Marine biology and ocean science

Marine biologists and ocean scientists use contemporary tools and technology to study the different processes that shape our marine environments and the spectacular diversity of marine organisms within them.

Our experts investigate phenomena from local to global scales, from microscopic phytoplankton to cetacean megafauna to coral reef ecology. They also study the physics of ocean currents and the chemical and biological influences on the carbon cycle and their influence on climate change.

Learning from our experts, you’ll gain a range of technical skills, including water-quality sampling, using marine technology, remote sensing skills, spatial skills, big data analyses, marine organism identification, and more.

You’ll explore marine and coastal environmental protection, physical and biological oceanography, sedimentology, coral reef ecology and conservation, marine geoscience, environmental geochemistry, coastal and catchment processes, ecology and evolution of marine invertebrates, fisheries and aquaculture.

UQ marine biology and ocean science graduates work in varied fields as marine park managers, technicians in fisheries or aquaculture, ecological consultants, oceanographers, marine conservationists, science communicators, and more.

Why choose marine biology and ocean science at UQ? 

You’ll learn alongside award-winning researchers and teaching specialists who are world leaders in their fields and many of whom are part of the Centre for Marine Science.

You’ll develop critical and creative thinking skills, and apply the communication and quantitative toolkit you’ll need for your future career.

You’ll also gain hands-on experiences through workshops, practicals and excursions, or field trips to some of Australia’s most pristine ecosystems and research stations, including Moreton Bay Research Station on Minjerribah (North Stradbroke Island) and Heron Island Research Station on the Great Barrier Reef.

Choose your program

Browse our programs within this study area.

For answers to frequently asked questions, and information about program structures, applications, fees and student life, visit Study at UQ.