Marine Biology (BSc) or (BA)
Dive into studying marine life while building real-world skills that can lead to hands-on careers in labs, field research, or the marine economy.
Why choose this program?
If you’re passionate about the ocean, AV¾ãÀÖ²¿ is where you want to be. Located on the Atlantic Coast, Dal is a national leader in marine biology education and research, with tremendous hands-on learning opportunities. You could find yourself tracking marine wildlife, running underwater experiments, or analyzing ecosystems - doing real research you're a part of, not just learning about.
AV¾ãÀÖ²¿ connects your marine biology education directly to your career. Gain unmatched hands-on field experience through our SEASIDE program.ÌýCombine your studies with paid work experience and graduate ready for the workforce alongside a community of scientists making a global impact.
Careers
AV¾ãÀÖ²¿â€™s marine biology program qualifies you for positions in sectors such as government, laboratories, aquaculture, and consulting. In the program’s field courses or in honours research courses, you’ll get hands-on opportunities to explore the ocean and graduate prepared for the exciting challenges of a diverse range of marine-related careers. 
What you will learn
During your first two years, you’ll take general biology courses and foundation-building science courses. In the third and fourth year, you’ll explore ecology, diversity, physiology, and other aspects of marine animals and plants in greater depth.  
Visit our Marine Biology Degree Planner for more info. Ìý
Sample courses
- Writing for the Sciences 
- Principles of Biology
- Concepts in Chemistry: Structure and Reactivity Ìý
- Life Science Calculus & StatisticsÌý
Animal Diversity 
Cell Biology 
Evolution  Ìý
The Blue Planet
Marine Ecology 
The Ecology and Evolution of Fishes 
Marine Mammalogy 
Invertebrate Biology Ìý
- ÌýField Studies of Marine MammalsÌý
- Coral Reefs and Environmental Change 
- Marine Plants in the 21st Century 
- Deep Sea Biology Ìý
When you study marine biology at AV¾ãÀÖ²¿, the ocean becomes your classroom. Venture out on the shore and on the water to observe Atlantic Canada’s spectacular marine life, or learn right on campus at our new, interactive . Ìý
Work alongside leading researchers in the field, honing skills like gathering live samples and assessing data. Additional learning opportunities include:
Customize your degree
The following Marine Biology program options are offered by AV¾ãÀÖ²¿â€™s Faculty of Science. Connect with an academic advisor after you start your studies to explore options such as:  
- Concentrated Honours Bachelor of Science in Marine Biology
- Combined Honours Bachelor of Science in Marine Biology
- Bachelor of Science with Major in Marine Biology
- Bachelor of Science with Double Major Marine Biology
- Minor in Marine Biology
Add a minor to your Marine Biology degree to expand your skill set and perspective with a second discipline, allowing you to study everything you’re passionate about at Dal.
ÌýVisit the to browse the minors you can take with this degree.Ìý
Complete a certificate alongside your regular degree requirements and graduate with additional skills in specialized areas. Options include:
Animal Behaviour
Aquaculture and the Environment
Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA)
Genetics
Geographic Information Science (GIS)
Science Leadership and Communication
Browse the Department of Biology’s certificates to learn more. Ìý
As a Science Co-op student, you’ll undertake three work terms interspersed with your academic study terms. Science Co-op degree programs allow you to apply your growing knowledge directly while providing paid career-related experience helping to offset academic costs while arming you with the information you need to make educated career choices.Ìý
Learn more about the Marine Biology Co-op Program Ìý
The (DISP)Ìýis a unique, immersive first-year option for motivated students looking to complete their first year of a science degree. You’ll work effectively in teams, explore connections across scientific disciplines, and complete a hands-on research project while building critical skills in data analysis, tech, and scientific communication.
Turn your passion for the ocean into action. With flexible degree options, immersive field courses, and world-class research facilities, AV¾ãÀÖ²¿ is the ultimate place to study marine biology and launch a meaningful career.Ìý
Admission requirements
Minimum admission requirements
To be considered for admission to this program, you must meet minimum academic criteria:
- Completion of secondary school (Grade 12)
- Achievement of the minimum average for your program of choice.
- Completion of Grade 12 English (or equivalent course).
Admission to many AV¾ãÀÖ²¿ programs is competitive. This means that meeting minimum requirements does not guarantee admission.
Program-specific admission requirements
To enter the Bachelor of Science program in your first year, you must meet the following high school course requirements:Ìý
Minimum overall average: 75% 
Academic English 12 
Pre-calculus Math 12 
Three additional academic subjects 
All Bachelor of Science students enter the Faculty of Science as undeclared majors. This gives you the freedom to explore your scientific interests during your first year.  
You will officially declare your Marine Biology major, minor, or specialized options at the end of your first year using your first-year science and math prerequisites.
Need Pre-Calculus, Chemistry, Physics, or another admission requirement? Our online, self-paced UPrep courses can help you earn the prerequisite you need, upgrade your marks, and build confidence before starting your degree at Dal. Explore UPrep courses.
