Marine biology concerns the study of marine life in the ocean as well as in saltwater environments such as wetlands, estuaries, creeks, bays, and inlets. Marine biologists study plants, animals, and the water itself in order to better understand the relationship between organisms and their environment.

Hong Kong, found on the south coast of China, the country is one of the two Special Administrative Regions in the Republic of China. Hong Kong's higher education is placed in the England’s structure as well as international systems. It is managed by the country's Education Bureau.

Requirements for the PhD program often involve the student having already obtained a Master’s degree. Additionally, a thesis or dissertation primarily consisting of original academic research must be submitted. In some countries, this work may even need to be defended in front of a panel.