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marine biologist

Mike Kingsford is a Professor and the Head of the School of Marine and Tropical at James Cook University. Marine Biologist What does a marine My family often went to the — all of this can happen on biologist do? beach on holidays and a memorable day! A marine biologist is a there I surfed, snorkelled detective trying to figure out and walked the beach. Why did you originally natural systems. The oceans Once I did my SCUBA ticket choose to work in this make up about 71% of the it was all over — the sea industry? surface of the and had me. Once I understood I was hooked on the humans depend on them what research was about, activities associated with as: a source of food and and I did it myself, I loved . There were other natural resources; for the detective side of it all a variety of pathways the health of our atmos- and soon realised that I available to me — working phere; a means of transport; could contribute. There were with , biological and for fun. If we are to so many things we do not consultancy, research and sustain the oceans then know (and still are) that there academia. I aimed high biological knowledge is are career opportunities in and got a job in academia critical. As a marine biologist many related areas of which has a great it is incredibly rewarding marine biology. combination of teaching, contributing to the know- and discovery research — ledge required to utilise and What’s your favourite part of your own and that shared take care of our oceans. of the job? with students. I also enjoyed The favourite part of my job doing tasks that related to What does the typical day is the diversity of tasks — I very applied jobs for of a marine biologist love the combination of wet industry. involve? and dry jobs. It is also a The great thing about a healthy career. Most of What skills and qualities career in biology is how those in marine biology are are needed to be a varied the work is. A typical healthy, happy and highly successful marine day can range from hours focused on what they do. biologist? of diving on beautiful reefs; Careers in marine biology You can study Marine Science or Marine sampling the ocean from What’s been your most are there for the taking. It is a Biology at our main campus in Townsville. boats and ships; working up amazing experience on cliché, but hard work carries The Faculty of Science and Engineering samples in the laboratory; the job? the day. Most biologists join enjoys an international reputation in marine figuring out the results on So many amazing the field through passion for science. It’s uniquely located near the Great computers or writing up the experiences — what do you the ocean — when you get Barrier Reef and the rainforests of the Wet findings for publication. choose? I have dived it right it doesn’t even feel like Tropics region, making JCU an amazing You may be teaching through cathedrals of kelp work — it is a jumble of place to study. undergraduate students or stretching from 30m to the exciting tasks and discovery. guiding postgraduate surface. Caves and Your skill bag grows with time Relevant courses: students into the realm of archways that flicker many and as your career Bachelor of Science (Marine Biology) discovery research. If you colours from benthic progresses you will have 3 years full time love doing lots of different and columns of generalist and specialist skills the water and enjoy figuring volunteer to help research rewarding careers in the Prerequisites: English, , Maths B things, then you will find swimming past showing little that allow you to work alone things out, then you will find early on at university. Aim to field that maybe include: Bachelor of Marine Science marine biology is infectiously interest in you as an intruder. or as part of the team. rewarding careers in marine do an Honours degree (ie. conservation and 3 years full time exciting. Sharks and dolphins glide biology. Keep up your BSc plus one year) so that management, ecotourism, Prerequisites: English, Chemistry, Maths B with extraordinary grace and What advice would you practical skills such as you can get a flavour of science/boating and diving Bachelor of Science (Marine Biology Adv) What attracted you to this power and never fail to give S-press readers who diving, boating and having research and see if you like — go for it, you have 3 years full time line of work? impress. The ocean want to pursue this? a drivers licence — it helps it. Even if you don’t like nothing to lose and Prerequisites: English, Chemistry, Maths B; I have always loved the sea. phosphorescing at night Follow your heart. If you love get an edge and you can research there are many everything to gain. minimum of OP 6

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