Marine Biology

 Marine biology is concerned with all aspects of plant and animal life in the sea. Marine biologists study the distribution, abundance and life histories of animals and plants in the sea and the way in which these are governed by environmental factors.

Job Characteristics

• Studying and conducting experiments concerning the form, structure, development and other characteristics of micro-organisms (bacteria and algae), as well as the anatomical characteristics of living organisms.



• Collecting samples and developing, designing and testing equipment.



• Carrying out analyses of raw data on fish stocks and the state of the environment, which may include studies on pollution.



• Studying inter-relationships of animal and plant life and the environmental factors involved, and giving advice to related disciplines.



• Generating advice on the status of commercially harvested stocks and the levels at which these stocks can be harvested sustainably.

Requirements
 
Secondary Education
A HIGCSE Grade 12, or equivalent qualification, with matriculation exemption is required to be admitted to universities in South Africa. Technikons in South Africa generally require a HIGCSE or an outstanding IGCSE Grade 12, or equivalent qualification, with Mathematics and one Science subject.

Students applying to UNAM should be in possession of a HIGCSE/IGCSE Grade 12, or equivalent qualification, with a minimum of 25 points on the UNAM point evaluation scale.
 
Compulsory subjects
Mathematics , Physics and/or Biology (South Africa)
Mathematics, Biology and Chemistry or Physics (UNAM)

Recommended subject
Biology (South Africa)
 

Tertiary Education
There is no specific degree in Marine Biology but the Universities of Cape Town, Natal, Rhodes and Port Elizabeth offer a three-year B. Sc. and a honours degree, with courses in Marine Biology.

The University of Cape Town also offers a degree in Physical Oceanography while the University of Rhodes offers a postgraduate qualification in Ichthyology. A B. Sc. degree can also be followed with subjects such as Zoology and Botany as majors, along with other subjects such as Physiology, Geology, Statistics and Mathematics. Real specialization in Marine Biology actually starts at postgraduate level.
 
At UNAM students can enrol for the four-year B. Sc. Natural Resources (Fisheries and Marine Sciences) degree. A B. Sc. degree with Biology as a major, and similar subjects as in South Africa can also be completed.
 
The N. Dip. Oceanography is offered at the Cape Technikon, and the N. Dip.: Nature Conservation at the Technikons South Africa, Pretoria, Mangosuthu, Port Elizabeth and Cape Town. These diploma courses provide a good background for the field of marine conservation. In Namibia, the latter diploma however, does not lead to a career as a fisheries technician.

Personality
Prospective candidates must be willing to spend a great deal of time away from home, for the purpose of collecting information. They have to get on well with others, have an inquiring mind and be physically fit. They should have an aptitude for accuracy.

Work Opportunities
Marine biologists are employed in the government, specifically the Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources. They can also be employed by fishing companies, or in a lecturing capacity at a training institute.

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