What is Marine Science?
Marine Science is the study of marine creatures and their behaviors and interactions with the environment. Marine Scientists research the sea and study sea floors, plants, coastal areas, and the atmosphere.
Marine scientists and biologists study biological oceanography and the associated fields of chemical, physical, and geological oceanography to understand marine organisms and use the information gained to predict changes to the earth’s infrastructure, inform statutory legislation and encourage environmental protection.
What 3rd level courses are available?
Universities and colleges in Ireland are offering Marine Science courses in the following subject areas:
- Applied Science: Marine Biology – The study of multiple areas of marine biology theory and necessary field skills.
- International MSC in Marine Biological Resources – Gain the skills and knowledge necessary to work within Marine Biology.
- MSC in Applied Marine Conservation – The study of core and specialist competencies in key themes of fisheries, marine conservation, sustainability, and ecosystem-based management.
- Marine Tourism & Seafood Fundamentals – The study of marine leisure and seafood experiences to advance rural, coastal, and island economic development.
Studying Marine Science in college
Many Marine Science courses take place over 1 year to 4 years depending on the course and modules selected. There are also part-time courses and night courses available so you can be sure to fit in your studies no matter what your schedule is like.
Courses will cover all theory work through lectures, assignments, tutorials, and taught modules. Assessments will take place continuously with written examinations and practical assignments combined to achieve a qualification.
Work experience or volunteer work will allow you to obtain a deeper knowledge and understanding of the industry. Laboratory work and experience of relevant techniques may give you an advantage when looking for job opportunities, and it will also give you a chance to do some essential networking with other industry professionals and gain valuable contacts for the future.
If it’s a career in research you’re interested in, attending conferences, presenting papers, volunteering as a research assistant to a specialist, and building good background knowledge and experience will help build your profile.
Career options
After completing a course in Marine Science you will be able to get started in a career that uses specific knowledge of marine science and biology.
Working hours will depend on whether you are employed by a company with set business hours or if you are contracted to various facilities or companies and will also largely depend on the department you choose for your career. Your work may be office or laboratory-based and the hours are usually full-time, Monday to Friday. If you work in the field hours can vary and you will need to be more flexible as trips can vary in length from a few days to several months, and it’s possible to be in attendance for a full, 24-hour day. Field trips may be physically demanding, particularly when at sea in difficult weather conditions.
There will usually, be some travel involved depending on your field of research and study and you may need to relocate as many jobs are based in academic or marine research institutes near the coast. The amount of overseas work or travel involved will depend on your area of expertise.
Typical employers of marine scientists are facilities such as marine laboratories, universities, government agencies, renewable energy companies, specialist research organizations and consultancies, engineering companies, fisheries, marine conservation groups, and coastal management organizations.
Related jobs include:
- Marine Scientist
- Marine Biologist
- Environmental Consultant
- Hydrographic Surveyor
- Fisheries Officer
- Ecologist
- Oceanographer
Further study
After completing a course in Marine Science you may choose to pursue further study in a specialist field to increase your knowledge base and skillset. On-going training in relevant research, technical and practical skills is a key part of working as a marine scientist. The diversity of research positions and projects allows you to build up a range of skills, technical experience, and subject knowledge.
Further study will vary depending on your area of expertise and can include subjects and specialties such as species identification, survey skills, practical skills for marine scientists, geographical information systems (GIS) and other specialist software, environmental impact assessments, and the use of acoustic and seismic technology.
For research trips to the sea, you’ll need hands-on, practical, analytical, and decision-making skills. Training provided by employers may include boat handling and crewing, sea survival, fire fighting and responsibility at sea, first aid and health and safety, risk assessment, and the use of heavy lifting equipment – cranes, A-frame, winches, and hydraulic packs.
FAQ
Are there different fields within Marine Science to choose as a specialty?
Marine science is a broad-ranging field. Within it, you can work in areas as diverse as biogeochemistry and ecosystems dynamics, coastal processes, geology and geophysics, hydrographic surveying, marine biology, marine conservation/environmental protection, oceanography, ocean modeling and forecasting, and ocean engineering, palaeoceanography, and zoology.
While all roles require good general expertise and scientific abilities, specializing in one particular area such as coastal management, fisheries biology, mathematical modeling of ocean change, ecosystem dynamics, or chemical risk assessment is usually required for career progression.
Are there any skills that will be beneficial to a career in Marine Science?
If you are interested in starting a career in Marine Science you will need to have a keen interest in the marine environment and aquatic life. You should have excellent numerical and statistics skills, good observation skills, excellent teamwork, and personal communication skills, and patience.
Where can I study Marine Science?
Explore your options here
Did You Know?
· Around 70% of the planet’s surface is covered by oceans. The oceans hold about 96.5% of all water on Earth.
· The name “Pacific Ocean” comes from the Latin name Tepre Pacificum, “peaceful sea”.
· The deepest known area of the Earth’s oceans is known as the Mariana Trench. Its deepest point measures 11km.
· The sea is home to the world’s largest living structure – the Great Barrier Reef. Measuring around 2,600km, it can even be seen from the Moon!
· Of the more than 500 or so shark species, about 80% grow to less than 1.6 m and are unable to hurt people or rarely encounter people. Only 32 species have been documented in biting humans, and an additional 36 species are considered potentially dangerous.
· The pressure at the deepest point in the ocean is more than 11,318 tons/sq m, or the equivalent of one person trying to support 50 jumbo jets.
Comments