This course gives students a thorough understanding of life in marine and aquatic environments, acquisition of skills to study them and the ability to detect and assess detrimental effects on marine environments such as climate change, pollution, remediation and human resource use. Students learn these skills and concepts through a combination of theory, field and laboratory experiences. Field trips undertaken in the later part of this course are particularly valued for the opportunities to practice the theory, knowledge and learn through experiencing the environment firsthand.

Applicants must have completed an Australian Year 12 qualification, Australian Qualifications Framework Diploma, or equivalent Australian or overseas qualification at the required level. The English proficiency requirement for international students or local applicants with international qualifications is: Academic IELTS: 6.5 overall with a writing score of 6.0; or TOEFL: paper based: 550-583 overall with TWE of 4.5, internet based: 79-93 overall with a writing score of 21; or AE5: Pass; or PTE: 58-64; or CAE: 176-184.