Marine biology is the study of marine organisms, and their behaviours and interactions with the environment. If you’re fascinated by our amazing marine life and the coastal environments in which they live, then this major is for you. With complex issues such as climate change, growing populations, food production and depleting natural resources, the need for marine science professionals continues to grow.

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.

Courses In Marine Biology In Ireland

Are you fascinated by sea life? Have you an appetite to learn more about marine organisms and the environment they interact with?  Are you an avid Discovery channel fan and envision spending your days working with all things aquatic? Taking a courses in marine biology could be your dream come true. Here’s how to become a marine biologist in Ireland:

Courses in Marine Biology

In Ireland, there are both undergraduate and post-graduate courses in marine biology available to gain a qualification. At an undergraduate level, there are two full-time courses currently available.  The Bachelor of Science degree in Applied Freshwater and Marine Biology and Marine Sciences. At post-graduate level, there is a one-year full-time MSC in Marine Biology. NUI Galway accepts applications for their full-time structured PhD in Marine Sciences. Furthermore, the Bachelor of Science degree in Applied Freshwater and Marine Biology degree programme is offered by Galway-Mayo Institute of Technology. GMIT also have some masters programmes such as Marine Biological Resources (International masters) and an MSc in Applied Marine Conservation.

First Steps

The first step on your path to becoming a marine biologist is to ask yourself what intrigues you the most about the ocean? First of all, do your research to determine if it is the right career for you. There are regular workshops on marine life across Ireland. Also, colleges encourage prospective students to visit their campuses and speak to lecturers and students. You should also consider options for volunteering for a marine biology-based organisation.

 Get Qualified

The next step is to attain a qualification in marine biology or another relevant biological science. There are a number of course pathways to become a marine biologist. Applicants should consider studying Zoology, Plant Biology or any of the biological, bio-molecular or biochemistry sciences because these will give students the opportunity to specialise in marine biology at post-graduate level.

What will you study?

On a course in marine biology, you will study everything from large ocean animals to the tiny organisms they consume. Marine biology courses offer modules on marine biology, earth science, chemistry and experimental physics.  Students will also cover mathematics, applied maths, statistics, zoology, oceanography, meteorology, botany, geology and microbiology. Students study all marine microbes, plants and animals over the course of four years.

Furthermore, students learn through a mix of classroom, laboratory and field research learning activities. They will learn how to use instruments designed to track organisms and measure the elements of the environment. They will also learn how to analyse the health of various components of the marine environment and use computer modelling to build predictive data for the marine ecosystem.

Field research may also include studying the microorganisms that inhabit lakes and collecting field samples of biological samples and non-living organisms to perform dissections and analyses.

Career prospects as a marine biologist

Marine biology can take you to fascinating places, allowing you to do what you love while you travel and meet a diverse set of people. There are many sub-disciples to marine biology that include microbiology, behavioural ecology, genetics and education. Graduates can seek to specialise in one of these areas through employment or at post-graduate level.

Marine scientists work for government as well as non-government organisations. Most noteworthy are marine research institutes, universities and commercial companies.  Employers include the Marine Institute, Bord Iascaigh Mhara and the EPA.

Marine Specialists

Graduates become ecologists, oceanographers and wildlife biologists. Others work in aquariums and zoos and as coastal resource workers. In addition, there are a number of highly specialised areas such as hydrology. This is where biologists study the surface water and seek to find ways to eliminate water pollution. Finally, there are specialities such as biotechnology, involving the development and testing of new drug treatments derived from the sea.