how to become a marine biologist

Marine biologists study the origin, structure, functions and behaviour of all forms of life in the sea and connected estuaries, rivers and lakes, as well as their relationships with each other and the environment.

Personal requirements for a Marine Biologist

Interested in the marine environment and its inhabitants
Analytical and problem-solving ability
Good written communication skills
Good mathematics skills
Able to work as part of a team
Caring and understanding
Strong logical thinking skills

Education & Training for a Marine Biologist

To become a marine biologist you usually have to study marine or environmental biology, marine science, marine environment or a related field at university. You may also consider major streams that emphasise marine biology, such as aquaculture. A bachelor degree in science can then follow into a major in marine biology or science. To get into these courses you usually need to gain your Senior Secondary Certificate of Education. Prerequisite subjects, or assumed knowledge, in one or more of English, mathematics, chemistry, earth and environmental science, biology and physics are normally required. Universities have different prerequisites and some have flexible entry requirements. Contact the institutions you are interested in for more information.

Duties & Tasks of a Marine Biologist

Marine biologists:

Estimate the number of marine organisms and analyse their population features
Observe communities of marine organisms and determine the factors influencing their structure
Assess and advise on the causes, effects, prevention and control of introduced species
Use numerical and statistical skills to design laboratory and field experiments
Design and carry out environmental impact assessments to determine whether change is caused by natural or human factors
Participate in studies aimed at predicting the effects of proposed developments
Develop long-term programs for monitoring environmental pollution
Provide guidance to help manage fisheries
Provide information and recommendations for the development of marine conservation and harvesting policies and programs, including aquaculture
Write scientific reports on research and investigations, and prepare more general information for scientific, managerial, political and general audiences
Provide advice to managers, politicians, primary producers, healthcare workers and the general public
Provide research training for students and staff seeking entry to this field.

Tasks

Plans and undertakes experiments to study, measure and understand marine animals and plants..
Investigates the interrelationships between animals in their natural surroundings, in captivity and in laboratories..

Working conditions for a Marine Biologist

Marine biologists may be required to work both in a laboratory and for extended periods at sea or on shore-based field stations. Fieldwork may include working on commercial fishing vessels, on small inshore vessels or scuba diving. In many cases, much of the work of marine biologists involves office work, research, writing reports and long hours in laboratories.

Employment Opportunities for a Marine Biologist

Marine biologists are employed by state, territory and federal government departments such as the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO), the Australian Institute of Marine Science (AIMS), resource and environmental departments, as well as universities and museums. Some marine biologists also work in the aquaculture and fisheries industries or in environmental consulting firms.Job opportunities depend on the level of funding for marine research from governments and private industry, the occurrence of marine ecological problems and community awareness of environmental and conservation issues.

Specializations

Marine Ecologist

A marine ecologist studies the interrelationships between marine organisms and their environment.

Marine Biologist

Marine Ecologist

A marine ecologist studies the interrelationships between marine organisms and their environment.

Average age

41 years
Future Growth

Moderate
Gender Share

40% female
Average full-time

43 hours
Weekly Pay

$1,794
Skill level rating

Very high skill
Unemployment

Average unemployment
Full-Time Share

78% Full-Time
Employment Size

670 workers
Employment by state

ACT: 1.7%
NSW: 11.2%
NT: 2.6%
QLD: 33.0%
SA: 8.2%
TAS: 12.4%
VIC: 7.0%
WA: 24.1%
Age brackets

15-19: 0%
20-24: 4.2%
25-34: 23%
35-44: 35.3%
45-54: 22.6%
55-59: 7.8%
60-64: 4.1%
65 and Over: 3%
Education level

Advanced Diploma/Diploma: 1.7%
Bachelor degree: 37.8%
Certificate III/IV: 0.9%
Post Graduate/Graduate Diploma or Graduate Certificate: 59.2%
Year 10 and below: 0%
Year 11: 0%
Year 12: 0.5%