Detailed Guide On How To Become A Marine Biologist In South Africa

Marine Biology is the scientific study of organisms that exist in water bodies. Simply say, it’s the branch of biology that deals with the study of marine lives, and their ecosystem. There are tons of fauna that exist in the sea; biologically they have their specific phyla, families, genera, and species. Marine Biology juxtaposes these differences and a person who studied marine biology is a Marine Biologist.

What Does It Cost To Be A Marine Biologist?

To be a Marine Biologist, you must have studied marine biology in a university or college obtaining a BSc (Honours) degree or a four-year international undergraduate equivalent.

To study Marine biology in any of the universities in South Africa, you must have met the entry requirement which include;

1. English Language Proficiency Requirements: This usually includes either:

A pass in English Home Language or First Additional Language if you hold the NSC, or 40% In English on the Higher Grade (first or second language) if you hold the Senior Certificate for South African candidates.

For International Candidates:

A recent TOEFL score (obtained within 3-5 years before the application for admission) of at least 570 for the paper-based test, 230 for the computer-based test, or 88 for the Internet-based test. Any of the following tests are accepted.

A recent overall band score of 7.0 on the International English Language Testing System (IELTS), with no individual element of the test scoring below 6.0

A score of 65% or more for the Academic Literacy component of the NBT.

2. A record of academic interest in marine science.

3. Good numeracy skills.

Duties Of A Marine Biologist

1. Marine Biologists study marine life in natural or controlled environments.
2. Collect data and specimens.
3. Study characteristics of species.
4. Assess human impact.
5. Monitor and manage populations.
6. Report findings.
7. Teach.
8. A marine biologist might also specialize in a specific animal species or group, such as fish, marine mammals or cephalopods.

Universities Offering Marine Biology In South Africa

1. The University of Cape Town
2. NMU
3. UKZN
4. UWC
5. CPUT in Marine Science,
6. CUT in Hydrology
7. TUT

Where Can You Work As A Marine Biologist?

Marine Biologist can work virtually anywhere in South Africa and there are opportunities open where they could work as any of the following;

1. Research technician.
2. Horticulturist
3. Natural Resource technician
4. Microbiologist
5. Laboratory technician
6. Marine biologist
7. Environmental planner
8. Environmental consultant
9. Biologist
10. Scientist
11. Marine Biology Underwriter.

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