Marine Science (Double Major Programs)

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Since its founding in 1977, UM's double major in Marine Science has established our undergraduate program as one of the top programs in the country. The interdisciplinary plan deals with the study of the world’s oceans: their physical and biological constituents, the influence of oceanic resources on human society and the conservation and future development of those resources. The breadth of the Marine Science major is complemented with depth in a required second major within one of the basic or applied sciences. All students acquire a common background in the basic sciences, along with a set of four core Marine Science courses and labs. Electives may be chosen from any area within the School, and may include up to six credits of directed research.

  List of Approved Marine Science Electives


Second Majors


Marine Science/Biochemistry & Molecular Biology

The major in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology has a focus on role of biochemical processes at the cellular level, with emphasis on biomedical topics. Marine organisms respond to, and ultimately adapt to, their environment at the cellular level. The BCHM program prepares Marine Science students for graduate school and careers in biochemistry, as well as serving as an undergraduate course of study for medical or veterinary schools.

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Marine Science/Biology

Marine biologists study the structure and function of marine organisms from the cell and molecular level to their role in ecosystem function. Research at UM focuses on tropical marine and coral reef ecology, fisheries conservation and management, and the use of marine organisms as models for environmental stress and human disease.

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Marine Science/Chemistry

Marine chemists study the biogeochemical cycling of nutrients, the impact and fate of marine pollutants, marine geochemistry and ocean/atmosphere interactions. Research at UM focuses on the role of ocean processes in carbon cycling and global climate change.

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Marine Science/Computer Science

Ocean modelers and computer scientists provide the skills and expertise required for research in applied aspects of ocean science and management. Research at UM focuses on development of algorithms for data capture, visualization and analysis, model development, instrumentation programming and remote sensing applications. This double major BS program includes a minor in Mathematics

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Marine Science/Geological Sciences

This double major program prepares students for the study of the origin of the Earth and its oceans, and the ongoing processes of geophysical and geochemical change. Research at UM focuses on carbonate sedimentology of the Florida reef tract, stable isotope geochemistry and micropaleontology of deep ocean cores to reconstruct paleoclimate, tectonic processes (volcanoes and earthquakes), and the impact of rising sea level on coastal systems.

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Marine Science/Mathematics

The combination of Marine Science with Mathematics provides students with the background to model various aspects of the natural world (including mathematical ecology, fisheries, climate, and fluid dynamics), along with the analytical tools to delve into the more theoretical aspects of marine science. Among the track options available within mathematics, the applied analysis and statistics tracks are of particular relevance. The latter provides an excellent background for the emerging field of risk assessment for natural hazards.

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Marine Science/Meteorology

This double major physical science based curriculum, which includes a Mathematics minor, is ideal for those interested in the physical aspects of climate, well as the interaction of the ocean and the atmosphere. The Meteorology curriculum follows the program guidelines established by the American Meteorological Society.

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Marine Science/Microbiology & Immunology

The program in Microbiology and Immunology has a curriculum centered around the molecular and cellular aspects of microbial pathogenesis and immune defenses. The ocean, which is teeming with microbes, is explored to highlight the complex biological interactions between microbes and their hosts and the environmental factors that influence these relationships. This program is ideal for students interested in the relationship between the ocean and human health and medicine as well as those interested in pursuing a pre-medical or pre-veterinary track.

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Marine Science/Physics

Physical oceanographers study the spatial and temporal variability in the ocean. Measurements from current meters, profilers and satellites are used to develop models of ocean circulation, water and heat transport, and effects of circulation patterns on the biology and chemistry of the ocean. Research at UM focuses on ocean/atmosphere interactions, remote sensing, biophysical interactions, and the ocean’s effect on weather and climate.

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