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.
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.
< 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.
< 30 CREDIT HOURS/FIRST YEAR
- Build connections by enrolling in a first-year interest group (FIGS) like Oceans, Climate Change, and Indigenous Ways of Knowing
- 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
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< 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 Thursday 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
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< 30 CREDIT HOURS/FIRST YEAR
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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.
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*
