Educational Opportunities in Coastal and Marine Biology

What is Coastal and Marine Biology?

Coastal and Marine Biology is the study of aquatic organisms, ranging from the tiniest microbes to the largest marine mammals living in the rivers to the seas It includes scientific research on a diverse range of topics, from basic research on how coastal and marine organisms function and how they interact with other species and their environments, to applied research on how to manage and conserve threatened or endangered aquatic populations or how to use natural products from marine organisms for useful purposes such as human medicine. Last, but not least, Coastal and Marine Biology is also an important field for education because a well-informed and “ocean literate” public is necessary for protecting the ocean for future generations to come. 

How can I become a Coastal and Marine Biologist?

Becoming a Coastal and Marine Biologist requires a strong foundation in the basic principles of biology along with more specialized courses on oceanography and coastal and marine organismal biology. Most successful coastal and marine biologists also complete some form of hands-on training, such as summer field courses, directed research with a faculty mentor, and/or internships with off-campus agencies that focus on marine science research, education, and/or conservation 

Why should I come to UNF for a degree in Coastal and Marine Biology?

Because of UNF’s proximity to the Atlantic Ocean, the St. Johns River, and the Intracoastal Waterway, and the research accomplishments of several UNF Biology faculty members in the Ocean Sciences, the Department of Biology’s Coastal & Marine Biology Program was awarded UNF Flagship Program status in 2006, establishing it as a center for excellence in this field.

Students pursuing undergraduate and graduate degrees in Coastal & Marine Biology at UNF have the benefit of working directly with accomplished faculty members conducting research on a broad range of exciting and important topics in coastal and marine biology. They also have the opportunity to take all the courses needed for a successful career in coastal and marine biology, including several field-intensive courses, and can gain hands-on experience and academic credit by interning with local zoos and aquariums, state and federal fishery management agencies, conservation groups, and other marine science institutions.