Our Program

Marine science is one of the most integrative fields in biology, with research topics ranging from molecular methods for the classification of marine bacteria to the effects of global warming on fisheries.

Requirements: Marine Biology Emphasis

The marine emphasis is designed for biology majors who are interested in pursuing careers or graduate school in the marine sciences. Marine science is one of the most integrative fields in biology with research topics ranging from molecular methods for the classification of marine bacteria to the effects of global warming on fisheries. Students are required to satisfy all the requirements for the biology major and must take four of the following upper-division courses: Biology 260, 344, 356, 368, 369, or Geology 245. These courses may also satisfy biology major requirements.

In addition to the coursework, students are encouraged to participate in as many of the following activities as their schedules allow:

• independent or collaborative research with faculty (Bio 395),
• scuba diving as part of a club or research team
• participation in programs (academic year and/or summer) at marine science institutions
• participation in faculty led field trips, and/or
• attendance at seminars on marine topics at Oxy and other nearby campuses

Students graduating with a marine emphasis will have strong lab/field research experience, know the common local marine organisms (plankton to mammals), and be able to discuss the pertinent physical and biological processes affecting the southern California marine area. Students interested in joining this emphasis should monitor our web site and contact one of the marine faculty to discuss their course of study.
 

Student Research