Master of Science in Marine Science
Ronald S. Kaufmann, Ph.D., Graduate Program Director, Associate Professor, Pelagic and Benthic Ecology
Michel A. Boudrias, Ph.D., Associate Professor, Locomotion, Benthic Ecology
Hugh I. Ellis, Ph.D., Professor, Avian Physiological Ecology, Waterbirds
Sarah C. Gray, Ph.D., Associate Professor, Paleoclimatology, Sedimentology
Mary Sue Lowery, Ph.D., Professor, Fish Biochemistry and Muscle Development
Nathalie B. Reyns, Ph.D., Assistant Professor, Biophysical Dispersal of Larvae, Fisheries Oceanography
Anne A. Sturz, Ph.D., Professor, Geochemistry, Vent Geology
Drew Talley, Ph.D., Assistant Professor, Coastal Ecology, Habitat Connectivity
Zhi-Yong Yin, Ph.D., Professor, GIS and Remote Sensing, Hydroclimatology
Adjunct Faculty
Frederick I. Archer, Ph.D.; Population Genetics and Delphinid Fisheries (Southwest Fisheries Science Center)
Ann B. Bowles, Ph.D.; Bioacoustics (Hubbs-Sea World Research Institute)
Mark Drawbridge, M.S.; Fish Hatcheries (Hubbs-Sea World Research Institute)
Michael G. Hinton, Ph.D.; Pelagic Ecology, Population Ecology, Statistics (Inter-American Tropical Tuna Commission)
N. Chin Lai, Ph.D.; Physiology of Fish (Veterans Administration; UC San Diego)
Russell D. Vetter, Ph.D.; Ecology, Evolution, and Molecular Biology of Fish (Southwest Fisheries Science Center)
Alberto Zirino, Ph.D.; Marine Chemistry
USD’s Department of Marine Science and Environmental Studies offers graduate work leading to the degree of Master of Science in Marine Science. This degree is based largely on research and is intended to provide graduate students with an opportunity to design experiments or observations that test hypotheses; to contribute new information to a knowledge base; and to learn to write in a way that facilitates scientific exchange. The program, which combines coursework and research, culminates in a written thesis. The program utilizes not only the excellent facilities at the University of San Diego’s Shiley Center for Science and Technology, but those of some other nearby institutions, such as the Southwest Fisheries Science Center (National Marine Fisheries, NOAA), the Hubbs-Sea World Research Institute, and the Leon R. Hubbard Hatchery. Thesis committees may be headed by faculty listed on this page, as well as other scientists on and off campus. Committee members are drawn from the Marine Science faculty at USD, other science departments at USD, and senior research scientists at Southwest Fisheries Science Center and Hubbs-Sea World Research Institute. Students are encouraged to have one outside member on their thesis committee in order to take advantage of San Diego’s rich community of ocean specialists.
USD faculty currently are involved in research in marine geochemistry, climatology, paleoclimatology, hydrology, oceanography, marine biology, locomotion and fluid dynamics, physiology, ecology and population genetics. Affiliated science faculty work in the areas of bioacoustics, aquaculture, molecular genetics, ecology and physiology. Although there are opportunities for graduate students who are interested in biology to work with a variety of invertebrate and vertebrate animals, as well as a more limited number of plants, applicants should think carefully about the functional areas of biology they wish to work in. Whether in the life sciences or physical sciences, local research opportunities abound: from the coasts and estuaries of San Diego County to offshore and island environments. The deserts of southern California, which include inland water bodies and former ocean basins, offer additional research possibilities. In some instances, research may focus on more distant areas. More information about faculty interests, graduate student thesis titles, and facilities is available through our Web site.
The Master of Science in Marine Science degree can serve as a terminal graduate degree prior to entry into the work force, an enhancement of skills for an existing job in a technical area or in education, or a step toward a Ph.D.
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Recommended Program of Study
| First Year | ||
Semester I |
Semester II |
|
| MARS 500 (2) | MARS 501 (4) | |
| MARS 510 (4) | MARS 512 (4) | |
| MARS 511 (4) | ||
| Second Year | ||
Semester I |
Semester II |
|
| MARS 520 (3) | Elective (3) | |
| Elective (3) | MARS 596 (3-5)* | |
| MARS 596 (3-6)* | MARS 597 (1)* | |
| *MARS 596 – Research and MARS 597 – Thesis may also be taken during the 12-week summer session. | ||
Requirements for the Degree
I. Coursework (21 units)
| MARS 500 | Core Seminar I (2) |
| MARS 501 | Core Seminar II (4) |
| MARS 510 | Oceanography I (4)* |
| MARS 511 | Oceanography II (4)* |
| MARS 512 | Oceanography III (4)* |
| MARS 520 | Statistics (3) |
| *Depending on student’s previous coursework, one or more of the MARS 510-512 series may be waived. | |
II. Thesis (minimum 9 units)
| MARS 596 | Research (0.5*-6) |
| A maximum of 14 units may count toward degree | |
| MARS 597 | Thesis (0.5*-1) |
| A minimum of 1 unit must be applied toward degree | |
| *Students may take these courses for 0.5 unit only after they have completed 32 units in the graduate program. | |
III. Electives or Additional Research (6 units)
Six additional units, consisting of elective courses (approved by thesis chair) or Research (MARS 596)
IV. Minimum Units
The minimum number of units required for graduation is 32; however, if the entire MARS 510-512 series is taken, the total units will add to 36.
A thesis committee of at least three members will be established during the second semester of enrollment. It will consist of at least one full-time USD faculty member and may include a member from an approved outside institution. The remaining members may be selected from USD or adjunct Marine Sciences faculty. The entire thesis committee will meet with the student semi-annually to assess progress and give advice. Following approval of the thesis proposal by both the graduate director and the thesis chair, and satisfaction of any deficiencies noted at the time of admission to the program, the student will be recommended for candidacy by the thesis committee. Adequate progress will need to be made to maintain candidacy (see candidacy policy available from the graduate director). Additional courses related to the student’s area may be required by the thesis chair (see also Thesis, page 49). All students must be enrolled for at least 1 unit to remain active in the program. Students who have completed all program requirements except MARS 597 (Thesis), including all required courses, may enroll in 0.5 unit to remain active in the program.
Courses and Seminars
MARS 500 Core Seminar I / 2 units
An introduction to the infrastructure of the Marine Science graduate program and to those critical skills useful in graduate studies. Students will be exposed to a range of research areas through a series of seminars presented by the Marine Science faculty, allied university faculty in other departments, and scientists from other institutions. Students also will choose a thesis committee chair and develop a written preliminary plan for their own research in pursuit of the master’s degree.
MARS 501 Core Seminar II / 4 units
During this seminar, students will learn how to develop questions that can be tested scientifically, design experiments that are amenable to statistical analysis, and collect data that are interpretable. Students will write a formal thesis proposal, which includes a review of pertinent literature, and present it orally to the assembled Marine Science faculty. They also will form their thesis committees. Successful completion of this seminar is a prerequisite for advancement to candidacy.
MARS 510 Oceanography I: Geological Oceanography / 4 units
The origin and geologic history of the ocean basins, with a detailed investigation of the theory of plate tectonics, ocean sedimentation, and paleoceanography. Examination of how geological processes affect physical, chemical, and biological processes in the ocean will be emphasized. Students will present and discuss primary literature pertinent to the topics covered in the course. Three lectures and one laboratory per week. One cruise and one additional weekend field trip may be required. Prerequisites: a course in introductory geology, with laboratory, is recommended.
MARS 511 Oceanography II: Biological Oceanography / 4 units
Biological oceanography is covered from an integrated, functional perspective. Unifying themes will be factors that affect marine ecosystems and the relationship between environmental characteristics and biological communities. Nearshore, open ocean, and deep sea environments will be covered. Ecological, behavioral, physiological, and biochemical adaptations of marine organisms also will be considered. Primary literature, scientific writing, and experimental design will be emphasized. Three lectures and one laboratory per week. One cruise and additional field work may be required. Prerequisites: one year of general biology, with laboratory.
MARS 512 Oceanography III: Physical Chemical Oceanography /
4 units
This course provides a proper background for graduate students in the physical and chemical aspects of the oceans. This course will focus on the large scale physical and chemical process in the oceans and how these processes influence the distribution of water masses and the chemical composition of seawater. There will be discussions of surface and deep water circulation, waves, tides, air-sea interaction, and the distribution of dissolved constituents in seawater. Three lectures and one laboratory per week. Prerequisites: one year each of general chemistry and general physics, with laboratory; calculus; and one other course in oceanography.
MARS 520 Statistics / 3 units
This course is intended to build on a basic understanding of statistical analysis gained at the undergraduate level. The course will review methods of hypothesis testing and the statistical tests most commonly used in oceanography. It will introduce multivariate techniques and modern non-parametric methods. The main emphasis will be experimental design and choosing the most appropriate methods of statistical analysis to answer specific questions. Students will learn how to use the statistical software package SPSS and will have the opportunity to work with their own data, if applicable. Three hours per week. Prerequisite: an undergraduate course in statistics approved by the instructor.
MARS 552 Electron Microscopy / 4 units
An introduction to the theory, development, and operation of the electron microscope with emphasis on development of knowledge of cellular fine structure. The laboratory portion of the course will focus on tissue preparation, microscope operation and evaluation, and presentation of electron microscopic data.
MARS 562 Biology of Fishes / 3 units
Course examines the various aspects of ichthyology encompassing the anatomy, physiology, ecology, evolution, ethology, and natural history of fishes. Lab includes techniques of identification and a general survey of fish systematics and zoogeography. Prerequisite: BIOL 300 or equivalent.
MARS 565 Marine Mammals / 3 units
An examination of the biology of whales, pinnipeds, and other marine mammals. Topics will include general adaptations to a marine existence; systematics and biogeography; reproduction; diving physiology; communication and echolocation; feeding and migratory behavior; and marine mammal-human interactions. Some emphasis will be placed on species occurring in the North Pacific Ocean. Necropsies of a beach-stranded marine mammal may occur. Special projects will also be assigned. Three hours of lecture per week and at least two field trips on weekends. Prerequisites: one year of introductory biology and at least two upper-division courses in zoology or ecology.
MARS 567 Deep-Sea Biology / 3 units
This course explores the biology of organisms inhabiting the deep ocean, especially as their biology is influenced by the environment in which they live. Topics will include the physical, chemical, and geological setting; instrumentation used in deep-sea research; the systematics and ecology of deep-sea fauna; physiological and biochemical adaptations to the conditions in the deep ocean; and impacts of humans on the deep-sea environment. Three hours of lecture per week. Prerequisites: one year of introductory biology and at least two upper-division courses in ecology or zoology.
MARS 568 Marine Ecology / 3 units
Discussions of the ecological relationships within the sea, including such topics as production, community structure, and biogeography. Communities discussed may range from the coast to the deep sea, and will cover plankton, nekton, and benthos. Lecture or seminar format. Prerequisite: upper-division ecology course or concurrent enrollment in BIOL 460.
MARS 571 Near Shore Processes / 3 units
Physical and chemical processes which influence coastal sediment and water mass distribution and chemical composition. Topics include current and ocean circulation patterns on the continental shelf, coastal erosion and deposition, river flux and its influence on the chemical composition of seawater, sediment transport, and chemical reactions in estuaries and bays. The impact of human activities on coastal areas will also be covered. Prerequisite: MARS 510 or equivalent.
MARS 574 History of the Earth and Climate / 3 units
A survey of the history of the earth system focusing on ocean-atmosphere-ice sheet dynamics and their interaction on past global climate change. Topics include geologic record of part climate cycles, casual mechanisms of past climate change, and the scientific basis of global warming. Three hours of lecture per week.
MARS 578 Boundary Layer Flow / 3 units
The interactions between fluid dynamic processes in the oceans and the organisms that live in different habitats. The main objective is to provide a descriptive and conceptual understanding of boundary layer fluid dynamics at several scales from whole ocean basins to flow around organisms. The emphasis will be on smaller scales, in particular those with major biological implications. Examples will illustrate physical aspects of fluid dynamics; biological fluid dynamics with an emphasis on feeding, locomotion, and dispersal; and geological or geochemical aspects of the sediment-water interface. Three hours of lecture per week. Prerequisite: one year of introductory (calculus-based) physics or consent of instructor.
MARS 588 Micropaleontology / 4 units
A survey of the biostratigraphy, paleoceanography, evolution, and applications of microfossils. Special emphasis will be placed on radiolarian and forminiferan microfossil groups. Includes field trips.
MARS 594 Special Topics / 2-4 units
Topics of special interest or unique opportunity. Prerequisites may be listed for these offerings.
MARS 595 Directed Readings / 1-3 units
Specific sets of readings tailored to address particular needs of a students. Generally, this course would be related to the research interests of a student and would be under the guidance of a member of the student’s thesis committee. Typically, a maximum of 3 units may be used toward the degree requirements without consent of the director.
MARS 596 Research / 0.5-6 units
Research toward the master’s thesis. This research will be under the general supervision of a thesis adviser. No more than 3 units may be taken prior to candidacy. Pass/Fail only. A passing grade is contingent upon participation in the annual Graduate Student Colloquium during the same academic year. (Rules for taking 0.5 unit may be found on page 64 of the printed catalog.)
MARS 597 Thesis / 0.5-1 units
Independent writing of the thesis with consultation of the major adviser. Master’s candidates must be enrolled in this course to turn in a thesis. It may be taken more than once, but only 1 unit will be counted toward the degree requirements. Prerequisite: Consent of the major professor. Pass/Fail only. A passing grade is contingent upon participation in the annual Graduate Student Colloquium during the same academic year unless the student has successfully defended the thesis prior to the Colloquium. (Rules for taking 0.5 unit may be found on page 64 of the printed catalog.)
Undergraduate Courses
A maximum of 6 undergraduate units taken at the university may be applied to the graduate program. No course taken to fulfill an undergraduate deficiency may count toward the required units in the graduate program. The list below is not exhaustive; consult the graduate director. See the current Undergraduate Bulletin for course descriptions.
| BIOL 350 | Invertebrate Zoology (4) |
| BIOL 460 | Ecology (4) |
| BIOL 466 | Behavioral Ecology (4) |
| BIOL 477 | Invertebrate Physiology (3) |
| BIOL 478 | Vertebrate Physiology (3) |
| BIOL 482 | Molecular Biology (4) |
| CHEM 331 | Biochemistry (3) |
| CHEM 355 | Environmental Chemistry (3) |
| ENVI 315 | Geographic Information Systems (3) |
| ENVI 420 | Introduction to Remote Sensing (3) |
| ENVI 485 | Environmental Geology (4) |
| ENVI 487 | Surface Water Hydrology (4) |
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