Marine Biology, Bachelor of Science
The School of Earth, Environmental, and Marine Sciences offers a B.S. in Marine Biology, which is designed to prepare students who are seeking a career or graduate studies in marine biology and related marine science disciplines. Undergraduates in this major will develop an understanding of the biology of marine organisms and the biological and physical processes that affect these organisms, their populations, and their coastal and oceanic ecosystems. The curriculum takes full advantage of the Rio Grande Valley’s unique physical location at the intersection of temperate and tropical climatic divides, and proximity to the Gulf of Mexico. Unifying laboratory/field courses with the unique environments of South Texas directly engage students in the discovery process and in analyzing and interpreting data. The Marine Biology program requires 120 hours of coursework including a major-specific marine biology core and supporting courses aimed at interrelating the principles of physics, geology and geophysics, mathematics, chemistry, and biology to the marine environment. Upper-level electives include Coral Reef Ecology, Marine Zoology, Ichthyology, Marine Animal Field Studies, as well as supervised independent research courses.
Note: For a PDF version of the degree requirements for this program go to the Undergraduate Programs page on the UTRGV website.
Core Curriculum - 42 Hours
Students must fulfill the Core Curriculum requirements. The courses listed below satisfy both degree requirements and Core Curriculum requirements.
Mathematics – 3 hours
Life and Physical Sciences – 6 hours
Language, Philosophy and Culture – 3 hours
| PHIL 1366 | Philosophy and History of Science and Technology | 3 |
Integrative and Experiential Learning – 2 hours
Major Requirements – 58 - 59 Hours (47 advanced)
Marine Biology Core – 37 hours (26 advanced)
Required:
Choose one:
Marine Biology Electives – 17 – 18 hours (17 advanced minimum)
17 hours if a 4-hour Math course is completed in the Support Courses or 18 hours if a 3-hour Math course is completed
Choose from:
Biology Electives – 4 hours (4 advanced)
Choose 4 hours of advanced Biology.
Support Courses – 19 – 20 Hours (4 advanced)
Required:
Choose one:
Total Credit Hours: 51
Total Credit Hours: 120