Marine Biology

Description

Marine biology encompasses the study of living organisms in the ocean or other marine or brackish bodies of water. Because marine organisms play an important role in sustaining life on earth, and because of the diverse habitats studied by marine biologists, concentrators must study broadly in the basic sciences and become familiar with the varied research techniques in the field. Consequently, students begin their learning with foundational courses in biology, mathematics, chemistry, and physics. Subsequent coursework in the concentration exposes students to a range of topics in biology (e.g., Invertebrate Zoology, Ecology, Physiology, Conservation) and courses in other sciences, including geological sciences, computer science, and engineering. Students are encouraged to spend a summer or semester conducting research at a field station. The field experience is a key feature of this program and provides scholarly interaction with leaders in the field so that students are mentored at the cutting edge.

Student Goals

Students in this concentration will:

• Demonstrate proficiency in basic physics, chemistry, and mathematics, and geology
• Understand diverse marine life habitats including coral reefs, kelp forests, and the open ocean
• Engage in hands-on research at Brown or an approved marine lab or field station
• Produce a senior research project

Requirements

Click here for a list of the Marine Biology concentration requirements. For more information about this concentration, please visit the department's website.

Honors and Capstones

Students aspiring to receive Honors in Marine Biology must complete a thesis project representing the culmination of substantial research activity spanning two or more semesters. An oral presentation is also required. Upon completion of the research, the faculty advisor and a second reader provide an evaluation in which the student’s work must be assessed as satisfactory or better in order for Honors to be awarded. Quality grades (A, B, and/or S with distinction; Cs should be balanced by As. Honors in the Marine BIology program is handled via the Biology Honors process, with application and details described here: http://biology.brown.edu/bug/honors

Liberal Learning

This concentration allows you to address the following Liberal Learning goals:

• Collaborate fully
• Engage with your community
• Develop a facility with symbolic languages
• Experience scientific inquiry

Download the full statement on Liberal Learning at Brown

Affiliated Departments

• Departments in the Program in Biology
• Ecology and Evolutionary Biology

Advisors

• Mark Bertness

Graduating Class

Alumni Pathways

The Marine Biology concentration prepares students for careers in marine and coastal ecology, environmental science, conservation research and education, even medicine.

Dept. Undergraduate Group

Student Leaders:

• Natividad Chen