Mar 29, 2024  
2018-19 College of Liberal Arts 
    
2018-19 College of Liberal Arts [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Marine Biology Major


Meet the Faculty

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.

Students with AP Biology scores of 5, or IB scores of 5, 6, or 7 (on the higher level IB exam), can be given the option of exemption from either BIO 120   or BIO 121   upon department chair approval.

Field Study Requirement


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

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.