BA in Marine Science
As part of the Boston University Marine Program (BUMP), the marine science major includes interdisciplinary coursework in four areas of marine science—marine biology, marine chemistry, marine geology, and physical oceanography—to give students a wide understanding of all marine-related science. Courses are completed in the Departments of Biology and Earth & Environment, with required related coursework in biology, chemistry, physics, calculus, and statistics.
Resources of the major extend to BUMP’s academic partners: the New England Aquarium, the Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary (operated by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration), and the Sea Education Association (SEA) in Woods Hole, Massachusetts. Students have the opportunity to take marine courses beginning the first semester of freshman year and to participate in at least one Marine Semester, a hands-on, field-oriented block of marine courses. The development of research skills and projects is strongly encouraged. The BA in Marine Science prepares students for employment in the marine professions or continued training in research, education, government, or industry.
Each marine science major will be assigned a permanent advisor through the program manager of BUMP. This advisor will meet with the student at least once a semester to help set up and implement a program of study.
Requirements
The requirements for the marine science major include eight courses distributed between the Departments of Biology and Earth & Environment, as well as eight other science courses that provide appropriate background for the marine sciences. A grade not lower than C is required in all required related, core introductory, marine breadth, and Marine Semester courses to receive major credit.
Course Requirements
Required Related Courses (8)
Two courses in biology: CAS BI 107 and 108. Two courses in chemistry: CAS CH 101 and 102, or CH 109 and 110, or CH 111 and 112, or CH 171 and either 172 or 174. One year of calculus, fulfilled by CAS MA 123 and MA 124 (or the single semester equivalents of MA 127 or MA 129). One course in statistics, CAS MA 213. One course in physics, CAS PY 211.
Core Introductory Course (1)
CAS ES 144 (MP or MR section with discussion).
Marine Breadth Requirement (3)
Students must complete one course from three of the four marine science areas of marine biology (CAS BI 260), marine chemistry (CAS ES/BI 423), marine geology (CAS ES 331, or ES 440, or ES 541), and physical oceanography (CAS GE/ES 507).
Marine Semester (4)
Participation in at least one four-course Marine Semester is required. If a student’s schedule permits, participation in additional Marine Semesters is encouraged. Students seeking admission to a Marine Semester must have completed at least one of the four “marine breadth requirement” courses. Preference for admission into the Marine Semester will be given to marine science majors. Marine Semester courses currently include CAS BI/GE 523 (Marine Urban Ecology), CAS BI 531 (Ichthyology: Behavior Ecology, and Evolution of Fish), CAS BI 532 (Field Biology of Belize Coral Reef: Expeditionary Ichthyology), CAS BI 539 (Coral Reef Dynamics), CAS BI 546 (Marine Megafaunal Ecology), CAS BI 547 (Marine Invertebrates of the New England Coast), CAS BI 550 (Marine Genomics), CAS BI 563 (Sensory Biology), CAS BI 569 (Tropical Marine Invertebrates), CAS BI/ES 558 (Coastal Biogeochemistry), CAS BI/GE 578 (Marine Geographic Information Science), CAS ES 543 (Estuaries and Nearshore Systems), and CAS ES 557 (Oceanography of Stellwagen Bank).
This suite of courses may be modified annually and students are encouraged to contact the BUMP office for the latest offerings. Students may also enroll in undergraduate research in marine science (CAS MR 491), biology, earth sciences, or geography & environment, for one block course per Marine Semester, with written permission from the director of BUMP.
Organizations
Marine Science Association (MSA)
Marine Science concentrators and other students interested in the field are welcome to participate in this group, which sponsors marine science-related activities, including lectures, field trips, and social events. For further information, email MSA at msa@bu.edu.
Alpha Delta Omega (ΑΔΩ) Marine Science Honor Society
Alpha Delta Omega was formed to recognize the accomplishments of outstanding students in the field of marine science and to promote community service using their knowledge. Membership is open to marine science majors who have successfully completed the Marine Semester and meet the GPA and research requirements.
