3 answers
Madi
Student
Mackay, Queensland, Australia
4
Questions
Updated
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How can I get ready/study to purse in marine biology as a high schooler ?
Hi I'm in high school, and I want to purse into marine biology, how could I get ready for university/college, such as studying or other ways. Thank you
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3 answers
Michelle M.
Actress
3284
Answers
Updated
Michelle’s Answer
Hello, Madi !
Even though high schools in your country do not typically offer classes in Marine Biology, the subject is sometimes chapter taught within other standard subjects like Biology, Environmental Science or Geography, so try to take those subjects from now until you graduate high school. Visit your high school guidance counselor and get a list of all the classes your high school offers that are connected to those subjects.
While you are meeting with your guidance counselor, also inquire about the Ocean Life Education experience which is offered in your country. Search for their website, too. The programs they offer are in marine biology and for students in 7th to 12th grade. Here is where you'd get hands on experience with marine animals and learn about marine life and the issues involved. Also ask your guidance counselor if your high school has a partnership with any universities or marine research institutions that offer high school students the opportunity to do marine biology related projects and fieldwork.
You are fortunate. Because Mackay, Queensland, Australia is a coastal area, chances are high that you will discover opportunities for this. Ask about this at your school as soon as possible.
Another thing you may want to do in your spare time is to pinpoint the marine life you are most interested in and read books and websites about them. There also should be many videos you can watch on You Tube for this. I would also advise reading magazines (or the websites of) such as CORAL Magazine, DIVE Magazine, and Eco Magazine.
When you start your last year in high school, start exploring universities that offer a Marine Biology Degree Program. Explore those colleges and apply to as many as you like.
So, it seems as though you will have great opportunities to learn about marine biology while in high school, even if your school doesn't offer classes in it. I hope this helps and I wish you all the best !
Even though high schools in your country do not typically offer classes in Marine Biology, the subject is sometimes chapter taught within other standard subjects like Biology, Environmental Science or Geography, so try to take those subjects from now until you graduate high school. Visit your high school guidance counselor and get a list of all the classes your high school offers that are connected to those subjects.
While you are meeting with your guidance counselor, also inquire about the Ocean Life Education experience which is offered in your country. Search for their website, too. The programs they offer are in marine biology and for students in 7th to 12th grade. Here is where you'd get hands on experience with marine animals and learn about marine life and the issues involved. Also ask your guidance counselor if your high school has a partnership with any universities or marine research institutions that offer high school students the opportunity to do marine biology related projects and fieldwork.
You are fortunate. Because Mackay, Queensland, Australia is a coastal area, chances are high that you will discover opportunities for this. Ask about this at your school as soon as possible.
Another thing you may want to do in your spare time is to pinpoint the marine life you are most interested in and read books and websites about them. There also should be many videos you can watch on You Tube for this. I would also advise reading magazines (or the websites of) such as CORAL Magazine, DIVE Magazine, and Eco Magazine.
When you start your last year in high school, start exploring universities that offer a Marine Biology Degree Program. Explore those colleges and apply to as many as you like.
So, it seems as though you will have great opportunities to learn about marine biology while in high school, even if your school doesn't offer classes in it. I hope this helps and I wish you all the best !
Thank you so much, this helps lots.
The only elective class based on marine life that my school offers aquatics for year 10 up,
Madi
You are very welcome for the advice ! I forgot to mention, if your school has a pool, take Swimming as well. Have an awesome day, Madi !
Michelle M.
Cynthia Nicholson
4
Answers
Cottonwood, Arizona
Updated
Cynthia’s Answer
Hello Madi,I love the previous answer from Karin to your question. Very good advice. In the meantime while in high school whenever you have a little extra time start studying now. Take a look at what sort of textbooks and courses these programs require. Go ahead and dig up some books on marine biology and sustainable aquaculture and read everything you can. Also, start pulling up some ACT and SAT practice exams. This will give you a head start on which school you really want. Start investigating and find out what scores are required for the schools you are considering and maybe give you some scholarship or grant money. Really, start studying marine biology as if you were already at a university.
Tons of luck to you, go for it!
Tons of luck to you, go for it!
Thank you! Do you have any recommended books?
Madi
Karin P.
Lecturer, Academic Advisor, Career Coach
1093
Answers
Göttingen, Lower Saxony, Germany
Updated
Karin’s Answer
Hi Madi,
You are in the right place for marine biology since you already live by the coast. In high-school, make sure you take all the science classes you can get (biology, chemistry, math, physics), also geography.
Look for organizations where you can participate in nature/ocean/environmental programs. Check e.g. with Reef Catchments and Mackay Turtle Watch to see if they have any volunteer opportunities that suit you.
I also left a couple of links for aquariums between Cairns and Brisbane. Check out educational programs and volunteer opportunities as well as the general exhibit. Make some inquiries about volunteer opportunities, internships and job prospects.
For your university studies, you can study Marine Biology, or Oceanography or Marine Science or Coastal and Marine Management.
James Cook University would be the closest to you for a Marine Biology or Marine Science degree. Other options include University of Western Australia, University of Melbourne or University of Queensland.
https://www.usnews.com/education/best-global-universities/australia/marine-freshwater-biology
https://www.jcu.edu.au/courses/study/marine-biology
https://www.jcu.edu.au/courses/study/marine-science
https://www.uwa.edu.au/study/courses/marine-biology
https://study.unimelb.edu.au/find/courses/major/marine-biology/
https://study.uq.edu.au/study-options/programs/bachelor-science-2461/marine-biology-marbic2461
Check out their programs and what they focus on/what their areas of research are. Visit universities if you get a chance and talk to their admission people.
As a marine biologist, diving is an essential skill. You can start on your diving certifications while you are still in school:
https://rainforestscuba.rezdy.com/150085/padi-open-water-course
I hope this helps! All the best to you!
KP
https://reefcatchments.com.au/about-reef-catchments/
https://mackayturtles.org.au/
https://www.visitsealife.com/sunshine-coast/
https://www.cairnsaquarium.com.au/
https://www.reefworldherveybay.com/
You are in the right place for marine biology since you already live by the coast. In high-school, make sure you take all the science classes you can get (biology, chemistry, math, physics), also geography.
Look for organizations where you can participate in nature/ocean/environmental programs. Check e.g. with Reef Catchments and Mackay Turtle Watch to see if they have any volunteer opportunities that suit you.
I also left a couple of links for aquariums between Cairns and Brisbane. Check out educational programs and volunteer opportunities as well as the general exhibit. Make some inquiries about volunteer opportunities, internships and job prospects.
For your university studies, you can study Marine Biology, or Oceanography or Marine Science or Coastal and Marine Management.
James Cook University would be the closest to you for a Marine Biology or Marine Science degree. Other options include University of Western Australia, University of Melbourne or University of Queensland.
https://www.usnews.com/education/best-global-universities/australia/marine-freshwater-biology
https://www.jcu.edu.au/courses/study/marine-biology
https://www.jcu.edu.au/courses/study/marine-science
https://www.uwa.edu.au/study/courses/marine-biology
https://study.unimelb.edu.au/find/courses/major/marine-biology/
https://study.uq.edu.au/study-options/programs/bachelor-science-2461/marine-biology-marbic2461
Check out their programs and what they focus on/what their areas of research are. Visit universities if you get a chance and talk to their admission people.
As a marine biologist, diving is an essential skill. You can start on your diving certifications while you are still in school:
https://rainforestscuba.rezdy.com/150085/padi-open-water-course
I hope this helps! All the best to you!
KP
Karin recommends the following next steps: