Marine Biology
CENTER for BIODIVERSITY
Marine Biology majors are detectives on the watery trail in search of data. They are comfortable being out of their earthly element, submerged for the sake of discovery and science. They have an interest in marine creatures both large and small and a fascination with the largely unseen landscape of the seas. Marine Biologists are not afraid to “go under” and defy the laws of gravity. They are able to release themselves from the rules and realities of earth life and observe, with an analytical and open mind, the plants, animals and mammals that inhabit 70% of our planet’s surface.
Is this you?
Could you spend all day underwater? Do you see tide pools as treasure troves? Would you have liked to hang out with Jacques Cousteau? Are you concerned about dwindling species in the sea? Does sea slug digestion and reproduction interest you? Do you believe sustainable management of sea life is imperative?
If yes, a Marine Biology major is for you.
What you’ll study
In addition to core biology and chemistry courses, your studies will also include:
- Invertebrate Zoology
- Marine Biology
- Marine Ecology
- Oceanography
- Scuba
- Themes in Macrovertebrate Biology: Dolphin Biology
Complete Program Requirements
What you’ll do
Your projects may include:
- Finding out how Anurida maritima (a marine springtail) hunts for its food
- Finding living tardigrades in frozen moss in January
- Determining if starfish are able to taste MSG
- Comparing the marine animals and seaweeds found in different locations in Maine
- Measuring the rate at which mussels can filter food and other particles from seawater
- A self-defined research project that combines experimental design, data collection and analysis, written up as a scientific article
Who will teach you
"I see the most amazing organisms when underwater diving. I’m reminded how little we know about how these animals do the things they do."
-Dr. Emma Creaser, Associate Professor of Marine Biology
“Substance matters, and environmental fads are rarely substantive.”
-Dr.Aimee Phillippi, PhD, Assistant Professor of Conservation Biology
-Dr. Dave Potter, Professor of Aquaculture and Fisheries
Where your major can take you
Marine Biology graduates typically go on to become:
Aquarian Biologists
Dolphin Handlers
Environmental Consultants
Graduate Students in Marine Biology
Marine Biologists (State level)
Explore a Career in Marine Biology
|
