
The UNSW Introductory Marine Science (MSCI1001) course will introduce you to a cross-section of the theory and application of marine science. It also includes an opportunity to experience field research of coastal landforms at UNSW’s Smiths Lake Field Station. This course was known as MSCI2001 in 2020 and in prior years.
Marine Science spans across the disciplines of Geology, Chemistry, Physics and Biology. In studying the marine environment, you’ll learn about ocean and coastal ecosystems and a career in this field will allow you to make valuable contributions to climate change, threats to Australian marine life, solution design for waste management and more.
The Introductory to Marine Science course provides a fundamental understanding of how oceans work and covers the following topics:
Term offering: Term 2
Course attendance: In person
Level: Undergraduate - First year
Discipline: Marine science
Course code: MSCI1001
The course aims to provide a holistic understanding of how marine ecosystems work. During the course, you’ll develop a basic understanding of how the physics and chemistry of the ocean influence the biology and ecology of marine organisms.
There are 10 learning outcomes expected from this course:
This course is ideally taken prior to the following more advanced marine sciences subjects:
Marine scientists have a deep understanding of the ocean and marine life. By observing the interactions of marine plants and animals with coastal areas and the atmosphere, marine scientists can help preserve ecosystems.
At UNSW Science, you can specialise in marine science through The Introductory to Marine Science course or further your study in the broader field of environmental acience through the Master of Marine Science and Management.
“The field course gave us first-hand experience of marine science fieldwork. It also helped me to get to know the other students in a more focused environment. We had a good balance between work and fun. I really enjoyed the field trip and loved the whole experience. All coordinators were legends and they really allowed me to get a good grasp of marine science and research.”
- Introductory to Marine Science graduate.
For more information, please contact Associate Professor Paul Gribben.
T: +61 410 768 577