Students in the Marine Science major apply a wide range of technologies to studying marine ecosystems. Through applied learning and research, students gain the skills necessary to develop a sustainable balance between the unique environmental, recreational, cultural and economic opportunities in the Monterey Bay region.
Through lab and field experience, students apply techniques of experimental design, data acquisition, analysis and presentation that provide them with the skills needed to monitor and analyze marine science problems. Students are encouraged to interact with other Monterey Bay institutions, such as the Moss Landing Marine Labs, to take advantage of additional local expertise in marine and coastal ecology.
Graduates of the Marine Science major are prepared for a variety of career pathways in the public and private sector. Graduates are also poised to continue their education via graduate studies and research in ecology, environmental science and related fields.
In order to graduate, you will also need to complete your general education and university requirements.
Complete ALL of the following courses:
MATH 150: Calculus I (4 units)
CHEM 110/L: Chemistry I (5 units)
CHEM 111/L: Chemistry II (5 units)
MSCI 270: Introduction to Oceanography (3 units)
BIO 210/L: Molecular and Cell Biology and Animal Physiology (5 units)
BIO 211/L: Ecology, Evolution, Biodiversity and Plants (5 units)
STAT 250: Applied Stat:Sci Tech (4 units)
ENSTU 283: Politics & the Environment (2 units)
ENVS 284: Envi Econ & Management (2 units)
PHYS 150: Physics for Biologists (4 units) OR PHYS 220: Physics I (4 units)
MATH 151: Calculus II (4 units) OR GEOL 260: Geology/Hydrology (4 units)
ENVS 332: Intro to GIS/GPS (4 units)
Complete ONE of the following Science Communication courses:
Complete ONE of the following Quantitative Research courses:
Complete ONE of the following Service Learning courses:
MSCI 359S: Marine Science in the Community (5 units)
ENSTU 349S: Environmental Interpretation and Outreach (5 units)
BIO 379S: Biology Service Learning (5 units)
ENSTU 369S: Com-Based Watershed Restor SL (5 units)
ENSTU 384S: Social and Ecol Justice (2 units)
MATH 361S: Mathematics Tutors (5 units)
Complete ONE of the following Capstone Seminar courses:
Complete SIX of the following MARINE SCIENCE ELECTIVES not previously taken for at least 22 units:
MSCI 310: Small Boat Field Techniques (4 units)
MSCI 331: Ecological Physiology (4 units)
MSCI 340: Marine Ecology (4 units)
MSCI 341: Conservation Genetics (4 units)
MSCI 350: Quantitative Marine Science (4 units)
MSCI 370: Biological-Physical Oceanography (4 units)
MSCI 380: Scientific Diving Techniques (4 units)
MSCI 395: Special Topics (1-4 units)
MSCI 430: Marine Experimental Physiology (4 units)
MSCI 433: Seafloor Mapping (4 units)
MSCI 434: Advanced Marine Technology (4 units)
MSCI 437: Ocean Instrumentation Projects (4 units)
MSCI 445: Projects in Marine Ecology (4 units)
MSCI 455: Marine Fish Ecology (4 units)
MSCI 470: Science Policy and Management in the Marine Environment (4 units)
MSCI 475: Marine Conservation Biology (4 units)
MSCI 485: Marine Biogeography of California (4 units)
BIO 330: Vertebrate Physiology (3 units)
BIO 340: Ecology (4 units)
BIO 345: Marine Biology (4 units)
BIO 360: Natural History of California Wildlife (4 units)
BIO 362: Field Ornithology (4 units)
BIO 380: Practical Computing for Scientists (4 units)
BIO 420: Marine Invertebrate Zoology (4 units)
BIO 430: Marine Experimental Physiology (4 units)
BIO 448: Freshwater Ecology (4 units)
BIO 495: Special Topics (1-4 units)
ENVS 350: Quantitative Field Methods (4 units)
ENVS 436: Rmt Sns/Image Process (4 units)
ENVS 440: Environmental Modeling (4 units)
Students apply the fundamental mathematical and statistical constructs used to communicate quantitative information.
Students apply the nomenclature, concepts and methodology of chemistry, biology, physics, earth science and economics to understand, describe and predict marine science processes.
Students analyze and synthesize information from a multi-stakeholder perspective to develop alternative scenarios for marine science problems, and communicate their recommendations in oral and written formats.
Students demonstrate proficiency with current technologies for acquiring, analyzing and displaying spatial data relevant to marine geospatial planning.
Students use the scientific method and statistical analyses in the design, execution and interpretation of marine science investigations.
Students combine disciplinary knowledge and community experiences in the context of social responsibility, justice, diversity and compassion.
Students apply advanced knowledge and skills in marine science.
These pathways are examples of how you might complete all the requirements for your degree in an order that makes sense given prerequisites. They are meant to give you a general sense of what your education will look like.
Your own unique situation and a number of other factors may mean your actual pathway is different. Perhaps you'll need an extra math or language class, or one of the courses we've listed isn't offered in a particular semester. Don't worry - there is flexibility built into the curriculum. You'll want to work closely with an advisor and use the academic advisement report to take all that into account and develop a pathway that's customized for you.
In the meantime, use this example as a starting point for choosing classes or discussing your plans with an advisor. Your advisor is your best resource when it comes to figuring out how to fit all the courses you need, in the right sequence, into your personal academic plan.
* This FYS class is just an example. The FYS class you choose might meet a different GE area, so you would have to adjust your actual pathway accordingly.