UNDERGRADUATE PREPARATION

Pre-Marine Science

Growing recognition of the importance of the oceans to human welfare has opened new opportunities for careers in marine science and oceanography. Over 70% of the earth's surface is covered by water, but only recently has a concerted effort been made to better understand this part of our globe. The oceans contour and shape the land, and its currents affect our weather and climate. More importantly, the oceans abound in food, energy, and minerals resources that are dwindling rapidly worldwide. The seas are also a repository for much of the world's waste, and the impact of this pollution is a concern to marine scientists and environmentalists everywhere. Along with the continued research in the processes of the marine environment, marine scientists of the future must lead the way in developing new techniques to extract the riches of the oceans while protecting them from pollution and exploitation.

A career in marine science demands specialized training beyond the baccalaureate degree. The College of Marine Science at the University of South Florida offers the Master of Science and Doctor of Philosophy degrees. Traditionally, there are four areas of specialization at the graduate level: marine biology, marine chemistry, marine geology, and physical oceanography. Marine biologists study the plant and animal life of the oceans and the environmental conditions affecting them. Marine chemists are concerned with the chemical composition of the ocean water and sediments, along with chemical reactions that occur in the sea. Marine geologists study the rocks and other mineral deposits. Marine physicists and geophysicists study the physical properties of the ocean, its motion, and relationship between the sea and the atmosphere. In addition to these traditional research areas, increasing numbers of interdisciplinary specialties are developing.

To prepare students for graduate study in marine science, the College of Arts and Sciences has adapted existing major programs in biology, chemistry, geology and physics to provide the requisite background. Utilizing elective hours, a careful selection of basic science courses and marine-oriented courses have been chosen to orient these major programs toward graduate specialization in marine science. Each major program consists of a core of basic science courses and liberal arts requirements, specialization courses, and elective. The requirements of several of these programs are attached.

Prospective students in marine science should choose that major most appropriately suited to their career interests. The selection of particular courses and electives may be accomplished with the aid of the student's advisor.

Undergraduate Preparation

II. Specialization Courses:

In addition to the general courses, students should take 15-18 credit hours of the following specialization courses in one of the basic sciences list below: