Though persons already holding an A.Sc. in biology from the UG or an equivalent qualification will effectively commence their studies in year three, the Institute will not offer an A.Sc. in Marine Biology. This is for two main reasons. Firstly, there is insufficient specialisation in those two years to justify such a qualification. Secondly, there is no perceived utility in such a qualification.

Recognizing that there may be circumstances which may from time to time prevent persons from completing their programme of study, provision is herein made for an exit qualification. Students who have completed the first two years of study and who will not be able to complete the full programme, will be allowed to exit with an Associate of Science Degree in Biology. To qualify, students must have completed all 74 credits in the first two years of the programme with a GPA of no less than 2.0.