Program Overview

Marine Biology Program

The Marine Biology program at Dalhousie University is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of marine organisms and their environments. This program is ideal for students who are passionate about the ocean and want to pursue a career in marine biology.

Program Type and Faculty

The Marine Biology program is a Bachelor's degree program offered by the Faculty of Science, Department of Biology. The program is available at the Halifax and Truro and Bible Hill locations.

Program Options

The Marine Biology program offers several options, including:

• Honours
• Major
• Minor

Admission Requirements

To be considered for admission to the Marine Biology program, students must meet the minimum admission requirements, which include:

1. Completion of secondary school (Grade 12)
2. Achievement of the minimum average for the program of choice
3. Completion of Grade 12 English (or equivalent course)

In addition to the minimum admission requirements, the program has specific admission requirements, which include:

• Minimum overall average: 75%
• Academic English 12
• Pre-calculus Math 12
• Three additional academic subjects

Financial Information

A university education is a significant financial investment. The program offers competitive tuition, a robust scholarship and bursary program, and resources and support to help students explore financial options and develop a plan that works for them.

Program Structure

The Marine Biology program is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of marine organisms and their environments. The program includes a combination of classroom, laboratory, and field-based learning experiences. Students will take general biology courses and foundation-building science courses in their first two years, and then explore the ecology, diversity, physiology, and other aspects of marine animals and plants in greater depth in their third and fourth years.

Sample Courses

Some sample courses that students may take in the Marine Biology program include:

Year 1

• Writing for the Sciences
• Integrated Science I
• Principles of Biology I

Year 2

• Animal Diversity
• Diversity of Plants and Micro-organisms
• Cell Biology
• Evolution

Year 3

• Molecular Ecology
• The Ecology and Evolution of Fishes
• Marine Mammalogy
• Invertebrate Biology

Year 4

• Synaptic Function and Plasticity
• Coral Reefs and Environmental Change
• Marine Plants in the 21st Century
• Deep Sea Biology

Careers

The Marine Biology program at Dalhousie University qualifies students for technical positions in government fisheries, laboratories, aquaculture farms, and consulting firms. Some possible careers for graduates of the program include:

• Marine biologist
• Endangered species researcher
• Marine lawyer
• Aquatic technician
• Laboratory manager

Graduates of the program may also pursue further study at the graduate level in fields such as science, resource and environmental management, or marine management.