MARINE AFFAIRS UNDERGRADUATE STUDENT HANDBOOK




Programs of Study in Marine Affairs


Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Marine Affairs

Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Marine Affairs

Minor in Coastal and Marine Policy Studies
Department of Marine Affairs
College of the Environment and Life Sciences (CELS)
University of Rhode Island
Washburn Hall
Kingston, Rhode Island 02881
Tel: (401) 874-2596
Fax: (401) 874-2156




This handbook has been compiled to assist undergraduate students in Marine Affairs. Although care has been taken to ensure the accuracy of the information contained within it, the student should note that the University of Rhode Island Catalog is the authoritative guide to student requirements, and its provisions take precedence in any conflicts with information contained in this handbook.



Revised June, 2004

BACHELOR OF ARTS and BACHELOR OF SCIENCE PROGRAMS OF STUDY IN MARINE AFFAIRS


With advances in technology and increasing demands for marine resources, the world's oceans are of major importance in terms of provision of food and energy, as a location for the disposal of wastes, and as transit routes for most international trade. At the same time, population continues to increase rapidly in the coastal zone, creating significant problems in environmental protection and conservation, in access to the shore for recreational and other purposes, and, generally, in the increasing number of conflict-of-use situations.

The multiple uses, rational management, and the health of the coastal zone and the world's oceans are of great importance to everyone. The manner in which we treat and regulate the ocean and coastal environment may have a significant impact upon our present and future well being and quality of life.

Marine Affairs is an interdisciplinary, social science field of study which focuses upon coastal and ocean management and policy. As an interdisciplinary field, it examines the marine and coastal environment, their resources and uses from a variety of perspectives, and encompasses the areas of fisheries management and law, coastal management, ports and maritime transportation, and international and national ocean policy, law and institutions. Course titles and descriptions will provide the reader of this handbook with a more detailed understanding of the scope of the field covered by Marine Affairs.

The Department of Marine Affairs in the College of the Environment and Life Sciences (CELS) offers two undergraduate degree programs: one leading to the award of a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) degree in Marine Affairs, and the other to a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree in Marine Affairs. The B.A. degree in Marine Affairs provides for a 36 credit-hour program in the major, while the B.S. degree has additional requirements beyond those needed for the completion of the B.A. A total of 126 credits is required for graduation in the B.S. Program. For the B.A., 120 credits is required. Both programs are outlined later in this handbook.

As with all academic programs, there are different approaches to meeting degree requirements for graduation. It is important for all students to design, with the guidance of an academic advisor, a program of study. The program of study identifies those courses within Marine Affairs to be taken by the student. Students are also encouraged to consider a minor in a related field. Possible minor courses of study are identified toward the end of this handbook.

UNIVERSITY COLLEGE REQUIREMENTS


A student may declare a major in Marine Affairs upon entering the University of Rhode Island. A total of 24 hours of course work must be completed before a student can formally transfer from University College to his/her major department. Information on University College may be found online at www.uri.edu/univcol

Transferring from University College to the Department of Marine Affairs: To complete the transfer from University College to the Department of Marine Affairs, a Degree Granting College Form must be signed by the Marine Affairs advisor in University College. This form may be obtained at University College, located in Roosevelt Hall.


GENERAL EDUCATION (BASIC LIBERAL STUDIES) (BLS) REQUIREMENTS:


The University of Rhode Island requires all undergraduate students to complete the applicable General Education requirements. General Education allows the student to explore a broad range of course topics, perspectives, and fields. Seven broad subject areas are included: (1) English Communication, (2) Fine Arts and Literature, (3) Fine Arts and Literature, (4) Letters, (5) Mathematics, (6) Natural Sciences, and (7) Social Sciences. Note: the General Education/BLS requirements are different for students in the B.A. and B.S. programs in marine affairs. A student needs to understand the General Education/BLS requirements which are applicable to his/her situation, depending on whether he/she is working toward the B.A. or B.S. degree.

The requirements for and a list of courses which may be taken to meet requirements for students pursuing the B.A. degree may be seen by clicking on: www.uri.edu/catalog/cataloghtml/ugrad/artsandsciences.html. Note that with respect to Letters, Natural Sciences, and Social Sciences, students may use only one course per discipline (as identified by course code).

The requirements for and a list of courses which may be taken to meet requirements for students pursuing the B.S. degree may be seen by clicking on: www.uri.edu/catalog/cataloghtml/ugradprogramreq.html#generaleducationrequirements

Students working toward a B.A. degree in marine affairs will have their non-major requirements and graduation requirements certified by the Office of the Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, while all requirements for students in the B.S. program are certified by the Office of the Dean of the College of the Environment and Life Sciences. Information on needed curriculum approvals is provided later in this handbook.


DEPARTMENT OF MARINE AFFAIRS: PROGRAM CONCENTRATIONS AND REQUIREMENTS


UNDERGRADUATE COURSE OFFERINGS IN MARINE AFFAIRS

The following is a list of undergraduate courses offered by the Department of Marine Affairs:


COURSE PREREQUISITES:

Prerequisites or suggested course sequences are intended to assure that students have the necessary background to move on to more specialized topics within Marine Affairs. It is important to consider the sequencing of courses in constructing a Marine Affairs program of study. Failure to do so will prevent students from maximizing the benefit from selected courses and may create unnecessary difficulties and even delay graduation.


TAKING GRADUATE-LEVEL COURSES:

In their Senior Year at the University of Rhode Island, undergraduates are allowed to undertake 500-level graduate course work. For undergraduates to take graduate course work, they must have the permission of the instructor and obtain a permission number. When taking a graduate course outside of the department, check with the instructor about background needed to successfully complete course requirements.

REGISTERING FOR COURSES IN MARINE AFFAIRS:

Depending upon a student's status as an undergraduate (i.e., freshman, senior, etc.) some classes may be filled during the registration process. Therefore, it is important to have a list of alternate course options ready. Without advance consideration of course options, a student is often faced with the situation of taking upper-level courses for which he/she is not yet prepared. Student planning is extremely important. As planning proceeds for the coming semester, students should meet with departmental advisers prior to registration. Note that all professors in the department have office hours posted on their office doors. Registration for courses is accomplished online through the e-Campus system. Go to www.uri.edu/ecampus. This webpage provides instruction for its use.

Attendance Policy:

Except in the case of illness or emergency, students are expected to attend all class meetings. Attendance may be calculated into the grading process and unexcused absence may result in a lower final course grade. Be sure to note the grading policy of each of your instructors.

MAF Plagiarism Policy:

In accordance with University policy related to academic integrity, the Department of Marine Affairs has a policy of zero tolerance for plagiarism. Department policy is to give a zero on assignments where plagiarism is evident. Faculty will be vigilant in this issue. If you are uncertain about what plagiarism is or how to properly cite sources, consult the following web site: www.dartmouth.edu/~sources/contents.html

Incompletes:
At the end of each semester, circumstances sometimes necessitate that a student requests an "Incomplete" for a course in place of a final grade. To request an Incomplete, the student must be passing the course. Illness or family problems may justify an Incomplete whereas simple inconvenience does not. Failure to complete course requirements for unapproved reasons may subject the student to grade penalties or course failure. Course requirements are to be completed prior to mid-semester of the following term so that the Incomplete may be changed to a letter grade. No change will be made on an undergraduate's student record after a period of two years.


REQUIREMENTS FOR UNDERGRADUATE MAJORS IN MARINE AFFAIRS

I. Bachelor of Arts Program in Marine Affairs

Students must complete a minimum of 30 credits in Marine Affairs, as well as 6 credits in two required courses in statistics and oceanography. The required course of study is outlined below.

All four of the following courses (12 credits):
Six of the following issue area courses (18 credits):

One of the following oceanography courses must be taken and so, too, must the statistics course noted below:
Aside from expertise gained in the field of marine affairs, students are expected to obtain a broad, general liberal arts education and to develop strong skills in written and oral expression as well as research and analysis.

A total of 120 credits is required for graduation. At least 42 of these credits must be in courses numbered 300 or above.
II. Bachelor of Science Program in Marine Affairs

Students must complete a minimum of 30 credits in Marine Affairs. The required course of study is outlined below.

All five of the following courses (15 credits):
Five of the following issue area courses (15 credits):

In addition to the above marine affairs requirements, students must take BIO 101, OCG 123 or 401, MTH 111 or 131, and WRT 333.

Students must also earn a total of 18 credits from among the following courses, at least nine credits must be from courses at the 300 level or above: A total of 126 credits is required for graduation in the B.S. Program.


REQUIREMENTS FOR THE UNDERGRADUATE MINOR IN COASTAL AND MARINE POLICY STUDIES

Students majoring in departments other than Marine Affairs may undertake a minor offered by the Department of Marine Affairs in Coastal and Marine Policy Studies. Transfer credit may not be used toward the minor. The minor consists of 18 credits of work in the Department of Marine Affairs, with a minimum average of 2.0 earned in MAF courses, and has the following requirements:

Required Courses: (6 credits)
Selected Courses: Select four of the following courses (12 credits), of which at least two courses must be at the 400 level:
Note: It is the student's responsibility to complete the required “Intent to Minor” form for the College in which he/she is majoring no later than the start of the final semester at URI. That form, available from the Department of Marine Affairs, must show that the above requirements for the minor have been satisfied. Questions regarding the undergraduate minor should be directed to Prof. Lawrence Juda who may be reached at his office in 320 Washburn Hall (874-4041) or by email at ljuda@uri.edu.

INTERNSHIPS AND INDEPENDENT STUDY

Internships:

One of the most important issues facing undergraduates is that of future employment opportunities. An undergraduate degree is intended to provide a broad background of knowledge to carry and build on through life, yet students also want to be able to secure professional employment at the end of a college career. In today's economy, many entry-level job positions are advertised as requiring "experience." The obvious question becomes "how do I get that experience?"

One means of acquiring professional experience is through an internship. An internship is useful in various ways. The internship can provide the student with actual work experience in his/her chosen field and it may result in useful contacts and recommendations for the student. Many private firms and public sector agencies expect the new graduate to have had an internship experience while in college.

At the University of Rhode Island, there are several approaches for the student in Marine Affairs to do an internship. To apply the student must have a sufficient grade point average (2.5 on a 4.0 scale) and be formally admitted to internship course work. Students must demonstrate a substantial level of commitment, maturity, and professionalism in order to apply. Internships should be set up in the semester PRIOR to that in which the internship experience occurs.

Directed Study: Directed Studies are intended to provide the student with an opportunity to pursue topics in Marine Affairs in greater depth than generally accommodated in structured course work. The student typically arranges a topic with an MAF faculty member the semester before the directed study is to commence. Courses designated in an directed study or problems format include: MAF 491, MAF 492 and MAF 499. A written description of the project the student wishes to undertake must be submitted in advance to the faculty sponsor for prior approval. This process is to occur in the semester prior to the semester in which the work will be done.


RECOMMENDED MINOR PROGRAMS OF STUDY FOR MAF STUDENT MAJORS


As noted earlier, the study of Marine Affairs focuses on the management and policy relating to coastal and marine environments and resources. Because of the competitive nature of the work place and competition for entrance into graduate or professional schools, it is highly recommended by the Department that students seek a minor in another field of study. Students should check with the departments in which they expect to minor to learn the requirements that must be met to complete a minor program of study. Note that minor requirements are determined by that department and not by the Department of Marine Affairs.

A minor field of study should be started by the time students are second-semester sophomores or first-semester juniors. This timing will allow students to plan major and minor programs of study and best utilize remaining credits. Typically, a minor requires 18 credits of work in particular departments. Consult an MAF advisor as soon as possible if a minor field of study is being considered.

Recommended minors are: Aquaculture and Fishery Science, Marine Biology, Business, Geosciences, Natural Resources Science, Political Science, or Environmental and Natural Resource Economics.


ADVISING

Academic student advising is available through two sources:


The following pages contain a list of typical questions asked by students regarding their program requirements.

MAF DEPARTMENT GUIDE TO GENERAL UNIVERSITY INFORMATION

QUESTION/CONCERN SOURCE/PLACE ANSWERS/COMMENTS
How do I apply to URI Application online www.uri.edu/admissions Procedure to become a student at URI
How do I reapply (if student in past) Office of the Registrar---Administration Building, bottom floor Procedure to reapply for admission
Graduation worksheet: what requirements must I meet See a Marine Affairs Advisor to discuss requirements The correct number and type of courses needed to graduate
What are procedures for study overseas? Study Abroad Office---Roosevelt Hall or online www.uri.edu/international Appropriate procedure to study abroad
Can I take a course at another university? Office of Student Affairs, College of the Environment and Life Sciences(CELS)---110 Woodward Makes sure that a course from another college will fulfill URI requirements by bringing a course description to the appropriate department for prior approval
Can I transfer credits into URI? Office of Student Affairs, CELS, 110 Woodward Transcript evaluation: evaluates courses from other schools and determines what URI requirements they satisfy
Can I take a leave of absence from URI Enrollment Services, Green Hall Arranges the necessary approval to leave URI; may avoid grades in withdrawn classes from becoming failing grades and hurting changes for return to URI or transfer to another university
 
Can I take a  class on  pass/fail basis? Notify in writing:
1. Your advisor
2. Academic Dean, CELS
3. Registrar		 Arranges necessary approval. See Undergraduate Catalog.  Note conditions for exercise of this option..
How do I declare a minor in another field of study? Office of Student Affairs, CELS, 110 Woodward A form for prior approval of minor requirements is needed, signed by the Chair of the minor department and returned to Dean's office (CELS) 
 
 
College of the Environment and Life Sciences (CELS)
Office of Student Affairs, 110 Woodward, X-2473 or 4507
College of Arts and Sciences (A&S)
227 Chafee, X-2566
Signatures Required for Form Approval
 
 
 
FORM SOURCE OF FORM SIGNATURE(S) REQUIRED
Change of major CELS Student Affairs Office CELS Dean
Minor form CELS Dean's Office Chairman of the Minor Department and CELS Dean
Curriculum modification for making substitute in major requirements CELS Dean's Office MAF Chairman and CELS Dean
Petition for substutions of degree requirements other than those in major B.A. students: A&S Dean's Office
 

B.S. students: CELS Dean's Office

 B.A. students: MAF Department Chairman and A&S Scholastic Standing Committee

B.S. students: MAF Department Chairman and CELS Dean
 
Prior approval for off-campus study B.A.: A&S Dean's Office

B.S.: CELS Dean's Office 

 Chairman of appropriate department and A&S Dean

Chairman of appropriate department and CELS Dean
 
Form to transfer from University College to the Department of Marine Affairs University College, Roosevelt Hall University College Advisor and CELS Dean
Applying for UYA Internship Faculty Advisor
Department Internship (MAF 490) Department Internship Director
Course override form Registrar or CELS Dean's Office Course Instructor.  If additional course brings number of credits over 19, also requires signature of CELS Dean
Petition for late drop or add Registrar or CELS Dean's Office Instructor's signature acknowledging petition and CELS Dean's approval
Intent to graduate form
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

B.A.: A&S Dean's Office

B.S.: CELS Dean's Office 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 MAF Advisor

MAF Advisor

These forms must be filed with A&S or CELS Dean by the following dates:

May Graduation: November 1
August Graduation: April 1
December Graduateion: August 1
 
 
 
 


Marine Affairs, Department Office: Washburn Hall, 874-2596 (Josephine Link, Department Secretary)

MARINE AFFAIRS FACULTY

         Prof. Richard Burroughs, Room 224 Washburn Hall, ext. 44045
        Prof. Tracey Dalton, 223 Washburn Hall, ext. 42147
        Prof. Timothy Hennessey, Tucker House, ext. 44052
        Prof. Lawrence Juda, Room 320 Washburn Hall, ext. 44041
        Prof. Seth Macinko, 305 Washburn Hall, ext. 44820
        Prof. Bruce Marti, Room 319 Washburn Hall, ext. 44040
        Prof. Dennis Nixon, Room 113 Woodward Hall, ext. 44187
        Prof. Richard Pollnac, 304 Washburn Hall, ext. 45107
        Prof. Robert Thompson, Room 303 Washburn Hall, ext. 44043

NOTE--Office hours are posted on doors of department faculty each semester. If it is not possible to meet with faculty during posted hours, please arrange an appointment in advance.