Marine Science B.S. Degree
The Marine Science major emphasizes the multi-disciplined approach necessary to understand the marine environment. Using a diverse offering of marine science courses, the major includes a strong foundation in the elements of chemistry, physics and physical science as well as life sciences. During their sophomore year, students will choose either the oceanography or marine biology emphasis.
Practical as well as theoretical training is a major component of both emphases with hands on experiences gained through the use of the R/V Dolphin, Seabattical, Larkin (research vessels) and various fieldwork. OCEARCH at Jacksonville University, based in the Marine Science Research Institute, and the M/V OCEARCH vessel which is home-ported in Jacksonville, Florida when it is not on expedition, along with Chris Fischer, Explorer in Residence at JU, provides unequaled opportunities for students to gain real-world, hands-on experience in ocean research. After completing the emphasis requirements, students can carefully select elective courses to maximize their preparation to either enter graduate school or seek employment. Most Marine Science majors continue their education at the graduate level; however, there is employment at the bachelor’s level in environmentally related fields.
An Accelerated Bachelor of Science to Master of Arts (ABM) Marine Science Program is available. Please refer to the Graduate Programs section of this catalog.
Major Requirements
Marine Science majors must complete the following courses:
| MSC 111 | Introduction to Oceanography | 3 |
| MSC 112 | Introduction Oceanography Lab | 3 |
| MSC 113 | Intro to Marine Biology | 3 |
| MSC 114 | Intro to Marine Biology Lab | 3 |
| BIOL 223SI | Oral Presentation Biological Science | 3 |
| MSC 470 | Capstone: Current Topics in Marine Scie | 3 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 18 |
And the following required allied courses:
And two of the following four credit hour courses:
Marine Science Majors with an Oceanography Emphasis must complete the following 18 credit hours:
| MSC 306 | Marine Geology | 4 |
| MSC 308 | Physical Oceanography | 3 |
| MSC 431 | Oceanographic Techniques | 1 |
| | | |
| MSC xxx | Upper division MSC courses | 10 |
| | Or | |
| BIOL xxx | BIOL (300 & above) courses | 10 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 18 |
MSC 431: MSC 431 is a variable one to four credit hour course, depending on the semester and topic
MSC 431: No more than four credit hours each and no more than eight hours total may come from the following three categories: Independent Study (BIOL/MSC 387, 388, 487, 488), Departmental Honors (BIOL/MSC 397, 398, 497, 498), Internship (BIOL/MSC 490).
Or
Marine Science Majors with a Marine Biology Emphasis must complete the following 18 credit hours:
| BIOL 190 | Biological Unity | 3 |
| MSC 310WR | Marine Ecology | 4 |
| | | |
| MSC xxx | Upper division MSC courses | 10 |
| | Or | |
| BIOL xxx | BIOL (300 & above) courses | 10 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 18 |
MSC xxx and BIOL xxx: Organismal courses offered are MSC 302/BIOL 302, MSC 304WI/BIOL 304WI, MSC 330/BIOL 330, MSC 408, BIOL 301WR, BIOL 303, BIOL 305, BIOL 307, BIOL 312, BIOL 380, BIOL 382 and BIOL 406.
MSC xxx and BIOL xxx: No more than four (4) credit hours each and no more than eight (8) hours total may come from the following three (3) categories: Independent Study (BIOL/MSC 387, 388, 487, 488), Departmental Honors (BIOL/MSC 397, 398, 497, 498), Internship (BIOL/MSC 490).
Total Credit Hours: 68
Marine Science Major Important Notes:
- For students that double major in Marine Science and either Biology or Chemistry [Biochemistry track], only courses that are required for both majors may be counted towards both majors. Upper division electives may not be counted toward both majors simultaneously.
- Students double majoring in Biology and Marine Science must take all of the required courses for each major.
- Two writing intensive (WI or WR) courses must be completed with a minimum grade of “C-“. One must be a 300- or 400-level MSC course; the other WI course may be from any discipline.
- A minimum grade of “C” is required of Marine Science majors in the following courses: MSC 111, MSC 112, MSC 113, MSC 114, BIOL 190, BIOL 223SI, and BIOL 470.
- A minimum grade of “C” is required of Marine Science majors in allied courses: PHYS 111, PHYS 112, PHYS 151, PHYS 152, MATH 140, MATH 206, CHEM 103, CHEM 104, CHEM 301/CHEM 301L, CHEM 302/CHEM 302L, CHEM 322, and MSC 431.
- Marine Science majors must take an exit exam designated by the department during their senior year or as part of MSC 470.