Program Overview

Master of Marine Science and Management

The Master of Marine Science and Management is a postgraduate degree that delves deeply into the study of ocean and marine sciences. The program is delivered from the University's National Marine Science Centre teaching and research facility in Coffs Harbour, on the shores of the Solitary Islands Marine Park.

Overview

The curriculum is strongly influenced by the needs of industry and potential employers, with a focus on sustainability and management. The program combines theoretical and practical approaches, including field studies in various coastal and marine environments. Students will explore marine management and ecology, conservation and biodiversity, and strategies towards environmental sustainability and pollution mitigation.

Learning Outcomes and Graduate Attributes

Upon completion of the program, graduates will be able to:

• Exercise knowledge of research principles and methods applicable to investigating marine science and management
• Make decisions and exercise informed judgement in relation to marine science and management issues
• Apply knowledge and skills with initiative and creativity in new challenges or situations
• Apply sustainability principles to relevant research and professional contexts
• Demonstrate highly developed judgement and use of ethical framework(s) in scholarly, research, and professional contexts

Specialisations, Majors, and Minors

The program focuses on the sustainability and management of various marine ecosystems. Specialist marine units include:

• Ocean change biology
• Pollution of the marine environment
• Sustainable use of the marine environment
• Marine research projects tailored to meet individual needs or interests

Availability

The program is available at the National Marine Science Centre in Coffs Harbour, with teaching periods in Session 1 and Session 2.

Requirements

To be eligible for the award of Master of Marine Science and Management, candidates must successfully complete sixteen units (192 credit points) comprising:

1. All four units listed in Part A
2. Eight units from Part B
3. Four units from Part C

Entry Requirements

Students who have completed a Bachelor of Science Degree specialising in a field of Biology or Environmental Science may receive advanced standing for four units in Part C. Those with an Honours Degree in Marine or Environmental Science or relevant research experience may receive advanced standing for additional units.

Course Structure

The program consists of three parts:

Part A

• Frontiers in Marine Science I - Biological Systems and Management
• Frontiers in Marine Science II - Physical and Chemical Oceanography
• Advanced Marine Ecology
• Environment and Development

Part B

Elective units include:

• Survey Design
• Sustainable Use of the Marine Environment
• Marine Communities as Sentinels of Change
• Coral Reefs on the Edge
• Marine Mammals: Biology and Conservation
• Marine Systems Science and Management
• Marine Pollution
• Ocean Change Biology
• Research Project I
• Advanced Coastal Biogeochemistry
• Research Project II
• Postgraduate Independent Study - Science I
• Scientific Diving
• Project Management
• Geographical Information Systems
• The Positive Leader
• Protected Area Management
• Strategic Knowledge Management

Part C

Elective units include:

• Fisheries Management
• Aquaculture Management
• Fisheries Biology
• Coastal Marine Ecosystems
• Coastlines - Diversity, Dynamics and Risks
• Environmental Chemistry

Duration and Location

The program is available full-time over two years or part-time over four years, depending on unit availability and prior study or work experience. The program is delivered at the National Marine Science Centre in Coffs Harbour.