The Department of Biological Sciences offers three undergraduate majors and minors for students interested in marine biology:
Other undergraduate degree programs in marine science and oceanography are offered by other departments at URI. See links in right hand column.
BS Marine Biology:
This program is appropriate for students who plan to pursue a career as a practicing marine biologist for for those who plan on using their expertise in a wide range of careers. In addition to providing an opportunity to take upper-level courses in various aspects of marine biology, the curriculum is designed to give students a firm foundation in modern biological sciences, thus keeping doors open for a broad range of career opportunities in biology. The curriculum has the following five components:
Introductory Biology
BIO 101, 102 (includes two semester of lab) - These courses serve as a pre-requisite for all other BIO courses. Credit for AP Biology (score of 3, 4 or 5) may satisfy this requirement.
Required Courses in Chemistry, Physics and Math
The same courses are required for students in the BS Biological Sciences and BS Marine Biology majors. They are: two semesters of General Chemistry w/ lab (AP credit will be given for score of 3 or better), two semesters of Organic Chemistry w/ lab [or one semester of Organic Chemistry w/lab], two semesters of Physics w/ lab (AP credit will be given for score of 3 or better), two semesters of Calculus (AP credit will be given for score of 3 or better) [or one semester of Calculus and one semester of Statistics].
Required Core Courses in Biological Sciences
These courses provide students with a firm foundation in subdisciplines of modern biological sciences such as: molecular and cell biology, genetics, physiology, organismal diversity, evolution and ecology.
Required Course in Oceanography
OCG 401 or 451 - Taught by faculty from the Graduate School of Oceanography.
Marine Biology Electives
Course topics include, but are not limited to, Marine Ecology, Marine Environmental Physiology, Biology of Invertebrates, Biology and Ecology of Algae and Marine Plants, Evolution and Diversity of Fishes, Tropical Marine Invertabrates and Coral Reef Ecology. Qualified students also have the opportunity to take graduate-level courses in Biological Sciences and at the Graduate School of Oceanography (e.g., Biological Oceanography, Deep Sea Biology, Marine Microbiology, etc.).
Students are strongly encouraged to explore courses in other CELS departments such as FAVS, NRS, ENRE, etc. and in the Graduate School of Oceanography (for qualified students).
Credit for courses taken through the URI in Bermuda program or the Woods Hole Sea Semester program (see Study Abroad page) will be assigned credit as per University Policy. Credit for courses taken as a part of other Study Abroad programs, those earned for completion of summer field courses at marine laboratories or courses at other universities, may be evaluated for transfer credit. Students are encouraged to speak with their faculty advisor about these opportunities as soon as possible so a Pre-Approval of Transfer Credit form can be approved.
A total of 130 credits are required for the BS Marine Biology.
The requirements of the curriculum for the BS Marine Biology allow students to satisfy the basic requirements for admission to medical school, dental school and veterinary school. However, additional courses in biological sciences are strongly recommended for application to these professional schools. Contact the Health Professions Advisory Committee for more information.
BA in Biology :
This program requires less chemistry, math and physics than the curriculum for either BS Biological Sciences or the BS Marine Biology. It requires that 42 credits of the total of 120 required for graduation be earned in courses at or above the 300-level. While this degree program is not in Marine Biology, per se, electives can be chosen from courses in marine biology in order to satisfy an interest in this area of study. This curriculum would be appropriate for those students who might want to combine marine biology with career interests in business, law, K-12 education, etc.
View: BA in Biology core requirements and electives.
Minor in Marine Biology :
At least 20 credits, which includes 8 credits of General Biology (BIO 101, 102, or equivalent, e.g., AP), Marine Biology (BIO 360) and at least 8 additional credits at the 200-level or above, chosen from among courses that are counted as marine biology electives for the BS Marine Biology degree. A maximum of 3 credits in research (e.g., BIO 491, 492) may be counted towards the minor. At least half of the credits for the minor must be earned at URI. A minimum GPA of 2.00 must be earned in the credits required for the minor.
Application for a Minor in Marine Biology must be filed with the coordinator of the Marine Biology Program prior to the completion of the first semester of the senior year.
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