Marine Biology Degree Planner

Science students looks towards the ocean while they attend a field trip at Conrad's Beach, Nova Scotia

Marine Biology

The Department of Biology at Dalhousie University offers the widest range of biology courses in Atlantic Canada and Majors in both Biology and Marine Biology. Complete your undergraduate degree steps away from the ocean as a major, or consider completing an honours or co-op degree and/or earning one or more certificates if certain courses are taken as part of the program.

Gain skills and hands on experience

Co-operative education program Courses abroad Research and experiential learning opportunities SEASIDE program Visit the department's website

A Dalhousie Science student looks closely at a marine specimen while on a field trip in Halifax Canada

Customize your degree with a certificate

Animal Behaviour Aquaculture and the Environment Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Genetics Geographic Information Science (GIS) Science Communication and Leadership Explore all certificates

Your major map: Marine Biology

The Marine Biology Major Map highlights academic and co-curricular opportunities and provides an overview of how students can customize their degree. Students are encouraged to connect with advising supports at Dalhousie and use the Academic Calendar and Timetable to create their course plan.

Before you arrive

Visit the course registration website and watch the registration video series
Visit Register on Track for guidance on course registration and connect with advisors in the Bissett Student Success Center
Attend events for future students, including Open House and Preview Day. See event listings here
Learn about the Dal Science community by listening to the Sciographies podcast

Learn more about first year science

Science students attend a field trip at Conrad's Beach, Nova Scotia

BSc Truro Start

Complete your first year in Truro prior to transitioning to the Halifax campus for the remainder of your program. Benefit from smaller class sizes, a dedicated program coordinator and advisor, and a small-school experience with a big-city impact!

Apply here

< 30 CREDIT HOURS /FIRST YEAR

Complete required introductory courses in biology: BIOL 1010/1011 and in other subjects. See the first-year course planner worksheet for more information
At the end of your first year, you can declare your major and register for second-year courses

30-60 CREDIT HOURS/SECOND YEAR

You will start taking more core courses* in MARI, gaining knowledge and lab experience: BIOL 2003, BIOL 2004, BIOL 2020, BIOL 2030, BIOL 2040, BIOL 2060
Consider combining your degree with another subject with a double major, minor, or certificate
Consider incorporating summer field courses through the SEASIDE program or courses abroad

60-90 CREDIT HOURS/THIRD YEAR+

Aim to take 4-6 MARI courses*. Make sure you're on track with course requirements using DARS
Looking for a hands-on learning experience? there are many experiential learning and directed research courses offered by the department
Apply for an honours degree ahead of your fourth year if you are considering graduate studies

90-120 CREDIT HOURS/FINAL YEAR

In your final year, you should be taking 4-6 MARI courses*
Complete any requirements for a certificate or minor and check your degree audit to ensure you are on track to graduate
Apply to graduate by Dec 1 for spring convocation and July 2 for fall convocation

*Note that not all courses are offered each semester or year and that course requirements may vary according to your degree type (major, double major, minor, honours). Be sure to keep track of these by consulting the academic calendar.

*After declaring your major, we strongly encourage you to connect with program advisors for course planning and any other questions related to your program.

Take courses that fire your curiosity

Sample Course Offerings:

MARI 3626: Field Studies of Marine Mammals
MARI 4003: Coral Reefs and Environmental Change
MARI 3603: Practical Aquaculture
MARI 3680: Scientific Diving Methods in Marine Ecology

Course Syllabus List

Science students investigate a tide pool

< 30 CREDIT HOURS/FIRST YEAR

Build connections by enrolling in a first-year interest group (FIGS) like Oceans or Climate Change
Sign up to be mentored by an upper-year student

30-60 CREDIT HOURS/SECOND YEAR

Explore the myCareer portal to browse through work and volunteer opportunities on and off campus
Combine academic study and paid career-related work experience by enrolling in co-op

60-90 CREDIT HOURS/THIRD YEAR+

There are 70 Faculty-coordinated summer research awards available each year that you can apply for on a competitive basis
Other opportunities include science communication internships, science innovation and entrepreneurship through SURGE, and student society leadership roles

90-120 CREDIT HOURS/FINAL YEAR

Gain teaching and communication skills by applying for a teaching assistant role or working with a science outreach organization like SuperNova or Let's Talk Science
Attend career prep workshops or apply for graduate or professional programs
Don't forget to complete your Co-Curricular Record!

< 30 CREDIT HOURS/FIRST YEAR

Attend the Dal Science Welcome Party
Attend the Faculty of Science Program Fair for help planning your next steps
Consider joining DAMS – Dalhousie Association of Marine Biology Students! Meet other like-minded students and participate in fun events

30-60 CREDIT HOURS/SECOND YEAR

Reach out to the Department's many world-class researchers and faculty to join a research lab as a volunteer
Attend departmental seminars every week to listen to talks by faculty, graduate students and industry experts about ongoing research

60-90 CREDIT HOURS/THIRD YEAR+

Consider running for a position with the Dal Science Society's Executive or with your student society

90-120 CREDIT HOURS/FINAL YEAR

You're about to join over 30,000 other grads all over the world as a Dal Science alumni!
Stay involved with your faculty and department and connect with our incredible network of alumni

Student Society: Dalhousie Association of Marine Biology Students (DAMS)

Meet like-minded people by joining DAMS Explore other societies

Four students pose for a photo at a welcome event

< 30 CREDIT HOURS/FIRST YEAR

Familiarize yourself with Dalhousie's many supports and reach out to advisors for guidance
Plan out your course credits using the department's degree checklist

30-60 CREDIT HOURS/SECOND YEAR

Explore career paths and industries that spark your interest by attending an alumni panel discussion

60-90 CREDIT HOURS/THIRD YEAR+

See which scholarships and prizes might be available to you through the department, on a competitive basis

90-120 CREDIT HOURS/FINAL YEAR

Time to celebrate your achievements and graduate!
Connect with the Bissett Student Success Success Centre career supports to get prepared for interviews, and more as your prepare to head out on the job hunt or to apply for graduate school

For any questions about your major, enrolling in a minor or certificate, summer research, or honours, speak with a program advisor!

Where your degree can take you

A BSc degree in Marine Biology provides great preparation for a variety of careers. The skills and knowledge acquired through this program can be applied, but are not limited to career paths in:

Conservation, government and regulatory affairs, fisheries and aquaculture, ecology, research, science communication, law, consulting, education, veterinary medicine, and technical writing, among many more.

Graduate Studies

The department also offers MSc and PhD programs for students interested in pursuing further studies in Biology

Browse graduate programs

Core competencies gained

Discipline-level skills:

Understanding of core biological topics (ecology, evolution, cell, animal and plant diversity, and genetics)
Experience with integrative approaches to studying population ecology, marine habitats, and ecosystems
An understanding of basic oceanography and how the characteristics of marine environments interact with marine life
Knowledge of how and why oceans change and the connection between humans, marine animals, and the marine environment

Transferable skills:

Academic writing and presentation skills
Critical thinking, synthesis, and analytical skills
Communication skills
Numeracy skills
Time/project management
Leadership and teamwork
Basic statistical analyses
R Software
Research/fieldwork skills

Possible careers and employment

Marine biology Alumni can be employed within a variety of industries and have multiple career path options. These are influenced by the student's elective courses, experiential learning choices, and certificates. Some of the options below will typically require additional or graduate-level training*, while some can be pursued following the completion of baccalaureate program only.

Aquarist
Aquatic Technician
Education Specialist
Endangered Species Researcher*
Environmental Planner
Environmental Consultant
Field Scientist*
Fisheries Biologist*
Fisheries Officer
Laboratory Manager

Laboratory Technician
Marine Biologist*
Marine Lawyer*
Microbiologist*
Outreach Programs Coordinator
Research Technician
Sustainable Seafood Advisor
Stranding Responder
Science Writer
Teacher/Professor*

Marine Biology Degree Planner

Marine Biology

Gain skills and hands on experience

Customize your degree with a certificate