collageAs the name suggests, marine biology is the study of marine organisms and their environment. They specialize in oceanography, including its chemical, physical, and geological aspects.
Obtaining this degree will open your horizons to several careers, including that of a full-fledged marine biologist, researcher, or environmental consultant. Here, we will be looking at the best countries to study marine biology.
Best Countries To Study Marine Biology
Marine biology is the study of marine organisms and their environment. They specialize in oceanography, including its chemical, physical, and geological aspects. obtaining this degree will open your horizons to several careers, including that of a full-fledged marine biologist, researcher, or environmental consultant. We will be looking at the best countries to study marine biology. If you decide to study this amazing course then these are best places to study marine biology,
1. Australia
- Reasons: Highly-regarded universities, Easy access to marine wildlife, Scholarships
Australia, surrounded by diverse waters and the Great Barrier Reef, is undoubtedly one of the best countries to study marine biology/science. For one, it has many institutions that offer the said course, including Macquarie University, Griffith University, and the University of New Melbourne (UMelb), to name a few. At UMelb, you get to study in the best school in Australia for marine studies. As a Marine Biology major, you have the opportunity to dabble in the basics of marine botany, ecosystems, and experimental marine biology. Likewise, you get to specialize by taking electives in applied ecology, geomorphology, or environmental imaging, to name a few. Scholarships in the University of Queensland and James Cook University, among others, are widely available as well.
2. United Kingdom
- Reasons: Established universities, Expert faculty, Access to biodiverse marine areas and research vessels, Accessibility to Europe’s best aquatic facilities, Scientific diving courses, Scholarships
With more than 7,700 miles of coastline, the UK is another country that offers immediate access to marine wildlife. Because of this reason, many UK institutions provide such a program. One example is the University of Plymouth, which offers an Honors course in Marine Biology. Here, students can study the diverse marine life – from the shallowest of waters to the deepest of trenches. For one, the nearby South Devon coast is one of the most biodiverse areas in the UK. Students will also enjoy optional modules, including Scientific Diving. Those interested in research may take part in research vessels along various conservation waters. Scholarships are also widely available in the university mentioned above, as well as Bangor University.
3. United States of America
- Reasons: Top-ranked marine biology schools, Distinguished faculty, accessibility to diverse marine wildlife
When it comes to studying marine biology, the US is undeniably one of the best countries for studying marine biology. For one, it’s home to some of the best marine biology schools in the world. More than having comprehensive curriculums and respected faculty, the US provides ready access to diverse marine wildlife. You have immediate access to the Pacific Ocean by enrolling in west coast universities (California State University/CSU, University of Washington), even those in the Pacific (University of Hawaii). Meanwhile, the Atlantic ocean is a stone’s throw away from east-coast schools (University of Miami, Duke University). No matter where you study in the US, you’re sure to get your hands on the organisms and niches you need to master. American universities also offer an array of scholarships, such as those from the University of Washington or CSU-Long Beach.
4. Portugal
- Reasons: Exceptional schools, Proximity to the Atlantic ocean, English programs, State-of-the-art marine facilities, International exchanges, Marine research centers
Located west of the European mainland is Portugal, a country famous for its historic beauty. It’s also next to the Atlantic ocean, thus making it a desirable destination for Marine Biology studies. In Portuguese institutions such as the University of Algarve, students don’t have to worry about the language barrier since courses are taught in English. Apart from offering immersive courses, the university also provides access to exceptional facilities, including a scientific diving center, a marine organism lab, and a field station, to name a few. To further diversify their marine knowledge, students may also participate in international exchanges. Those who wish to perform research may easily do so at the Center for Marine Science or the Center for Marine & Environmental Research.
5. Iceland
- Reasons: Reputable universities, Rich marine life, Various educational methods
The beautiful country of Iceland is also among the best countries to study marine biology A home to bountiful marine life. From whales to seals and dolphins, there’s so much to see in the country. This is just one of the many reasons why you should study Marine Biology in Iceland. Such a program is offered by select universities, including the University of Iceland. Alongside the Marine & Freshwater Research Institute, it provides a specialized program in Aquatic Biology and Fisheries. The focus, of course, is on freshwater & marine ecology/fisheries in sub-arctic waters. With this joint program, international students enjoy various study methods. The usual classroom instruction is coupled with hands-on data analysis, field studies, and research.
6. South Africa
- Reasons: Prominent universities, Diverse marine life, Double majors
Being located at the southernmost tip of the continent, South Africa is a good country to study marine biology due to its access to a diverse ocean. Take the case of the West Coast, which is home to the African penguin and the Cape fur seal. This nearness to diverse marine life makes South Africa one of the best destinations for budding marine biologists. Add to that, the country plays host to some of the best universities in the world. One good example is the University of Cape Town (UCT). Here, you can enroll in a Marine Biology course and learn more about marine life, ecosystems, and resource conservation, to name a few. Add to that, UCT Marine Bio students may major in other related disciplines, including Ecology & Evolution, Ocean & Atmosphere Science, etc. These listed countries are just a few among the best Countries To Study Marine Biology
marine biology bachelor’s degree
Marine biology bachelor’s degree encompasses a rigorous curriculum stressing a strong foundation in biological sciences as well as chemistry, math, physics and oceanography as preparation for further study in graduate school, and for a broad range of careers. Marine biology is the study of marine organisms, their behaviors and interactions with the environment. The marine biology major provides a wealth of experiential learning opportunities for students with a combination of wet labs, field trips and project-based courses. Get out of the classroom and into the sea at our Bonne Bay Marine Station or conduct your own marine project (under the watchful eyes of our resident harp seals) at the Ocean Sciences Centre. Admission requirements: You may apply for admission into the Faculty of Science by indicating marine biology bachelor’s degree of science as your program choice on the undergraduate application for admission. Direct entry into the Faculty of Science from high school is subject to meeting the general admission requirements for Memorial University. Admission to the major: Entry into the joint major in marine biology is competitive and based on academic standing. To be considered for admission to the joint major in marine biology, you must complete the following 30 credit hours (10 courses), or their equivalents with an overall average of at least 60%:
- Biology 1001 and 1002
- Chemistry 1050 and 1051 (or 1200 and 1001)
- six credit hours in critical reading and writing (CRW) courses, including at least three credit hours in English
- Mathematics 1000
- Ocean Sciences 1000
- Physics 1020 (or 1050)
- Physics 1021 (or 1051) or one Ocean Sciences course at the 2000 level
Students must complete Biology 1001 and 1002 with a minimum average grade of 65%, Ocean Sciences 1000 with a minimum grade of 65%. Students intending to major in marine biology must submit a departmental application form to either the Department of Biology or the Department of Ocean Sciences. Because of scheduling and course offerings, it will realistically take three semesters to complete all of these courses. You should contact the Department of Biology and the Department of Ocean Sciences at your earliest opportunity for academic advice.
Career opportunities
A marine biology bachelor’s degree of science, with a major in marine biology, prepares students for a variety of careers including:
- marine biologist
- biological oceanographer
- marine science educator
- fisheries officer
- research/field technician
- aquaculture scientist
- nature interpreter
- aquarium curator
- scuba diver
top marine science universities in the world
| Rank | Institution | Country | Academic | Employer | Citations | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Harvard University | United States | 87.3 | 100.0 | 85.1 | 87.9 |
| 2 | University of Cambridge | United Kingdom | 100.0 | 96.2 | 51.3 | 85.0 |
| 3 | Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) | United States | 96.8 | 82.8 | 42.2 | 79.0 |
| 4 | University of Oxford | United Kingdom | 91.5 | 83.0 | 47.3 | 77.4 |
| 5 | University of California, Berkeley (UCB) | United States | 85.5 | 55.7 | 60.8 | 75.1 |
| 6 | Princeton University | United States | 59.0 | 54.8 | 100.0 | 70.9 |
| 7 | California Institute of Technology (Caltech) | United States | 78.2 | 53.7 | 53.7 | 68.4 |
| 8 | Stanford University | United States | 80.2 | 65.8 | 40.0 | 66.7 |
| 9 | Australian National University | Australia | 79.0 | 48.6 | 38.0 | 63.7 |
| 10 | ETH Zurich (Swiss Federal Institute of Technology) | Switzerland | 78.9 | 39.6 | 33.8 | 61.4 |
benefits of studying marine biology
Marine biologists, sometimes called oceanographers, study the aquatic life of animals, plants and microbes. They get to travel to different parts of the world to learn more about the fascinating life under the water. If you love science, underwater creatures, and researching life, then consider a career as a marine biologist. The benefits of studying marine biology are never ending in this special field. They include: Studying the Wonderous World of Marine Life; Traveling to exotic places, spending time in ships or submarines and staying in nice hotels all over the world are just some of the benefits of being a marine biologist. Many times marine biologists get to go on expeditions for a few months to such places as Aruba, Cuba and the Philippines. Then when finished they may get to take a few months off until their next assignment. Other benefits of studying marine biology are Marine biologists get to study marine life using state of the art science equipment. Underwater gear, cameras and high tech computer systems. Working to Benefit the Next Generation; Marine biologists work to make our world better.
When a biologist does discover something that will change marine life for the better, whether it involves the animals themselves or their environment, it is rewarding. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor and Statistics, starting salaries in 2009 averaged $33,254 a year for wild life biologists who had a bachelor’s degree. Other Benefits include; Marine biologists can expect to receive medical benefits, paid vacations, sick days, 401k or other retirement savings plan. They may also receive bonuses or other types of benefits depending on their employer. Benefits of studying marine biology also include educational Grants i.e. There are educational grants that can help a marine biologist continue on with their education. A bachelor’s degree is good to have for a beginner marine biologist, but eventually they may want to get a master’s or doctorate degree, which can mean more monetary benefits and other opportunities for career advancement.
Best Marine Biology Universities and Programs in the World
The study of marine animals, their behavior, and their interactions with the environment are known as marine biology. To comprehend marine species, marine biologists study biological oceanography and the related sciences of chemical, physical, and geological oceanography.
Marine biology contributes to our understanding of marine geology by studying creatures that deposit their skeletal remains on ocean floors or create the huge coral reefs of the tropic seas. The study of how ocean events regulate organism dispersion is a major goal of marine biology.
Marine Biology is a great topic of study for many students. It offers a diverse range of professional options. Marine biologists can work in a wide range of fields. They can work as researchers, professors, or administrators at colleges and universities. This in turn is the reason for the large number of international students studying this subject. Some additional facts about this program are:
- A bachelor’s degree in Marine biology is generally 4 years in length.
- The average cost of a Marine biology degree can range anywhere from $10,000 to $50000 per annum depending on the University and place chosen for study.
- The most popular courses are BSc and MSc in Marine Biology.
- Some of the best Universities for Marine biology are the University of Washington, and the University of California-San Diego.
Popular degrees for pursuing a career in Micro Biology
A four-year bachelor’s degree in marine biology is divided into eight semesters. Marine biology courses differ from one college to the next. Among the topics covered in marine biology are
Popular bachelor’s programs in Marine Biology
- BSc (Hons) in Marine Biology
- Bachelor in Marine Science Biology
- B.S Marine Technology
- BSc(Hons) in Marine and Terrestrial Conservation
- BSc(Hons) in Marine Science
The goal of a master’s degree in marine biology is to provide advanced training in multidisciplinary marine biology. It equips students with the knowledge and skills needed to examine and comprehend marine ecosystems. This program normally lasts two years. Among the most well-known are:
Popular master’s programs in Marine Biology
- MSc in Marine Biology
- Master of Marine Conservation
- Master of Science in Marine Sciences
- MSc in Marine Science and Climate Change
- Master in Coastal and Marine Management
Specializations in Marine Biology
From tiny plankton to huge sharks and whales, marine biologists examine a diverse range of aquatic species. These are among the most popular specialties among marine biologists:
- Phycology
- Ichthyology
- Invertebrate zoology
- Marine mammalogy
- Fishery biology
- Marine biotechnology
- Marine microbiology
- Marine ecology
Specialization in the study of a single species is also prevalent.
Here are all potential employers for marine biologists:
- Zoos
- Aquariums
- Governmental organizations
- Labs
- Educational institutions
- Museums
- Periodicals,
- Environmental advocacy or conservation groups
- Consulting firms
- The US Navy, and the US Coast Guard
Duration of programs in Micro Biology
| Country | Bachelor’s Degree | Master’s Degree |
| the USA and Canada | 4 years | 15 months – 2 years |
| UK | 4 years | 1-2 years |
| Australia | 4 years | 1-2 years |
| Others | 3-4 years | 2 years |
Career opportunities in Marine Biology
Bachelor Degree Prospects
A bachelor’s degree in marine biology takes at least four years to complete and additional time to complete at the graduate level. Students can take courses in marine ecology, conservation and management, marine physiology, and marine evolutionary biology as part of an undergraduate marine biology major. Here are some of the available jobs after completion of this degree:
- Horticulturist
- Research technician
- Laboratory technician
- Microbiologist
- Marine biologist
- Natural resource technician
- Environmental planner
Master Degree Prospects
Successful students in this discipline have some of the best job chances after Masters in Marine Biology, and post-graduates establish interesting and diverse professions in a variety of industries. As a post-graduate, a job in the following industries are available:
- Oil and gas industry
- Aquaculture systems and ocean renewables
- Marine Biology Underwater
- Marine and offshore operations risk management
- Ocean renewable energy and ocean oil and gas
- Exploration businesses
Average salaries for Marine Biologists
Within the discipline of marine biology, a marine biologist studies and investigates creatures, both plants, and animals. Animals and plants that live in salty bodies of water are studied in this field. The following are the average salaries for marine biologists:
| Country | Average salary in USD*/year |
| Australia | $55456/ year |
| UK | $41757/ year |
| USA | $71,196/ year |
| Germany | $64258/ year |
| Canada | $49442/ year |
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