Bachelor of Science in Marine, Estuarine and Freshwater Biology

The Major in Marine, Estuarine and Freshwater Biology is intended to give students interested in the fields of marine and freshwater biology the background to pursue careers, including potential advanced study, in this area of biology.  The major builds on a broad set of basic scientific courses represented by a core curriculum in math, chemistry, physics and biology.  The background in basic science is combined with a series of required and elective courses in the aquatic sciences from watershed to ocean.  The goal is to provide a solid foundation of knowledge in freshwater, estuarine and marine biology while having the flexibility to focus on particular areas of scientific interest from molecular biology to ecosystem studies. Students will have the opportunity to specialize in areas of their own interest, such as aquaculture and fisheries, animal behavior or ecological restoration.

The University's location and facilities provide unique opportunities for the study of aquatic organisms and systems due to its access to the seacoast and the lakes region of New Hampshire, White Mountain National Forest, and the presence of three coastal marine and estuarine laboratories, as well as estuarine and freshwater facilities. There is a strong teaching and research emphasis on ecological and physiological processes in aquatic plants, animals and ecosystems. A major strength of the program is the hands-on approach to teaching combined with an emphasis on involving undergraduate students in research.