What will I learn?
Marine Science (MARI) is a highly flexible study option with a group of core papers that provide a solid background in the marine sciences, allowing students to add other science papers according to their interests (from subjects such as Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Ecology and Geology).
You start by enrolling in:
- EAOS 111 Earth and Ocean Science
- MARI 112 The Living Ocean
Health Science students may enrol in MARI 112 as their optional eighth paper, allowing them to continue in Marine Science if they wish to do so.
Common pathways
Marine Biology
Study of marine animals and plants, conservation, and management strategies.
BSc in Marine Science, minor in Zoology, Botany, or Ecology.
Aquaculture and Fisheries
Study of marine farming and fishing, learning both how to conserve, manage and improve sustainable production and practices.
BAppSc in Aquaculture and Fisheries. A minor or second major is essential from an approved list.
Marine Physics and Modelling
Study the sea and how it moves: waves and tides, energy, climate, and global physical processes.
BSc in Marine Science, minor in Maths, Physics or Computational Modelling.
Marine Geology and/or Geography
Study the whole planet! Understanding the past helps us to plan for the future. This is where climate research really hits the road.
BSc in Marine Science, minor in Geology or Geography.
Marine Chemistry
Study the complex chemical soup of elements, nutrients, and compounds that is the sea.
BSc in Marine Science, minor in Chemistry.
How will I study?
Marine Science is very much a hands-on discipline. Apart from attending lectures and tutorials, you will also have practical laboratories and field trips at sea. The Department of Marine Science has research and teaching facilities on the main campus in Dunedin, a major research laboratory at Portobello on the Otago Peninsula and field stations on Stewart Island and in Doubtful Sound. A fleet of research vessels, including the expedition vessel RV Polaris II, provides access to all the local marine habitats.
Can I combine my Marine Science study with other subjects?
Students majoring in Marine Science can include a minor from a different subject. It is most easily combined with other sciences (e.g Ecology, Botany, Zoology, Chemistry and Geology) but adding it to other disciplines (e.g Education, Law, Geography or Tourism) would lead to interesting job opportunities.
Marine Science is also available as a minor in any undergraduate degree from Business, Humanities or Sciences.
What about further study?
The Department of Marine Science offers research opportunities in diverse fields, including: behavioural ecology, ocean physics, Antarctic science, coastal processes, ocean acidification, climate change, remote sensing, marine geology, and marine mammal biology and conservation.
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Background required
Students from a wide range of backgrounds are welcome to study Marine Science. You will need an interest in the marine environment and a solid foundation in science to Year 13 level. We particularly recommend Biology, Chemistry, Physics, and Statistics or Calculus.
