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Marine Biology Degree Planner

Marine BiologyÌý

The Department of Biology at Â鶹´«Ã½ offers the widest range of biology courses in Atlantic Canada and Majors in both Biology and Marine Biology.ÌýComplete your undergraduate degree steps away from the ocean as a major, or consider completing an honours or co-op degree and/or earning one or more certificates if certain courses are taken as part of the program.


Your major map: Marine Biology

The Marine Biology Major Map highlights academic and co-curricular opportunities and provides an overview of how students can customize their degree. Students are encouraged to connect with advising supports at Â鶹´«Ã½ and use the Ìý²¹²Ô»å to create their course plan.


Ìý< 30 CREDIT HOURS /FIRST YEARÌý

  • Complete required introductory courses in biology: BIOL 1010/1011 and in other subjects. See the first-year course planner worksheet for more information
  • At the end of your first year, you can declare your major and register for second-year courses

30-60 CREDIT HOURS/SECOND YEARÌý

  • You will start taking more core courses* in MARI, gaining knowledge and lab experience: BIOL 2003, BIOL 2004, BIOL 2020, BIOL 2030, BIOL 2040, BIOL 2060
  • Consider combining your degree with another subject with a double major, minor, or certificate
  • Consider incorporating summer field courses through the SEASIDE program or courses abroad

60-90 CREDIT HOURS/THIRD YEAR+Ìý

  • Aim to take 4-6 MARI courses*. MakeÌýsure you're on track with course requirements usingÌýDARSÌý
  • Looking for a hands-on learning experience? there are many experiential learning and directed research courses offered by the department
  • Apply for an honours degree ahead of your fourth year if you are considering graduate studies

90-120 CREDIT HOURS/FINAL YEAR

  • In your final year, you should be taking 4-6 MARI courses*
  • Complete any requirements for a certificate or minor and check your degree audit to ensure you are on track to graduateÌý
  • Apply to graduate by Dec 1 for spring convocation and July 2 for fall convocationÌý

*Note that not all courses are offered each semester or year and that course requirements may vary according to your degree type (major, double major, minor, honours). Be sure to keep track of these by consulting the academic calendar.

*After declaring your major, we strongly encourage you to connect withÌýprogram advisorsÌýfor course planning and any other questions related to your program.Ìý Ìý

Ìý< 30 CREDIT HOURS/FIRST YEAR Ìý

  • Build connections by enrolling in a (FIGS) like Oceans or Climate Change
  • Sign up to beÌý

30-60 CREDIT HOURS/SECOND YEARÌý

  • Explore the portal to browse through work and volunteer opportunities on and off campusÌý
  • Combine academic study and paid career-related work experience by enrolling in co-op

60-90 CREDIT HOURS/THIRD YEAR+ ÌýÌý

90-120 CREDIT HOURS/FINAL YEAR

  • Gain teaching and communication skills by applying for a teaching assistant role or working with a science outreach organization like or
  • Attend career prep workshops or apply for graduate or professional programs
  • Don't forget to complete your Co-Curricular Record!

Ìý< 30 CREDIT HOURS/FIRST YEARÌý

  • Attend the Dal Science Welcome Party
  • Attend the Faculty of Science Program Fair for help planning your next steps
  • Consider joining DAMS – Â鶹´«Ã½ Association of Marine Biology Students! Meet other like-minded students and participate in fun eventsÌý

30-60 CREDIT HOURS/SECOND YEARÌý

  • Reach out to the Department's many world-class researchers and faculty to join a research lab as a volunteerÌý
  • Attend departmental seminars every week to listen to talks by faculty, graduate students and industry experts about ongoing researchÌý

60-90 CREDIT HOURS/THIRD YEAR+ Ìý

  • Consider running for a position with the Dal Science Society's Executive or with your student society

90-120 CREDIT HOURS/FINAL YEAR

  • You're about to join over 30,000 other grads all over the world as a Dal Science alumni!Ìý
  • Stay involved with your faculty and department and with our incredible network of alumni

Ìý

Ìý< 30 CREDIT HOURS/FIRST YEARÌý

  • Familiarize yourself with Â鶹´«Ã½'s many supports and reach out to advisors for guidance
  • Plan out your course credits using the department's degree checklist

30-60 CREDIT HOURS/SECOND YEARÌý

60-90 CREDIT HOURS/THIRD YEAR+ Ìý

90-120 CREDIT HOURS/FINAL YEAR

For any questions about your major, enrolling in a minor or certificate, summer research, or honours, speak with a program advisor!


Where your degree can take you

A BSc degree in Marine Biology provides great preparation for a variety of careers. The skills and knowledge acquired through this program can be applied, but areÌýnot limited to career paths in:

Conservation, government and regulatory affairs, fisheries and aquaculture, ecology, research, science communication, law, consulting, education, veterinary medicine, and technical writing, among many more.


Core competencies gained

Discipline-level skills:Ìý

  • Understanding of core biological topics (ecology, evolution, cell, animal and plant diversity, and genetics)
  • Experience with integrative approaches to studying population ecology, marine habitats, and ecosystems
  • An understanding of basic oceanography and how the characteristics of marine environments interact with marine life
  • Knowledge of how and why oceans change and the connection between humans, marine animals, and the marine environment

Transferable skills:Ìý

  • Academic writing and presentation skills
  • Critical thinking, synthesis, and analytical skills
  • Communication skills
  • Numeracy skills
  • Time/project management
  • Leadership and teamwork
  • Basic statistical analyses
  • R SoftwareÌý
  • Research/fieldwork skills

Possible careers and employment

Marine biology Alumni can be employed within a variety of industries and have multiple career path options. These are influenced by the student's elective courses, experiential learning choices, and certificates.ÌýSome of the options below will typically require additional or graduate-level training*, while some can be pursued following the completion of baccalaureate program only.

  • AquaristÌýÌý
  • Aquatic Technician
  • Education Specialist
  • Endangered Species Researcher*ÌýÌý
  • Environmental Planner
  • Environmental Consultant
  • Field Scientist*
  • Fisheries Biologist*
  • Fisheries Officer
  • Laboratory Manager
  • Laboratory TechnicianÌý
  • Marine Biologist*
  • Marine Lawyer*
  • Microbiologist*
  • Outreach Programs CoordinatorÌý
  • Research TechnicianÌý
  • Sustainable Seafood Advisor
  • Stranding Responder
  • Science WriterÌý
  • Teacher/Professor*Ìý
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