What Is A BS In Marine Biology?
Whether you want to explore the mysteries of deep-sea organisms, discover marine animal interrelationships, or become a leader in marine veterinary science, you can reach your goals with a marine biology degree from Florida Tech. One of the first undergraduate marine biology programs in the country, Florida Tech’s is also one of the strongest.
Oceans cover over 70% of our world, yet scientists estimate that only a fraction of the oceans have been explored. Marine biology encompasses so much of the biology of these oceans and marine organisms, from viruses to whales, and from molecular biology to global warming. Studying for a marine biology degree can include a wide variety of other scientific disciplines, from aquaculture and oceanography to chemistry, meteorology, and zoology.
Engage In Marine Biology Right From The Start
Our marine biology degree, a four-year program, engages first year students in their major when they start their first semester. Introduction to Marine Biology, Biological Discovery 2, and General Chemistry kickstart your marine biology program. First-year students also jump right into the laboratory to delve into marine biology research. Guided by highly qualified faculty and members of the Marine Biological Society, students are immersed in their major immediately.
Gain Practical Experience
Established in 1971, the marine biology degree program is the most popular of the biological sciences programs at Florida Tech. This course of study is very hands-on, with small classes and intensive faculty-student interaction. As a student in the marine biology department you can undertake exciting collaborative research with a peer or professor, or work independently in a topic of your choosing. Hands-on experience in the field is close by, as Florida Tech is strategically located near the estuarine habitats of the Indian River Lagoon and the Atlantic Ocean marine ecosystems. As a result, students get practical experience, an enhanced job search portfolio, and a stronger sense of yourself as a scholar—the perfect preparation for graduate and professional school and employment.
Why Pursue A BS In Marine Biology At Florida Tech?
A Strong Learning Relationship Between Faculty And Students
All Florida Tech marine biology faculty members hold doctoral degrees in their fields. They teach all lectures and provide close supervision over graduate teaching assistants in the labs. Students benefit from small class sizes within a tight-knit community of scholars and learners in collaboration. In fact, Florida Tech is one of the most popular marine biology colleges because the faculty is so accessible.
For curriculum and career planning, students meet regularly with faculty advisors who typically have only 20 to 30 undergraduate advisees each, staying with them for all four years. Students have the opportunity, and are strongly encouraged, to volunteer in research labs where they work with faculty, graduate students, and fellow undergrads on research projects. Many students also present their research at regional and national professional meetings, and some students are published in research journals.
Application procedure
First-Year Melbourne Campus Admission
The Office of Undergraduate Admission carefully reviews all candidates for admission, using evaluation criteria to determine a student’s ability to complete several years of rigorous study. Applications are reviewed with reference to specific degree programs or for admission to first-year programs in General Engineering or General Science (College of Engineering and Science), or General Studies (College of Psychology and Liberal Arts). In addition to a completed application for admission, applicants must submit:
- Transcripts indicating a strong high school curriculum and achievement in college preparatory classes
- SAT or ACT results
- An essay
- One letter of recommendation
The required documents will be used to determine the potential for success in an applicant’s chosen field of study.
Participation in special classes, clubs or teams that involve research projects/opportunities and advanced problem-solving techniques is encouraged and should be indicated in the application process.
Although an admission interview is not required, campus visits and interviews with admission counselors are highly recommended. An interview, mid-year grades or additional testing may be requested at the discretion of the admission committee.
Florida Tech accepts applications throughout the school year. Students may submit an application any time after the end of their junior year of high school. It is recommended that applicants for the fall semester submit all application materials as soon as possible after starting their senior year in high school and completing the SAT or ACT. Each applicant will be notified of an admission decision as soon as possible after the applicant’s file is complete and evaluated.
Grant opportunities
Most of Florida Tech’s full-time Melbourne campus undergraduate students receive some type of financial assistance. The aid may be in the form of a scholarship for academic performance, need-based grants, federal grants, federal loans, work-study, on-campus employment or any combination of these awards (see Office of Student Employment in the Institution Overview section for more information on student employment opportunities).
Learning outcomes
The Bachelor of Science in Marine Biology provides students with the skills and knowledge for immediate employment in marine biology-related career tracks or for graduate studies. Coursework emphasizes the diversity of marine organisms as well as their characteristics, interrelationships and interactions with the marine environment. Integrating fieldwork and laboratory studies is a priority with emphasis on using molecular-based approaches to answer questions regarding the adaptation and resilience of marine organisms and habitats in the face of global climate change and invasive species.
Undergraduate research opportunities range from work on marine microbes and molecular marine ecology to dolphins, tarpon, invasive lionfish, reef-corals and the rich fauna of Antarctica. Students can develop expertise in the culture of marine and freshwater algae, crustaceans, finfish and mollusks, providing them with in-demand skills for employment in either economic or conservation-driven fisheries. Fieldwork is strongly encouraged and is available both locally in the Indian River Lagoon, one of North America’s most diverse estuaries, and through summer field courses in the Galapagos Islands, Jamaica, the Florida Keys, Bahamas, Puerto Rico, Cuba and other locations.
Prerequisites
Students intending to apply for admission to study in the Department of Ocean Engineering and Marine Sciences should complete at least one year each of high school biology, chemistry and physics. Prospective students should also have at least three years of high school mathematics, including second-year algebra and trigonometry.
Florida Tech has articulation agreements with many of the community colleges in Florida. Students contemplating transfer to Florida Tech should consult with the department to determine transferability of credits. If there is a question regarding specific courses needed, students should contact the associate department head for undergraduate studies.
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