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Curtin University
Courses Handbook 2014

This handbook contains information for courses and units at Curtin in 2014.
Information for the previous year's courses and units is available at Courses Handbook 2013.

313558 v.2 Coastal and Marine Science Major (BSc Science)


Major/Stream Overview

This major/stream is part of a larger course. Information is specific to the major/stream, please refer to the course for more information.


This major provides students with the knowledge and practical skills to plan and manage human activities while conserving the marine and coastal environment. The emphasis of the course material is on science and management techniques for the aquatic environment. Fields of study include biology, sustainable aquaculture, environmental impact assessment, aquatic resource management, marine taxonomy and biodiversity, geographic information systems (GIS), geomorphology and the physical environment of the coastal zone. The curriculum focuses on the Australian coastal zone, however, international case studies are incorporated. This degree is an opportunity to meet the need for increased research into the coastal environment while managing the sustainability of the current and future anthropogenic activities within the coastal zone.



Major/Stream Entry and Completion Details

The Coastal and Marine Science major requires Mathematics 2C/2D and at least one WACE Science Course of Study Level 3A/3B.



Major/Stream Organisation

Major/Stream Learning Outcomes

A graduate of this course can:

1. apply principles and practices of environmental and biological science to the planning and sustainable management of coastal zones

2. apply problem solving and decision-making skills to develop innovative and sustainable solutions to the challenges facing Australia’s coastal zones

3. locate, extract and interpret relevant evidence and scientific literature to inform decision making; critically assess the value of information and available data in the creation of a scientifically-based argument

4. demonstrate written, oral and interpersonal communication skills appropriate to the conduct of a science professional

5. argue the merits and limitations of current and developing technologies in marine and coastal research and management

6. use research and learning skills to maintain currency of knowledge of the science related to management of coastal and marine areas; evaluate and actively engage in their own continued learning and development as environmental scientists

7. recognise the national and global imperatives driving coastal changes to biological, chemical and physical systems; integrate international case studies and experiences in the application of knowledge to coastal decision-making

8. incorporate indigenous and other community perspectives in the development of solutions to issues relating to the coastal zone

9. demonstrate professional and ethical practice in keeping with community and industry standards, and relevant to marine science


Course Structure Hrs/Wk Credit
Year 2 Semester 1
314501 v.1   Marine Biodiversity 200 4.0 25.0
314535 v.1   Atmospheric and Oceanographic Sciences 200 25.0
8306 v.9   Quantitative Biology 201 5.0 25.0
  SELECT ELECTIVE UNITS TO THE TOTAL VALUE OF:   25.0
  100.0
Year 2 Semester 2
312399 v.1   Ecotoxicology 202 4.0 25.0
314000 v.1   Gene to Phenotype 200 5.0 25.0
314504 v.1   Marine Ecology 200 4.0 25.0
  SELECT ELECTIVE UNITS TO THE TOTAL VALUE OF:   25.0
  100.0
Year 3 Semester 1
314680 v.1   Habitat and Landform Mapping 300 4.0 25.0
312387 v.1   Environmental Impact Assessment 301 4.0 25.0
314534 v.1   Advanced Marine Science and Technology 300 25.0
  SELECT ELECTIVE UNITS TO THE TOTAL VALUE OF:   25.0
  100.0
Year 3 Semester 2
314503 v.1   Sustainable Aquaculture 300 4.0 25.0
314536 v.1   Terrestrial and Marine Science Field Project 300 4.0 25.0
314537 v.1   Fisheries Science 300 4.0 25.0
  SELECT ELECTIVE UNITS TO THE TOTAL VALUE OF:   25.0
  100.0




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