MARINE BIOLOGY
FACULTY OF SCIENCE
Marine biology is the study of life in the sea in all 1STYEAR LEVEL COURSES
its aspects. The world’s oceans cover 70% of the • Cell Biology (BIO1000)
surface of the planet and have an average depth • Biological Diversity (BIO1004)
of almost 4 km, thus providing more than 95% of • Chemistry (CEM1000)
all the ‘living space’ on earth. They are also the • Mathematics (MAM1004)
most poorly known of all environments, making • Introductory Statistics for Scientists (STA1007)
marine biology a pioneering science in which
new discoveries are frequently made. Cape Town is 2ND YEAR LEVEL COURSES
one of the best locations in the world to study • Principles of Oceanography (SEA2004)
marine biology, as it is situated near three of the • Principles of Ecology & Evolution (BIO2014)
world’s major oceans: the Atlantic, Indian and
Southern. UCT has a long and proud history as At least one of the following three courses:
a centre of research and education in marine • Vertebrate Diversity & Functional Biology
studies. (BIO2015)
• Invertebrate Diversity & Functional Biology
Students taking this major will learn about (BIO2016)
marine life in all its forms, from viruses to • Plant Diversity & Functional Biology (BIO2017)
whales, and about the structure and function of
various marine ecosystems, ranging from coral 3RD YEAR LEVEL COURSES
reefs to polar seas and from estuaries to the • Marine Ecosystems (BIO3002)
abyssal depths, with a focus on southern Africa. • Marine Resources (BIO3017)
The third-year courses address management and
conservation of marine resources. In addition CAREER OPPORTUNITIES FOR GRADUATES
to formal lectures and assignments, the various Students graduating with a BSc degree with
courses making up this major have field trips, a major in Marine Biology are well placed to
tutorials and practical sessions that introduce study further at postgraduate level in either
students to experimental and analytical methods Marine Biology or similar disciplines, either
used by professional marine scientists. in South Africa or elsewhere. There are career
opportunities in private consulting firms,
WHO WOULD BE INTERESTED IN THIS MAJOR? marine fisheries and aquaculture companies; in
Any student interested in life in the sea and in the research establishments such as the Council for
sustainable management of human activities in Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR); in the
the sea would find this major of interest. The government Departments of Agriculture, Forestry
major is suited to students interested in a career and Fisheries and of Environmental Affairs;
in marine biology, fisheries science and marine in conservation agencies; in natural history
conservation. museums; in the education sector; in various
forms of media and tourism; and many more.
WHAT COURSES WILL YOU TAKE?
The compulsory courses listed below must be
included in your selection of courses for a major MINIMUM ADMISSION AND SUBJECT
in Marine Biology. Students are encouraged to REQUIREMENTS (See table overleaf)
take co-majors in either Ocean and Atmosphere FPS of 550
Science, Biology, Biochemistry, Genetics, Mathematics 70% & Physical Science 60%
Quantitative Biology or Environmental and NBT in Mathematics, AL & QL to be written
Geographical Science.
