Marine Biology Major

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The major in marine biology provides students with a broad understanding of the basic biological and ecological principles as they relate to the marine ecosystems. Core courses will expose students to the discovery nature of science and educate them in their roles as global citizens in preserving the health of the marine environment. The major prepares students to enter careers and advanced studies in biological research, environmental science, and conservation.

Major Requirements

Thirteen (13) courses are required: eight (8) core marine biology courses, three (3) core chemistry courses, one (1) biology elective course, one (1) approved field experience in marine biology, and satisfactory performance on a comprehensive standard exam. At least eight (8) of the thirteen (13) courses required for the marine biology major must be taken at Rollins College or as part of a Rollins-sanctioned program. Of these eight (8), at least five (5) must be BIO prefix courses beyond BIO 120 /BIO 121 . To declare this major, a student must have a minimum 2.0 major GPA in at least two (2) of the courses listed on the major map. Students may not major, double major, or minor in both Marine Biology and Biology.

Core Biology Courses (eight courses)

BIO 120 - General Biology I Crs:
BIO 121 - General Biology II Crs:
BIO 210 - Introduction to Marine Science Crs:
One course in Marine Organisms chosen from: BIO 211 Marine Botany Marine Botany or BIO 236 Invertebrate Zoology or BIO 237 Vertebrate Zoology
One course in Molecular Biology/Genetics chosen from: BIO 308 Genetics or BIO 341 Molecular Biology
BIO 316 - Ecology Crs:
BIO 335 - Marine Biology with Lab Crs: 6
BIO 435 - Senior Seminar in Marine Biology Crs: or BIO 499 Independent Study: Biological Research

Field Study Requirement

An approved field experience in marine biology is required and may be satisfied by one of the following.

BIO 388 - Marine Bio Lab: Location TBA Crs:
OR
One (1) semester in residence at an approved marine field station
OR
One approved marine field course at the 300-level or above

Core Physical Science Courses

CHM 120 - Chemistry I Crs: or
CHM 130 - Advanced Chemistry I Crs: and
CHM 121 - Chemistry II Crs: or
CHM 131 - Advanced Chemistry II Crs: and
CHM 220/220L - Organic Chemistry I Crs:

Biology Elective

Six (6) semester hours.

Any biology course from BIO 210 and above. Courses from the core groupings, other than those used to fulfill the core requirements, may be used to satisfy the requirement. The course(s) used to fulfill the biology elective for the Marine Biology major may not be used to satisfy the requirements of other majors.

Recommendations

Students preparing for graduate programs in Marine Biology, Biology, or Professional schools in health-related areas such as medicine, dentistry, veterinary medicine, or pharmacy require a thorough introduction to physics and calculus. Therefore, they are advised to take CHM 221/221L , PHY 120 /PHY 130 and PHY 121 /PHY 131 , a calculus course and a statistics course.