indicates a professional approach to coastal and marine science, and have competencies typically demonstrated through devising and sustaining arguments (to both specialist and non-specialist audiences) and solving problems within coastal and marine science, GC2
• understand the constructs of the scientific method and apply these principles in coastal and marine science using digital technologies, GC3
• can gather and interpret relevant data within coastal and marine science to inform judgements that include reflection on relevant social, scientific, or ethical issues, including being aware of the diversity of international perspectives associated with coastal and marine science, and how these impact upon the practice of coastal and marine science, GC4
• understand and appreciate cultural diversity and how it impacts on the practice of coastal and marine science, GC5
• display a high standard of professional behaviour, including effective time management, both independently and as a team member, GC6