Bachelor of Marine Biology and Climate Change

Marine Biology Climate Change

Marine ecosystems are highly diverse, fascinating and critical, as they supply about half the oxygen we breathe and absorb humanity’s greenhouse gases. In this course, the only degree of its kind in Sydney, you’ll learn to investigate, understand, and protect our invaluable marine environments under the increasing impacts of climate change. You’ll experience cutting-edge technologies and develop traditional and analytical methods, preparing you to assess and respond to the impacts of climate change on these life-sustaining environments.

Learning from experts, you’ll access leading environmental research and institutions, such as the Climate Change Cluster (C3). Plus, with hands-on internship and fieldwork opportunities in NSW and the Great Barrier Reef, this program will prepare you for a meaningful, rewarding career.

Part of the Faculty of Science.

Facebook LinkedIn X Email

EXPLORE

Bachelor of Marine Biology and Climate Change

CODE

UTS: C10228 (version 8)

CRICOS: 079735G

UAC: 607035 (Autumn Session, Spring Session)

LOWEST SELECTION RANK

79.60

Don't have the ATAR?

See pathways

DURATION

3 years full time
6 years part time

INTAKE

Autumn Session 2025
Spring Session 2025
Autumn Session 2026
Spring Session 2026

View important dates

COURSE FEES

Indicative total tuition fee for government-supported domestic students
$28,674.79

LOCATION

City campus

What you’ll study

In this degree, you'll undertake eight foundational science subjects designed to give you a comprehensive foundational science knowledge in biology, chemistry and the natural world. You'll then commence your major studies, building your specialised knowledge of marine biology and climate change, including coral reef and aquatic ecosystems, the impacts of climate change and environmental protection and management.

You will also have the opportunity to select elective units from other disciplines, such as policy, law, tourism, and business, and can pursue an on- or off-campus internship for academic credit.

Subjects at a glance

Core subjects

Subject Code	Subject Name
60006	Scientific Perspectives for Global Issues
65111	Chemistry 1
91107	The Biosphere
33116	Design, Data, and Decisions
91123	Nature and Evolution
91161	Cell Biology and Genetics
91132	Molecular Biology
65621	Environmental Chemistry
91270	Plant Physiology and Climate Change
91154	Ecology
91120	GIS and Remote Sensing
91121	Aquatic Ecosystems
91145	Environmental Protection and Management
91100	Urban Sustainability and Resilience
91126	Coral Reef Ecosystems
91156	Ocean Systems and Climate Change
91157	Marine Algae and Productivity
91118	Fish Biology and Fisheries

See all subjects and majors in the UTS Handbook

Typical course program

The program outline below shows an example program for the Bachelor of Marine Biology and Climate Change, based on a full-time study load consisting of four subjects per semester. Please note that your exact program may differ based on your unique circumstances, such as your commencement date, subject selections and recognition of prior learning.

Course structure

12

Marine Biology subjects
8

core science subjects
4

Elective subjects

First year

In your first year, you’ll complete core science subjects. This will equip you with the vital knowledge and skills you’ll need throughout your environmental science degree, including foundational chemistry, molecular biology and nature and evolution.
Second year

This year, you'll build on your foundational science knowledge with a number of core Marine Biology subjects. You'll also get to pursue a transdisciplinary subject of your choice to deepen your perspective.
Third year

In your third year, you'll undertake any remaining core Marine Biology subjects, developing an advanced understanding of how to protect our vulnerable marine and terrestrial ecosystems. You will also select four elective subjects to broaden your learning experience.
Honours

Eligible students are able to enrol in the Bachelor of Science (Honours), which requires an additional year of study.

First year

In your first year, you’ll complete core science subjects. This will equip you with the vital knowledge and skills you’ll need throughout your environmental science degree, including foundational chemistry, molecular biology and nature and evolution.

Second year

This year, you'll build on your foundational science knowledge with a number of core Marine Biology subjects. You'll also get to pursue a transdisciplinary subject of your choice to deepen your perspective.

Third year

In your third year, you'll undertake any remaining core Marine Biology subjects, developing an advanced understanding of how to protect our vulnerable marine and terrestrial ecosystems. You will also select four elective subjects to broaden your learning experience.

Honours

Eligible students are able to enrol in the Bachelor of Science (Honours), which requires an additional year of study.

See typical course program in the UTS Handbook

Course highlights

In this degree we teach the scientific perspectives and specialised knowledge you need to become an environmental science professional. This degree is designed to provide you with an extensive understanding of aquatic ecosystems and climate change. Most students go on to be fully equipped to protect, manage and restore these environments in Australia and around the world

Admissions information

This course is designed for individuals passionate about marine biology and climate change, aiming to shape the future of marine ecosystems. Choose this course to become part of Australia's Blue Economy, gaining expertise in marine biology with a focus on climate change impacts.
What sets this course apart is its unique hands-on approach, combining theory with practical lab and Fieldwork trips to diverse marine environments, both in the Sydney region and the Great Barrier Reef, and the option to study abroad will provide you with real-world experience. You will gain knowledge in marine biology fundamentals, such as coral reefs and fish biology, and learn to use advanced technologies to study ecological interactions and climate change effects.
You will acquire a comprehensive skill set, including technical abilities and workplace competencies, through core subjects and a professional stream offering electives in policy, law, tourism, and business.
Learning occurs through direct engagement with industry experts and academics, with opportunities for internships and work-inspired learning.
Upon completion, you will be equipped for a variety of roles in marine science and related sectors, ready to contribute to scientific innovation and sustainability in the face of global ocean challenges.
Course features
- Explore the fundamental elements of marine biology, including coral reefs, ocean systems, fish biology, and aquatic ecosystems. Investigate ecological interactions using cutting-edge technologies and traditional and analytical methods and learn to assess and respond to the impacts of climate change on these life-sustaining environments.
- Complete a series of common core subjects that underpin all undergraduate UTS Science degrees. Data, Design and Decisions and Scientific Perspectives for Global Issues are designed to equip students with a toolkit of technical and workplace skills, preparing them to thrive both at and after uni.
- Develop a broader skillset with the new professional stream – choose from electives in policy, law, tourism and business and prepare for careers beyond the traditional marine sciences domain.
Your Australian Tertiary Admission Rank (ATAR) is a score between 0.00 and 99.95. It shows you how you rank compared to all the students in your year group in New South Wales. A selection rank combines your ATAR with any other adjustment points that make up your overall university entrance score. Your selection rank may differ from university to university, depending on the adjustment points granted to you at each institution.
Employers tell us the skills our graduates acquire from undertaking a Transdisciplinary Elective sets them apart from the crowd. That’s why we have embedded this program into every undergraduate degree.

All you need to do is choose the Elective that inspires you the most.

Transdisciplinary Electives integrate knowledge from multiple disciplines, allowing you to approach complex problems from a range of perspectives.

By combining methods and insights from various disciplines, transdisciplinary learning often leads to breakthrough ideas and creative innovations that may not be possible within the confines of a single discipline.

If you find yourself rapt by the world of innovation – you can pair your core degree with a Diploma in Innovation, graduating with two qualifications in the same timeframe.

In both instances, you’ll work on a real-world challenge presented by an industry partner organisation – partners who often create career pathways for our graduates.

* Excludes students concurrently enrolled in the Bachelor of Creative Intelligence and Innovation.
2025 Indicative tuition fees for government-supported domestic students

All offers for domestic undergraduate students are for Commonwealth Supported Places (CSP).This means the Australian Government contributes to your education costs, and you pay the remaining tuition fees, known as the student contribution. If eligible, you can defer payment through HECS-HELP, or you can choose to pay your fees upfront each session.

2025 Tuition Fees

Indicative first-year tuition fee: $9,314.00

Indicative total tuition fee: $28,674.79

Additional Costs

Your tuition fees do not include:
- The Student Services and Amenities Fee (SSAF), which supports student services and activities. If eligible, you can defer this fee using SA-HELP.
- Textbooks, materials, and other course-related costs.
- Any applicable payment processing fees (e.g., credit card surcharges).
Important Information
- Fees are shown in Australian Dollars (AUD).
- The indicative tuition fees above are based on full-time study (1 year = 48 credit points).
- Your actual fees depend on the year you enrol, your study load and the subjects you choose. Some subjects fall into different student contribution bands.
- You can calculate your student contribution based on the amounts listed in the student contribution table.

Find more Science courses

Return to Science

Entry schemes and pathways

Learn more

UTS Early Entry program

If you've excelled in Year 11, our Early Entry program rewards the hard work you've put into your studies. Successful applicants receive a provisional offer before their HSC/IB exams.

Elite athletes and performers

If you're an elite athlete or performer who has represented your school or state at a national level, and your studies have been affected, this scheme is for you.

InpUTS

If you've experienced long-term disadvantages that have affected your education, you may be eligible for selection rank adjustments through inpUTS.

Completing a recognised TAFE or VET provider qualification

With a VET qualification, you're eligible to apply for certain courses. Take the next step in your education.

Jumbunna Admissions Program

If you're Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander, Jumbunna is an alternative application process for our courses that emphasises diverse pathways to success.

Changing from another undergraduate course

You can apply for our courses using your previous study. You may even be eligible for recognition of prior learning, so you won’t need to repeat subjects.

Learn more

Careers

Your future career

In the United Nations Decade of the Ocean, you'll be an in-demand science professional ready to take on exciting, future-focused roles in marine ecology, government policy, research and marine governance. You could make key breakthroughs as a researcher, shape national and international policy in a governing body or carve your own path as a protector of our planet's greatest treasure.

Career options

“When it came time to choose a course, I wanted to do something that would allow me to work on my feet, outdoors and in an area that was interesting to me. Marine biology at UTS was the perfect course. Highlights of my course have been the Heron Island Field trip and my internship at Sea Life.”

Lauren

Bachelor of Marine Biology and Climate Change

Where you’ll study

Our world-class facilities support your future-focused learning and high-impact research. They enable effective partnerships with industry and provide services to our community.

See more facilities

Female and male students in white lab coats working on science demonstration in UTS Super Lab. — Conduct breakthrough research in the Super Lab.

UTS Central, Building 2, CB02, Tower, Building 1, CB01, Building 10 at day. — Our campus is a base for your academic, professional and social life.

UTS library Reading room. — Find your perfect study spot and enjoy the quiet away from the campus bustle.

Why UTS?

Why study Science and Mathematics at UTS

With a science and maths degree at UTS, you'll learn how to answer the big questions of tomorrow and make a positive social impact. We offer practical, relevant and innovative programs that enable you to work across multiple fields.

Study in world-class facilities, including Australia's first Super Lab, and look for trace in our forensic crime scene labs or explore speciality maths, computing, and quantum physics facilities stocked with the latest industry equipment.