Marine Biology

Marine Biology

at a glance

Major icon MAJOR Minor icon MINOR

Building upon the foundation of our Biology major, our Marine Biology program will give you a broad education to prepare you for a future in marine biology, ecology or graduate studies. Dive deeper into your passion and study ocean environments and the organisms that live in them. Discover how the entire ecosystem cooperates following God’s design.

Careers: Field/Laboratory careers, Marine Biology, Graduate Studies, Government Service

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DON’T JUST STUDY MARINE LIFE. JUMP IN AND EXPERIENCE IT

There are few places in the world that offer more diverse aquatic ecosystems to discover than right here in southwest Florida. From working in the lab to diving off the coast, you’ll have extraordinary opportunities for hands-on analysis and observation. You’ll get out to explore, learn, study and practice the fundamentals of scientific inquiry. What are you waiting for?

light bulbFast Fact: Our Marine Biology students have a unique opportunity to explore some of the most diverse ecosystems on the planet, including the Everglades, Big Cypress Swamp and the Florida Keys.

EXPLORE the OPPORTUNITY

Marine Biology

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Skills you will gain with

A Marine Biology Degree

  1. Problem-solving. You’ll demonstrate knowledge of the interdisciplinary nature of marine-related problems currently impacting society and their possible solutions.
  2. Proficiency in scientific inquiry. You’ll gain an understanding of laboratory and field experimentation, different sampling techniques in marine environments and the proper use of scientific literature for research and scholarship.
  3. Critical thinking. You’ll build a foundation in critical thinking, developing skills in scientific inquiry, critical analysis of experimental data and clear and accurate communication of results.
scuba diver swimming skills you will gain

CAREER PATHS

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A look into the

Marine Biology

The study of science is born from the conviction of the fundamental intelligibility of the world. Science at Ave Maria University testifies to the Catholic Church’s confidence in human reason and in its ability to know the truth about God’s creation even apart from the illuminating power of grace. The natural sciences are not simply technological disciplines, but are truly liberal arts education in which we seek to know truth for its own sake. By enabling us to enter the simultaneous complexity and simplicity of physical reality, science instills within the students a deep sense of wonder at the natural universe.

Jacob Blanchard, M.A.

Instructor of Biology

Jacob BlanchardEducation: B.A., Biology, Ave Maria University; M.A., Biological Sciences, Western Michigan University
Office: Henkels 3052
Email: jacob.blanchard@avemaria.edu
Phone: (239) 304-7130

Stephen Cronin, Ph.D.

Associate Professor of Biology

Stephen CroninEducation: B.S., Molecular & Cellular Biology, Texas A&M University; Ph.D., Biology, University of California, San Diego.
Office: Henkels 3051
Email: stephen.cronin@avemaria.edu
Phone: (239) 280-1617

Nicholas Curtis, Ph.D.

CHAIR OF THE BIOLOGY DEPARTMENT, DR. PAULA INES CASTAGNET CHAIR OF BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES, ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR OF BIOLOGY

Nicholas CurtisEducation: B.S., Marine Science & Biology, University of Miami; Ph.D., Cell & Molecular Biology, University of South Florida
Office: Henkels 2053
Email: nicholas.curtis@avemaria.edu
Phone: (239) 304-7132

Brett Feger, M.S., M.A.

Instructor of Biology, Faculty Athletics Representative

Brett FegerEducation: B.A., Biology, Knox College; M.S., Zoology, Western Illinois University; M.A., Theology, Ave Maria University
Office: Canizaro Library 249
Email: brett.feger@avemaria.edu
Phone: (239) 304-7366

Ladislav Sallai, Ph.D.

Associate Professor of Biology

Ladislav SallaiEducation: M.S., Pharmacy, Comenius University; Ph.D., Chemistry, University of North Dakota
Office: Henkels 3028
Email: ladislav.sallai@avemaria.edu
Phone: (239) 280-2418

In addition to the core curriculum, Marine Biology majors take the following courses:

  • BIOL 211 Biology I Cellular and Molecular Biology
  • BIOL 212 Biology II Organismal and Population Biology
  • BIOL 220 Zoology
  • BIOL 230 Botany
  • BIOL 240 General Ecology with laboratory or BIOL 241 General Ecology without laboratory
  • BIOL 303 Genetics
  • BIOL 307 Marine Biology
  • BIOL 310 General and Chemical Oceanography
  • BIOL 321 Tropical Ecology and Field Biology
  • BIOL 401 Microbiology
  • BIOL 497 Directed Research
  • CHEM 125 General Chemistry I
  • CHEM 126 General Chemistry II
  • CHEM 221 Organic Chemistry I
  • PHYS 211 or 221 Physics I

Two Electives from among the following courses

  • BIOL 402 Microbiological Ecology
  • BIOL 403 Animal Physiology
  • BIOL 407 Marine Zoology
  • BIOL 408 Marine Botany
  • BIOL 438 Aquatic Biology
Click the button to view our typical 4-year plan.

Students will comprehend some of the significant problems related to human impact on the Marine environment.

Upon Graduation:


  • Outcome 1: Students will demonstrate knowledge of the interdisciplinary nature of marine-related problems and possible solutions.
  • Outcome 2: Students will have an understanding of laboratory and field experimentation and different sampling techniques in marine environments.
  • Outcome 3: Students will demonstrate proficiency in understanding and use of the scientific literature as a tool for research and scholarship.
  • Outcome 4: Students will gain experience performing original scientific research in Marine Biology.
  • Outcome 5: Students will demonstrate a foundation in critical thinking skills related to the sciences, including the fundamentals of scientific inquiry, critical analysis of experimental data, and communication of results (oral and written).
  • Outcome 6: Students will be able to comprehend and understand significant marine issues currently impacting society.

Required Courses

  • BIOL 211 Biology I Cellular and Molecular Biology
  • BIOL 220 Zoology or BIOL 230 Botany
  • BIOL 240 General Ecology with laboratory or BIOL 241 General Ecology without laboratory
  • BIOL 307 Marine Biology

Two of the following electives:

  • BIOL 310 General and Chemical Oceanography
  • BIOL 321 Tropical Ecology and Field Biology
  • BIOL 402 Microbiological Ecology
  • BIOL 403 Animal Physiology
  • BIOL 407 Marine Zoology
  • BIOL 408 Marine Botany
  • BIOL 438 Aquatic Ecology

Learn about the Environmental Science Major
View the Academic Catalogue

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ON YOUR JOURNEY

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CAREER SERVICES

Career Services prides itself on providing students, alumni and employers with the opportunity to connect. No matter where you are in your career search, whether it’s deciding on a path, preparing for your first job interview or working on graduate school or fellowship applications, we can help.

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Catholic Culture

The spiritual life on campus is the beating heart of Ave. Whether it’s attending Mass, receiving the sacraments, participating in retreats or getting spiritual direction, you’ll find the spiritual support you need from the priests and staff of Campus Ministry.

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CORE CURRICULUM

With AMU’s core curriculum, you’ll not only achieve breadth of knowledge, but also depth of knowledge. You’ll encounter the truth about God and His creation more completely through the dynamic interplay of all of the liberal arts, including theology and natural science.

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Sunny skies, warm temperatures, a beautiful campus. What more could you want? How about a community-like atmosphere, quality instructors who care about your success, a wealth of spiritual activities, expert career guidance… and that’s only the beginning. Imagine your future at AMU. It all starts by filling out our free application today.

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