collage | Are you interested in ocean ecosystems and sea life? Are you concerned about how pollution or climate change affects our oceans? If so, you might consider a program in marine biology, which is the study of marine organisms, their behaviors, and their interactions with the environment. Canada is an outstanding place to pursue studies in this field, with excellent schools near natural laboratories such as oceans, marshes, offshore islands and diverse marine seashores for field work. There are excellent facilities available including well-equipped laboratories with pool tanks and greenhouses. Some institutions provide access to boats and research vessels.Marine biology students often pursue general sciences at first, with courses in biology, zoology, chemistry, physics, math and statistics. Students then major in marine biology later in their Bachelor of Science degree, or pursue graduate studies in this field. Some Canadian schools also offer co-op education programs providing work practicums at research labs or aquaculture farms. These programs enable students to apply their knowledge of marine biology and gain valuable work experience.There are many exciting and diverse employment opportunities in this field. Marine biology graduates may find work with government departments, university research labs, consulting and research companies, private enterprises, coastal authorities, the aquaculture industry, the leisure industry, water companies, charities or even public interest groups. An emerging area of specialization is marine biotechnology, which involves developing and testing new drugs based on marine organisms. |
Marine Biology Master’s and PhD Programs in Canada
Marine Biology graduate and post-graduate programs and degrees offered in Canada.
Browse and compare over 10,000 master’s, graduate certificate, doctorate (PHD) and residency programs offered in universities, faculties and research centres across Canada.
What is a marine biologist?
Marine biologists’ primary focus is the ocean’s ecosystem and marine life. Typically, a marine biologist investigates the behaviour and physiological processes of marine species, diseases and the surrounding environment. They also evaluate the effects of human activities on marine life. A marine biologist may have different job titles, such as an aquatic biologist, conservation biologist, wildlife biologist, biological technician, zoologist or fisheries biologist.
Why Marine Biology
With over 60 graduate students, the Department of Ocean Sciences has 13 full-time, 2 Emeritus, 1 Honorary, and 2 cross-appointed faculty members. Approximately 12 researchers from outside the university, many employed in government laboratories (agriculture, fisheries, forestry, wildlife), hold adjunct appointments with the Department and contribute to the graduate program as co-supervisors and supervisory committee members. A strategic goal of the Department is to provide high-quality educational and training opportunities, particularly at the graduate level. Our graduate students are engaged in a variety of research areas including physiology, biochemistry, and molecular biology; biological and chemical oceanography; behavioural and population ecology; and aquaculture and fisheries.
What does a marine biologist do?
The work of a marine biologist is to study the origin, structure, behaviour and functions of all living organisms in the sea. They also study connected estuaries, lakes and rivers and their relationship with the environment. The specific responsibilities of those following a career in marine biology vary. Most professionals specialize in a particular area, such as single-celled organisms, mammals, plants or coral. Some marine biologists specialize in marine biotechnology, focusing on the benefits of marine species and their importance in industrial processes.
Duties and responsibilities
Here is a list of the typical duties and responsibilities of a marine biologist:
- Reviewing of current discovery research and literature
- Collecting control biological samples and non-living media for analysis
- Studying the behaviour and relationship of all lives in the water bodies
- Establishing the evolution and distribution of organisms and their surrounding in the ocean
- Using and preserving instrumentation to monitor organisms and measure environmental properties
- Restoring damaged marine ecosystems
- Using computer systems to generate predictive data for the marine ecosystem
- Collaborating with stakeholders to monitor pollution
- Supporting and monitoring environmental compliance
- Providing support for coast guard units and fisheries management when the need arises
Senior responsibilities
Senior marine biologists may also carry out administrative responsibilities. Such responsibilities include:
- Navigating different agencies and regulations to manage the ecosystem in question
- Drawing grant proposals to finance research and fieldwork
- Preparing scientific papers to report research findings
- Presenting research findings to stakeholders and policymakers
- Engaging the public to create awareness about common challenges affecting marine ecosystems, such as overfishing and climate change
- Providing jurisdictions for different laws and regulations
- Preparing project plans and budget schedules
- Sharing data on the endangered species
How to become a marine biologist
Here are the steps you can follow when learning how to become a marine biologist:
1. Complete your high school studies
The best way to build a foundation in marine biology is to start early by choosing related subjects like mathematics, chemistry, biology and computer science in high school. Summer camps at marine study centres are open for high school students to learn about sailing and marine exploration. You can also spend your school holidays volunteering at a local aquarium, where you can work as a docent with marine life in display tanks.
2. Get a degree in marine biology
Marine biology is a complex field that requires expert knowledge to become eligible to work. An undergraduate or graduate study is the starting point of a student who chooses this career path. While there are many job titles that a marine biologist can apply for, most employers look for professionals who have at least completed a degree in marine biology to join entry-level jobs. To work as a marine biologist, you may pursue alternative courses such as zoology or biology and later advance to a master’s degree in marine biology.
A bachelor’s degree in marine biology qualifies you for several careers in the marine biology field, but higher education is crucial for career advancement. When you enrol in a degree program in marine biology, you can study subjects like cell biology, ecology, evolution, and biochemistry. You may also select other related courses like marine ecology and marine zoology. Biology studies comprise laboratory practicals. These prepare you to understand the use of different laboratory tools, how to conduct yourself in a laboratory environment and the essential protocols to observe.
3. Gain work experience
Earning a marine biology degree imparts theoretical knowledge and prepares you for an entry-level role in this field. Finding an internship helps broaden your practical skills gained from classwork in a real-world setting. They could be paid or unpaid opportunities, but they contribute to your academic credits while performing duties at a biological research centre or a marine laboratory. Before applying for an internship, you need to complete one or two years of study to gain the necessary foundational skills.
4. Pursue a master’s degree program
A master’s degree program prepares you for higher positions in the marine biology field. Some courses you can specialize in include marine chemistry, geology, biostatistics, ecosystems and oceanography. Like in your undergraduate program, this program has electives to select that can help impart the skills that students require in this field.
Students pursuing this study are also free to take subjects of their interest. For instance, a marine biologist specializing in marine mammals can focus on the behaviour, conservation or curing of diseases. A master’s program also entails instructions in research, research equipment, lab methods and thesis writing. Before graduating, you also need to conduct independent research on a topic of your choice and submit a thesis under the supervision of an experienced marine biologist.
5. Pursue a doctorate
For students who wish to improve their research skills, undertaking a doctorate program is crucial. It involves research in an area of interest and requires extensive original research to contribute to the field of study. While a master’s degree takes two to three years, a Ph.D. program takes approximately six years. A marine biologist who holds a Ph.D. is an expert in the field and can lead other teams to conduct research in their field of study. A doctorate also allows you to join academia by teaching in higher learning institutions.
New Brunswick: Marine Biology Graduate Programs
| Marine Biology University of New Brunswick – Saint John [www], [profile] Faculty of Science, Applied Science and Engineering Department of Biology [www] Doctor of Philosophy, graduate studies | |
| Marine Biology University of New Brunswick – Saint John [www], [profile] Faculty of Science, Applied Science and Engineering Department of Biology [www] Master of Science, graduate studies |
Newfoundland: Marine Biology Graduate Programs
| Marine Biology Memorial University of Newfoundland [www], [profile] Faculty of Science Department of Biology [www] Master of Science, graduate studies | |
| Marine Biology Memorial University of Newfoundland [www], [profile] Faculty of Science Department of Biology [www] Doctor of Philosophy, graduate studies |
Best Marine Biology Universities in Canada
become a marine biologist, you need to immerse yourself in world-class education. If you are confused as to what
school to pick, read on below to learn more about Dalhousie’s Marine Biology program – and the reasons why it is one of the best university in Canada when it comes marine education.
Dalhousie University’s Marine Biology Program
Dalhousie University is undoubtedly one of the best places to study Marine Biology in Canada – and the entire world. The university, which is included in the Academic Ranking of World University’s top 201-300
schools, features a comprehensive learning experience inside and outside the classroom.
Dal students study comprehensive biology classes during their first and second years, while they get to explore diversity, ecology, physiology and other aspects during their third and fourth years.
Major and Double Majors, as well as Honours and Combined Honours programs are offered through a 4-year period. With these options, Dal students get to study Marine Biology, as well as other associated disciplines, so that they can apply their profound knowledge in various settings, as needed.
Why Choose Dalhousie
Still confused as where to take up Marine Biology? Here are some points that can convince you as to why Dalhousie is the best place for marine learning:
World leader in marine biology education
A good scholastic foundation is essential if you want to become a world-renowned marine biologist. Dalhousie can give you this (and more), as the university is well-known for its intensive Marine Biology program. The school provides excellent observational scenarios for marine life right at the heart of the campus.
Apart from a good theoretical foundation, Dal students are given the chance to apply their knowledge with hands-on training in both laboratory and field settings. Such immersive experiences give Dal graduates a head start in comparison to graduates of other schools.
Manned by experts in Marine Biology
Excellent education is a sure thing in Dalhousie, whose faculty members are world leaders in the fields of genetics, marine mammal behavior and physiology, fisheries conservation, to name a few. After all, the student is the reflection of his teacher.
Home to the world’s foremost research efforts and laboratories
Dalhousie University is part of U15, Canada’s group of research-driven universities. As for Marine Biology, Dalhousie leads the pack since most of its faculty members are engaged in diverse marine studies.
- The University is also home to the Ocean Tracking Network, a research cooperative that focuses on fish migration patterns.
- It is also one of the co-founders of the Halifax Marine Research Institute, an association that aims to improve marine studies in the region.
- Alongside WWF-Canada, Dalhousie has also instituted the Conservation Legacy for Oceans in an effort to improve the different aspects of marine science.
collage