The study of marine science involves research which is carried out within the ocean and coastal waters. Topics covered are highly diverse. Scientists within a particular discipline are usually specialised. For example marine biologists may concentrate on reproduction of invertebrates, and a marine geologist may work in the area of beach erosion. A majority of marine scientists have multiple specialties and often work as part of an inter-disciplinary team, e.g., studying how physics of ocean currents influence the spread of larval fish.
Salaries depend on each person's education, experience, and specific discipline.
Other factors include location and present supply of scientists within their specific discipline. For these degrees, papers have to be taken after which a research project is designed and undertaken. The result of this research is written up as a thesis. As their names suggest, a degree with SEMS is broader and includes physical, chemical, geological and biological aspects of the ocean, while the degree with SBS is more specialised in Marine Biology. Once post-graduate level is reached, marine science can then be directly studied.