The aspirant for the Bachelor of Science degree elects a program which includes a solid foundation in mathematics, chemistry, physics, and general biology. The program builds upon this foundation to give more advanced exposure to microbiology, physiology, marine botany, zoology and marine and freshwater ecology. While the student is expected to develop an inclusive background in the knowledge of aquatic organisms, opportunity for some concentration of interest is available.
Independent investigation is encouraged for upper-division students.
The object of the program is to provide the student with a maximum number of possible career objectives at its conclusion. To this end, it is mandatory that the student see an advisor as early as possible after entrance to the program and that contact be maintained throughout this area of concentration. Because marine biology spans all biological and most physical sciences, a high school graduate who elects to enter this program should be competent in a wide variety of subjects. High school mathematics, chemistry, and biology should be emphasized. Other pertinent courses might be chosen from such fields as geology, meteorology, physics, English composition, and foreign language.