Marine Biology (BSc)(BA)
Study marine organisms and their environments to safeguard our oceans.
Why choose this program?
The sea’s the limit! If you’re passionate about the ocean, ¹û½´ÊÓƵ is where you want to be. We’re a national leader in marine biology education and research. You’ll learn in the classroom, lab and out in the field. You could find yourself on the water studying the behaviour of sperm whales, running your own underwater experiments, examining the diet of grey seals, or assessing the diversity of marine birds.
Admission requirements
Minimum admission requirements
To be considered for admission to this program, you must meet minimum academic criteria:
- Completion of secondary school (Grade 12)
- Achievement of the minimum average for your program of choice.
- Completion of Grade 12 English (or equivalent course).
Admission to many ¹û½´ÊÓƵ programs is competitive. This means that meeting minimum requirements does not guarantee admission.
Program-specific admission requirements
Minimum overall average: 75%
Academic English 12
Pre-calculus Math 12
Three additional academic subjectsÌý
Financial information
A university education is a significant financial investment. Every student is unique, and so are their financial circumstances. We offer competitive tuition, a robust scholarship and bursary program, and resources and support to help you explore financial options and develop a plan that works for you.Ìý
Program options
Courses counted toward a Major, Honours or Minor subject may also be used to fulfill the requirements of one or more certificates to indicate a certain level of proficiency in a given area or subspecialty.
Science Co-op is a program where academic study in a science subject is combined with paid career-related work experience. Students undertake three work-terms interspersed with their academic study terms. Science Co-op degree programs enable students to apply their knowledge directly while providing them with work experience that assists in making educated career choices.
The following Marine Biology program options are offered by ¹û½´ÊÓƵ University’s Faculty of Science. Connect with an academic advisor after you start your studies to explore options such as:  
Concentrated Honours Bachelor of Science in Marine Biology
Combined Honours Bachelor of Science in Marine Biology
Bachelor of Science with Major in Marine Biology
Bachelor of Science with Double Major Marine Biology
Minor in Marine Biology
What you will learn
There’s no better place to learn about the ocean than right here in Halifax, Nova Scotia. During your first two years, you’ll take general biology courses and foundation-building science courses. In third and fourth year, you’ll explore the ecology, diversity, physiology and other aspects of marine animals and plants in greater depth. Many marine biology students combine their studies with courses in chemistry or physics of the ocean, which are offered through the Department of Oceanography.
Sample courses may include:
Writing for the Sciences
Integrated Science I
ÌýPrinciples of Biology I
ÌýAnimal Diversity
ÌýDiversity of Plants and Micro-organisms
ÌýCell Biology
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Molecular Ecology
The Ecology and Evolution of Fishes
Marine Mammalogy
Invertebrate BiologyÌý
Synaptic Function and Plasticity
Coral Reefs and Environmental Change
Marine Plants in the 21st Century
Deep Sea BiologyÌý
You’ll venture out to the ocean, both on shore and on the water. You’ll observe examples of Atlantic Canada’s spectacular marine life. You’ll get first-hand experience in various research methods, like gathering live samples and collecting and assessing data. These are just a few of the advantages of studying marine biology at ¹û½´ÊÓƵ.
Careers
¹û½´ÊÓƵ’s marine biology program qualifies you for technical positions in government fisheries, laboratories, aquaculture farms, and consulting firms. In the program’s field schools or in honours research courses, you’ll get plenty of hands-on opportunities to explore the ocean. You’ll be prepared for the exciting challenges of a diverse range of marine-related careers.
Future study possibilities are abundant and may include graduate level programs in science, resource and environmental management, or marine management.
