Studies & Degrees in Marine Biology

Choose where you would like to study Marine Biology:

The study of Marine Biology deals with understanding of plants, animals, and other organisms in the ocean. At that, Marine biology examines not only the organisms per se but also the organisms’ environment (biomes) and how these organisms interact with their environment. In Marine Biology, marine life is classified based not on taxonomy but according to each organism’s habitat. In this light, the study of marine biology focuses on the analysis of plants, animals, microscopic organisms and their natural environment.

If you choose to build a career in the field of Marine Biology and be employed as a Marine Biologist in the future, you must now familiarize yourself with the following terms and studies so as to ready yourself in studying Marine Biology as a degree program in college: Biology; Zoology; General Chemistry; Organic Chemistry; General Physics; Marine Science; Biological Oceanography; Fisheries; Molecular Biology and Cell Biology; Genetics; Physiology; Organismal Diversity; Mammalian Physiology; Microbial Physiology; Invertebrate Physiology; Cellular Physiology; Phycology; Marine Phycology; Ichthyology; Marine Ichthyology; General Microbiology; Environmental Microbiology; Invertebrate Zoology; Comparative Histology of Marine Organisms; Marine Aquaculture; Population and Community Ecology; and Applications of Biotechnology in Marine Biology. Marine Biology majors mat take electives on specific studies related to Marine biology such as: Coral Reef Ecology; Tropical Marine Invertebrates; Deep Sea Biology; Biology of Algae and Marine Environmental Physiology. Of course, marine biologists need to submit reports as a result of their research which is why studying marine biology also includes taking English course subjects such as Technical Writing, Small Group Communication, and Speech Communication. Strong oral and written communication skills are required of everyone.

Studying Marine Biology does not restrict the students inside the classroom. A lot of field works are done by the students in order for them to fully understand the marine life. Students studying marine biology are taught underwater photography, SCUBA diving, snorkelling, and other water sports and activities which will help them do their field work for research purposes. At that, marine biologists need to focus on observation and research as they have to keep an eye on details when searching underwater.

Marine Biology degree programs are offered in a number of countries around the world, including Australia, United States of America, United Kingdom, Canada, New Zealand, Philippines, and Malaysia. Students who are graduates of Marine Biology are employed as Marine Biologists in a number of institutions such as the government where they can participate in rescue missions for aquatic animals and the whole marine life, museums, aquariums and oceanariums, private research laboratories where they work as laboratory scientists and research for findings for academic purposes, consultancy firms, or in colleges and universities which offer marine biology degree programs. For one to be successful in his/her career as a marine biologist, experience is the key. The more the person has experience in the field of marine biology, the higher his/her salary gets. Marine biologists earn thousands of dollars every year and that will continue to rise as they gain experience through lab and field work.