Marine and Aquatic Biology
The Department of Biological Sciences at BGSU offers one of the most extensive marine biology programs in the state. Students can earn a Bachelor of Arts or a Bachelor of Science in biology with a specialization in marine and aquatic biology. Marine and aquatic biology is a subdiscipline of both oceanography and limnology.
Quality classroom experiences
The marine and aquatic biology program is unique to the state of Ohio. The program houses the BGSU Marine Laboratory, which contains over 3,000 gallons of seawater in over 40 aquaria offering students hands-on experience. Additional experience can be gained with field study during the summer at the Gulf Coast Research Laboratory in Mississippi or Stone Lab in Lake Erie.
The department maintains a 3,000-gallon inland marine laboratory with a wide variety of fish and other marine life, including sea anemones, corals, starfish, sea urchins, stingray, snails, crabs and lobsters.
Career - what can you do with a marine and aquatic biology degree?
Students have the opportunity to partake in experiential learning trips to a variety of locations. Through our affiliation with the Gulf Coast Research Lab, students may choose to enroll in specialized summer session field classes including shark biology, marine ichthyology, marine mammals, and dolphin and whale behavior. Students may also apply for a 6-month internship with the Curaçao Sea Aquarium.
Career paths
- Aquaculture
- Conservation and Restoration Ecology
- Education
- Environmental Protection
- Natural Resource Management
- Oceanography
Quick Facts from the Bureau of Labor Statistics
The biology curriculum offers study abroad/field-based courses focused on marine biology, ecology and global environmental problems in locations such as the Gulf Coast, Curaçao, and the Galapagos Islands.
Curriculum
Marine and Aquatic Biology is the study of marine and freshwater organisms, their behaviors and their interactions with the environment. The marine and aquatic biology specialization requires completion of a suite of core courses in basic biology, genetics, ecology and marine biology, including internships and field requirements.
Sample courses
- Evolution
- Limnology
- Marine Biology
- Ecology
- Ichthiology
- Invertebrate Diversity
The Marine and Aquatic Biology program is part of the Department of Biological Sciences in the BGSU College of Arts and Sciences.
Updated: 02/19/2024 02:24PM