The Marine Science program is offered jointly through the departments of Earth and Planetary Science and Integrative Biology. Marine Science is inherently interdisciplinary. Because the ocean plays a central role in physical, biological, chemical, and geological processes on earth, an understanding of the interactions between the biosphere, hydrosphere, lithosphere, and atmosphere is crucial. When choosing courses for your semi-electives and electives, please speak to the Marine Science Faculty Advisor in EPS about developing a coherent emphasis within your major.
Some examples of the current marine science research (and the directions of societal concern) include: the role of the ocean in climate change; the ocean's role in climate phenomena such as El Niño and La Niña, and their effect on modern marine ecosystems; the history of El Niño and other climatic/oceanographic events recorded in marine sediments and corals; coastal pollution and its affect of coastal marine ecosystems; coastal erosion (natural and human-caused). This major serves as a good foundation for graduate study in the marine, geological or biological sciences, or for technical and consulting positions in/for County, State, and Federal agencies (such as NASA or NOAA), or private industry.
For more information about specific course and unit requirements please refer to the EPS majors page or visit Catherine Pauling, the Student Affairs Officer, at 305 McCone Hall or (510) 643-4068, or e-mail;Prof. Jim Bishop, Faculty Advisor, at 499 McCone Hall, or (510) 642-6110, or e-mail.
