DEPARTMENT OF MARINE SCIENCE
MARINE SCIENCE MAJOR
Degree: Bachelor of Science
MISSION STATEMENT
The primary mission of the Department of Marine Science is to provide high quality
education in the multidisciplinary field of marine science. With faculty actively involved
in research, the department embraces the teacher-scholar model and provides active
learning experiences in the classroom as well as in field and research opportunities.
Research both engages students with current applications and ideas and trains students to
evaluate scientific ideas and pursue scientific studies. Students completing the program
will have an understanding of the major concepts and applications of marine science and
skills in critical thinking, use of technology, and scientific communication. Graduates of
the program will be well prepared for their pursuit of advanced degrees or employment in
marine-science-related fields.
Within a liberal arts educational setting, the department emphasizes the active application
of the scientific method and marine science concepts to produce scientifically literate
citizens. At the graduate level, the department advises and mentors future scientists and
professionals. In the broader community, the department undertakes basic and applied
research to improve scientific understanding, serves as a source of scientific expertise,
and enhances marine science education.
STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES
Students who graduate with a B. S. in marine science should be able to:
- Explain the principles, concepts, applications, and inter-relations of biology,
chemistry, geology, physics and mathematics as they apply to the marine
environment,
- Use the principles of scientific inquiry to describe, analyze and solve scientific
problems involving marine science and related fields,
- Exhibit proficiency in the use of technology, critical thinking, and quantitative
tools used in marine-science applications,
- Communicate effectively with peers, mentors, and the larger community, and
- Successfully pursue entry-level jobs or enter graduate programs in various
scientific fields.
The major in marine science integrates the study of biology, chemistry, geology, physics
and mathematics and applies these to the marine environment. Major courses are selected
from marine science, biology, chemistry, computer science, geography, geology,
mathematics, statistics, or physics. Students are encouraged to select an area of emphasis
in either marine biology, coastal geology, marine chemistry, atmosphere/ocean dynamics,
or marine analytical technology. Lecture, laboratory, and field experiences are integrated
to provide a well-rounded scientific program. The facilities available for marine science
majors include a lecture and laboratory complex, computer research labs, ocean-going
and estuarine research vessels, and a full complement of oceanographic sampling
equipment. Laboratories and research projects are conducted at various coastal habitats
includingWaties Island, a barrier island, marsh and upland complex owned by the
University. Marine science graduates are employed as marine and environmental
researchers for government agencies, universities, and private industry; as marine and
environmental educators; as high school and middle school science teachers; and in the
fields of marine and environmental management and policy. Outstanding students are
encouraged to pursue graduate study.
Students must earn a grade of ‘C’ or better in major and upper-level science courses.
Students who have not earned a grade of ‘C’ or better in a mathematics course within one
year of enrollment at Coastal Carolina University are considered to be at risk for the
marine science program.
MARINE SCIENCE MAJOR (120 Credits)
- CORE CURRICULUM (39-44 Credits)...... 39-44
- FRESHMAN GRADUATION REQUIREMENT (0-3 Credits)
Minimum grade of ‘C’ is required.
UNIV 110 The First-Year Experience...... 0-3
UNIV 110 is required for all new entering freshmen and for new transfer students
with fewer than 12 transfer credit hours unless the transfer student has satisfactorily
completed a college transition course.
- FOUNDATION COURSES (34-46 Credits)*
MSCI 111/111L* Introduction to Marine Science/Laboratory ...... 4
MSCI 112/112L The Origin and Evolution of the Marine Environment/
Laboratory...... 4
BIOL 121* Biological Science I...... 3
BIOL 122* Biological Science II ...... 3
Choose two from the following: (2-4 Credits)...... 2-4
BIOL 121L* Biological Science I Laboratory (1)
BIOL 122L* Biological Science II Laboratory (1)
MSCI 201* Scientific Communication(3)
CHEM 111/111L* General Chemistry I/Laboratory...... 4
CHEM 112/112L General Chemistry II/Laboratory...... 4
MATH 160* Calculus I ...... 4
MATH 161 Calculus II...... 4
PHYS 211/211L Essentials of Physics I/Laboratory...... 4
PHYS 212/212L Essentials of Physics II/Laboratory...... 4
STAT 201/201L Elementary Statistics/Laboratory ...... 4
A grade of ‘C’ or better is required in all foundation courses except BIOL 121, CHEM
111/111L, and MATH 161.
*BIOL 121/121L, BIOL 122/122L, MATH 160, MSCI 111/111L, and MSCI 201 also
satisfies core curriculum math, science, and communication requirements. Though listed
above under foundation courses, their credits are counted toward the total credits for the
core curriculum and not toward the foundation total.
- MAJOR REQUIREMENTS (36 Credits)
MSCI 301/301L Physical Oceanography/Laboratory ...... 4
MSCI 302/302L Marine Biology/Laboratory...... 4
MSCI 304/304L Marine Geology/Laboratory...... 4
MSCI 305 /305L Marine Chemistry/Laboratory ...... 4
Choose marine science courses at the 300 level or above (8 Credits)...... 8
Choose science courses from the following: (12 Credits) ...... 12
Marine science courses numbered 300 and above
Biology courses from the following list:
BIOL 310/310L Invertebrate Zoology/Laboratory (4)
BIOL 315/315L Comparative Vertebrate Anatomy/Laboratory (4)
BIOL 330/330L Microbiology/Laboratory (4)
BIOL 340/340L Cell Biology/Laboratory (4)
BIOL 343/343L Comparative Physiology/Laboratory (4)
BIOL 350/350L Fundamentals of Genetics/Laboratory (4)
BIOL 365/365L Evolution/Laboratory (4)
BIOL 370/370L Principles of Ecology/Laboratory (4)
BIOL 399 Independent Study (1-6)
BIOL 410/410L Developmental Biology/Laboratory (4)
BIOL 426/426L Ichthyology: Fish Biology/Laboratory (4)
BIOL 436/436L Animal Behavior/Laboratory (4)
BIOL 442/442L Advanced Genetics/Laboratory (4)
BIOL 450/450L Molecular Biology/Laboratory (4)
BIOL 451 Molecular Techniques (4)
BIOL 455/455L Marine Botany (=MSCI 455/455L) /Laboratory (4)
BIOL 461/461L Ornithology/Laboratory (4)
BIOL 481/481L Freshwater Ecology/Laboratory (4)
BIOL 484/484L Conservation Ecology/Laboratory (4)
BIOL 485/485L Vertebrate Zoology/Laboratory (4)
BIOL 488/488L Wetland Plant Ecology/Laboratory (4)
BIOL 499 Directed Undergraduate Research (1-6)
Chemistry courses at the 300 level or above
CSCI 140/140L Introduction to Algorithmic Design I/Laboratory (4)
CSCI 150/150L Introduction to Algorithmic Design II/Laboratory (4)
Computer science courses at the 310 level or above
GEOG 201 Introduction to Physical Geography (4)
Geology courses numbered at the 300 level or above
Mathematics courses numbered at 240 or above
Physics courses numbered at the 300 level or above
Statistics courses numbered at the 300 level or above
A grade of ‘C’ or better is required for all major requirements. No more than six credit
hours of independent study, internship, and/or directed undergraduate research and/or
senior thesis may be used for major credit.
Recommended Areas of Study in Marine Science
Students may elect to intensively study an area of interest in marine science by selecting
an area of emphasis. Each student will plan his or her academic plan in consultation with
a marine science adviser. The following areas of emphasis are recommendations only and
do not represent required courses toward a degree program.
ATMOSPHERE/OCEAN DYNAMICSfor students interested in pursuing graduate
studies in physical oceanography, atmospheric science or other physical sciences.
Recommended Major and/or Elective Courses:
MSCI 311/311L Hydrographic Techniques/Laboratory
MSCI 321/321L Atmospheric Science/Laboratory
MSCI 331/331L Geographic Information Systems and Remote Sensing/Laboratory
MSCI 445/445L Coastal Processes/Laboratory
MSCI 495/495L Marine Environmental Issues/Laboratory
Choose one from the following:
MSCI 398 Internship in Marine Science
MSCI 399 Independent Study
MSCI 497 Marine Science Senior Thesis
MSCI 498 Research Internship
MSCI 499 Directed Undergraduate Research
Graduate school bound students are strongly encouraged to pursue a math minor:
MATH 260 Calculus III
MATH 320 Elementary Differential Equations
MATH 465 Applied Math I
Computer Programming e.g., choose one from the following:
CSCI 207 Programming in C++
CSCI 208 Programming in Visual Basic
CSCI 209 Programming in Java
CSCI 210 Computer Organization and Programming
Additional recommended courses for students interested in graduate study:
MATH 242/242L Modeling for Scientists I/Laboratory
MATH 342/342L Modeling for Scientists II/Laboratory
MATH/STAT course 300 or above excluding:
MATH 329 Introduction to Financial Mathematics,
MATH 330 Geometry for Middle School, or
MATH 403 Actuarial Science Exam Preparation
CHEM 443 Atmospheric Chemistry
PHYS 410 Optics
PHYS 430 Fluid Mechanics (=ENGR 430)
PHYS 431 Geophysical Fluid Dynamics
PHYS 432 Remote Sensing of the Environment
PHYS 434 Atmospheric Physics
COASTAL GEOLOGYfor students interested in pursuing careers or graduate study in
geologic processes that shape and change the coastal zone and the evolution of the
coastline’s unique environments.
Recommended Major and/or Elective Courses:
MSCI 316/316L Sedimentary Geology/Laboratory
Choose at least eight credits from the following:
MSCI 416/416L Hydrogeology/Laboratory
MSCI 440/440L Applied Coastal Geophysics/Laboratory
MSCI 444/444L Long Term Climate and Landscape Change/Laboratory
MSCI 445/445L Coastal Processes/Laboratory
Choose one from the following:
MSCI 398 Internship in Marine Science
MSCI 399 Independent Study
MSCI 497 Marine Science Senior Thesis
MSCI 498 Research Internship
MSCI 499 Directed Undergraduate Research
GEOL 300 level or above
Additional recommended courses for students interested in graduate study:
MSCI 331/331L Geographic Information Systems and Remote Sensing/Laboratory
MSCI 401/401L Environmental Chemistry/Laboratory
PHYS 430 Fluid Mechanics (=ENGR 430)
PHYS 431 Geophysical Fluid Dynamics
PHYS 432 Remote Sensing of the Environment
MATH 242/242L Modeling for Scientists I/Laboratory
MATH 260 Calculus III
MATH 320 Elementary Differential Equations
Computer Programming e.g., choose one from the following:
CSCI 207 Programming in C++
CSCI 208 Programming in Visual Basic
CSCI 209 Programming in Java
CSCI 210 Computer Organization and Programming
MARINE ANALYTICAL TECHNOLOGYfor students interested in pursuing careers
as field or lab technicians in the marine sciences.
Recommended Major and/or Elective Courses:
MSCI 103 Navigation and Seamanship
MSCI 311/311L Hydrographic Techniques/Laboratory
MSCI 331/331L Geographic Information Systems and Remote Sensing/Laboratory
MSCI 402/402L Analytical and Field Methods in Environmental Chemistry/Laboratory
MSCI 440/440L Applied Coastal Geophysics/Laboratory
Choose one from the following:
MSCI 398 Internship in Marine Science
MSCI 399 Independent Study
MSCI 497 Marine Science Senior Thesis
MSCI 498 Research Internship
MSCI 499 Directed Undergraduate Research
BIOL 330/330L Microbiology/Laboratory
BIOL 442/442L Advanced Genetics/Laboratory
BIOL 450/450L Molecular Biology/Laboratory
BIOL 451Molecular Techniques
PHYS 321 Electronics (=ENGR 321)
PHYS 330 Computer Interfacing and Instrumentation
CHEM 422/422L Instrumental Analysis/Laboratory
MARINE BIOLOGY
Recommended Major and/or Elective Courses:
Marine Biology Core: choose from the following courses:
MSCI 355/355L Introduction to Environmental Ecotoxicology/Laboratory
MSCI 376/376L Biology of Sea Turtles/Laboratory—Costa Rica Maymester
MSCI 420/420L Advanced Environmental Science/Laboratory
MSCI 455/455L Marine Botany/Laboratory
MSCI 457/457L Marine Zooplankton/Laboratory
MSCI 458/458L Fisheries Science/Laboratory
MSCI 466/466L Diseases and Parasites of Aquatic Organisms/Laboratory
MSCI 471/471L Biology of Marine Mammals/Laboratory
MSCI 472/472L Population Biology of Marine Organisms/Laboratory
MSCI 473/473L Biology of Sharks/Laboratory—Bimini Maymester
MSCI 474/474L Ecosystems Analysis/Laboratory
MSCI 475/475L Marine Ecology/Laboratory
MSCI 476/476L Marine Plankton/Laboratory
MSCI 477/477L Ecology of Coral Reefs/Laboratory—Jamaica Maymester
MSCI 478/478L Marine Invertebrate Zoology/Laboratory
MSCI 479/479L Marine Benthic Ecology/Laboratory
MSCI 495/495L Marine Environmental Issues/Laboratory
Choose one from the following:
MSCI 398 Internship in Marine Science
MSCI 399 Independent Study
MSCI 497 Marine Science Senior Thesis
MSCI 498 Research Internship
MSCI 499 Directed Undergraduate Research
BIOL 310/310L Invertebrate Zoology/Laboratory
BIOL 426/426L Ichthyology/Laboratory
BIOL 488/488L Wetland Plant Ecology/Laboratory
Graduate School bound students should take as many of the recommended courses as
possible and either minor or double major in Biology.
Recommended Major and/or Elective Courses:
Marine Biology Core
Biology or marine science/biology courses including at least two of the following:
BIOL 340/340L Cell Biology/Laboratory
BIOL 350/350L Fundamentals of Genetics/Laboratory
BIOL 370/370L Principles of Ecology/Laboratory
In addition, many marine biology graduate programs require:
CHEM 331/331L General Organic Chemistry I/Laboratory
CHEM 332/332L General Organic Chemistry II/Laboratory
Additional recommended courses for students interested in graduate study:
MSCI 331/331L Geographic Information Systems and Remote Sensing/Laboratory
MATH 242/242L Modeling for Scientists I
Computer Programming e.g., choose one from the following:
CSCI 207 Programming in C++
CSCI 208 Programming in Visual Basic
CSCI 209 Programming in Java
CSCI 210 Computer Organization and Programming
STAT 316 Experimental Design I
STAT 318 Applied Statistical Methods
MARINE/ENVIRONMENTAL CHEMISTRYfor students interested in pursuing
careers or graduate study in marine and/or environmental chemistry.
Recommended Major and/or Elective Courses:
MSCI 355/355L Introduction to Environmental Ecotoxicology/Laboratory
MSCI 401/401L Environmental Chemistry/Laboratory
CHEM 331/331L General Organic Chemistry I/Laboratory
CHEM 332/332L General Organic Chemistry II/Laboratory
CHEM 321/321L Quantitative Analysis/Laboratory
Choose one from the following:
MSCI 398 Internship in Marine Science
MSCI 399 Independent Study
MSCI 497 Marine Science Senior Thesis
MSCI 498 Research Internship
MSCI 499 Directed Undergraduate Research
MARINE POLICY for students interested in pursuing public science policy careers
with governmental agencies or non-profit foundations. Students interested in policy
should also consider a minor in environmental science or environmental studies.
ENVI 201/201L Introduction to Environmental Science/Laboratory
MSCI 420/420L Advanced Environmental Science/Laboratory
MSCI 495/495L Marine Environmental Issues/Laboratory
V. COGNATE OR MINOR REQUIREMENTS (0 Credits) ...... 0
Students majoring in marine science are not required to complete a minor or cognate.
However, they may elect to minor in any field in which Coastal Carolina offers a minor.
If the minor includes courses which can be used for marine science major credit, then up
to eight credit hours of those courses may also be applied toward the marine science
major’s upper level science requirement of 36 credit hours. Students seeking minors must
have an adviser selected from the department offering the minor in addition to their
marine science adviser.
VI. ELECTIVES...... 0-13
TOTAL CREDITS REQUIRED ...... 120
DOUBLE MAJORS
Students may double major in any program which offers a B.S. degree. To complete a
double major, students must satisfy the major requirements for both programs and
complete a minimum combined total of 48 upper-level credits in the two majors, all with
a grade of ‘C’ or better.