Biology — Marine Biology Concentration

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Are you interested in life in the oceans?
Are you interested in how marine organisms function, behave, evolve, and interact with other organisms and their physical environment?
Do you enjoy taking courses outside the classroom?

The Marine Biology concentration provides a strong and broad foundational education in the lives of organisms inhabiting marine environments. The concentration is anchored by an ecology lab course that helps build skills in field-based research, data analysis, and scientific communication, preparing you for advanced coursework, and for conducting independent studies in faculty research labs. You will also take two additional courses associated with the Marine Biology concentration, including another 300- or 400-level lab. Because Marione Biology concentrates on a particular environment, rather than a type of organism or research sub-discipline, the kind of research questions that you will be equipped to ask by the time you graduate is bound only by your interests - from the ecology, physiology, or population genetics of marine organisms to the community ecology of a marine habitat. A diploma granted under this concentration will indicate “Bachelor of Science;” official transcripts will indicate Biology – Marine Concentration.

We recommend that you also explore two other marine-focused degree options, the Marine and Coastal Science major and the Marine Emphasis in Environmental Science, to determine which is the best option for you. Through the Marine and Coastal Science major, you will become a well-rounded marine scientist studying the physics, chemistry, geology, and biology of the ocean in a cohort-based program; through a Marine Emphasis in Environmental Science, you will learn to address global and local issues in the marine environment through a flexible curriculum focused on applied and actionable science. Through the Biology – Marine Concentration, you will become a biologist focused on understanding marine organisms and their habitat.

Requirements (20 credits minimum)

Required lab (3 credits)

❑ BIOL 326 - Methods in Ecology w/lab Credits: 3

Depth requirements (6 credits minimum)

Meet with your academic advisor to discuss options that align with your interests to fill the depth requirements.

❑ One additional 300- or 400-level biology laboratory or lecture/laboratory course associated with the MB concentration, from the list of electives.

❑ One additional 300- or 400-level course associated with the MB concentration, from the list of electives.

Visit the Biology degrees and areas of study webpage for more information about 300- and 400-level courses associated with each concentration.

Electives (11 credits minimum)

❑ Additional courses from the list of electives to complete 20 credits. Courses not on the list may be taken with permission from your academic advisor. Courses from other departments may be taken if that department and your academic advisor approve.

Notes:

Up to 4 cumulative credits of BIOL 300, BIOL 400, BIOL 490, BIOL 496, and BIOL 498, in which students receive training from faculty in research or teaching, or pursue internships, are permitted to count towards the concentration.

Return to the Biology, BS and concentrations list