Marine Biology
Marine Biology
Why Study Marine Biology?
Marine Biology is the scientific study of marine life and ecosystems. Oceans cover over 70% of the Earth’s surface and are home to a staggering diversity of marine life. These organisms live in a variety of habitats, ranging from coastal habitats to open ocean to deep sea environments. The scientific understanding of all these organisms and their function in their ecosystems is incomplete while all marine ecosystems are impacted by anthropogenic forces. Marine biologists strive to understand and sustain marine life.
What Will I Learn?
The Marine Biology curriculum first builds a foundation in biological sciences and physical sciences (chemistry, physics). Upon this foundation, students build an understanding the marine environment, the biodiversity of marine life, the functioning of marine ecosystems, and the societal impact on these patterns and processes. Program electives allow students to tailor their degree to their specific interests and their specific career goals.
Marine Biology Faculty
Our faculty of marine biologists teach and do research on many aspects of marine life.
Focus organisms range from microbes to seagrass to oysters to crabs to fish to whales.
The scientific goals of their research is equally diverse. Faculty strive to discover
how deep-sea shipwrecks harbor life, how to restore coastal ecosystems, how to improve
marine fisheries and aquaculture, how to preserve endangered populations, and the
list continues. Students in the Marine Biology program can pursue their research interest
by working with any of our faculty or pursue internship opportunities with one of
our many regional, state, and federal partners.
Faculty Spotlight: Dr. Kristina Mojica
Did you know that viruses live in the world’s oceans just like they do on land? It’s okay if you didn’t—until the 1990’s, nobody else did either! Listen as Dr. Kristina Mojica explains how and why she studies this unknown frontier of science and how you can too!
Availability
| Degree Plan | Availability |
|---|---|
| Marine Biology BS | Gulf Park |
- Teaching High Schools and Colleges
- State and Federal Government
- Marine Environmental Consulting
- Non Governmental Organizations
- Savannah Michaelsen, 2014,
Fisheries Biologist, Maryland Department of Natural Resources - Kaitlyn Witlicki, 2015,
Veterinary Technician, North Florida Animal Hospital
- Chris Lapniewski, 2015,
Research Technician Gulf Coast Research Laboratory - Ryan Lehman, 2016,
M.S. Graduate Program at USM
- Crysta Lorenz, 2015,
Marine Mammal Professional Intern, Walt Disney Corporation