Undergraduate Minor in Marine Science
In addition to its graduate program, the School of Marine & Environmental Sciences
offers an undergraduate minor in marine sciences. The marine sciences minor is designed
to provide students the basic academic knowledge and field experience to apply the
skills they learn in their major field to questions in marine sciences. The minor
is open to any USA majors, although students not majoring in other science disciplines
will likely need additional preparation or prerequisite courses.
The undergraduate program is administered from the main campus in Mobile where introductory
and core classes for undergraduates will be offered. Most faculty are in residence
at the Dauphin Island Sea Lab, located about 35 miles south of Mobile. Within a short
distance of these locations are diverse habitats, including the Mobile Delta, Mobile
Bay and Mississippi Sound, numerous barrier islands, and open Gulf habitats.
Program Summary
The Marine Sciences undergraduate curriculum is designed to complement the strong
disciplinary training of USA basic science, engineering and socio-economic majors
by providing a broad interdisciplinary perspective with an environmental focus.
Requirements for a Minor in Marine Sciences include a minimum of 18 hours in Marine Sciences related classes. The student must take Ocean Science (MAS 134), Marine Science I (MAS 331) and Marine Science II (MAS 332). In addition to these core requirements, students must take 2-3 electives courses (MAS 371, MAS 367, MAS 430, MAS 451, MAS 471, MAS 475 or other electives approved by the Chair).
Course of Study
| A. Freshmen/Sophomore level | Credit Hours |
|---|---|
| MAS 134 Ocean Science | (3 cr) |
| MAS 134L Ocean Science | (1 cr) |
| B. Junior/Senior level | Credit Hours |
|---|---|
| MAS 331 Marine Sciences I | (3 cr) |
| MAS 332 Marine Science II | (3 cr) |
Two-three MAS listed electives at the Dauphin Island Sea Lab (listed below).
Marine Sciences Minor Requirements
| A. Required Courses (10 credits) | Credit Hours |
|---|---|
| MAS 134 Ocean Science | (3 cr) |
| MAS 134L Ocean Science Lab | (1 cr) |
| MAS 331 Marine Science I | (3 cr) |
| MAS 332 Marine Science II | (3 cr) |
| B. Electives (choose 2 -3 courses, 8 credits needed) | |
|---|---|
| MAS 371 Shark and Ray Biology | |
| MAS 367 Marine Biology | |
| MAS 430 Marine Botany | |
| MAS 451 Marine Vertebrate Zoology | |
| MAS 471 Marine Invertebrate Zoology | |
| MAS 475 Marine Ecology |
Other DISL offered courses will be considered for elective credit.
*Requirements subject to change as requirements are pending final University approval*