-
Jessica Bolker
PROFESSOR -
Bonnie Brown
PROFESSOR -
Raymond Grizzle
RESEARCH PROFESSOR -
Gregg Moore
Associate Professor
Marine Biology (Minor)
Marine Biology (Minor)

What is marine biology?
Marine biology is the study of marine organisms and their interactions with their environment. The marine biology minor will give you an introduction to this wide-ranging discipline, which covers everything from the smallest aquatic microbes to the largest marine mammals. You’ll have the opportunity to explore ecology, evolution, biodiversity, behavior and seaweed, fish and shellfish aquaculture.Combine this minor with a major such as biology, neuroscience, marine policy, wildlife conservation, education or environmental studies to enhance your career opportunities or prepare for graduate study.
Why study marine biology at UNH?
State-of-the-art facilities, hands-on learning with an emphasis on undergraduate student research, and an incredible location make UNH the perfect place to study marine biology. The university is close to the New Hampshire Seacoast, providing endless opportunities to study aquatic organisms and their ecosystems. UNH has aquaculture facilities and coastal and estuarine research laboratories such as Jackson Estuarine Laboratory and Judd Gregg Marine Research Complex. Meanwhile, Shoals Marine Laboratory administers the summer undergraduate programs in collaboration with Cornell University on Appledore Island,off the coasts of New Hampshire and Maine.Together, these facilities offer exceptional opportunities to in both research and scholarship.
Potential career areas
- Aquaculture
- Aquariums
- Biotechnology
- Conservation
- Ecological restoration
- Ecotourism
- Education
- Environmental protection
- Fisheries management
- Research
Contact
Maria Shortt
Department of Biological Sciences
University of New Hampshire
Spaulding Hall
38 Academic Way
Durham, NH 03824
(603) 862-4400
Curriculum & Requirements
The Marine Biology minor is designed to provide a foundation in marine biology and related sciences to any UNH undergraduate student, with the exception of students majoring in marine, estuarine, and freshwater biology. It is offered through the Department of Biological Sciences. The minor consists of 20 credits with grades of C- or better and no pass/fail courses. No more than eight major requirement credits may be used to complete the minor. The minor consists of an introductory Marine Science course and 4 courses selected in consultation with the minor advisor.
Required
Five courses (20 credits); two of the five courses (eight credits) can count toward the student's major.
Code | Title | Credits |
---|---|---|
Select one of the following introductory courses in marine science: | 4 | |
MEFB 503 | Introduction to Marine Biology | |
ESCI 501 | Introduction to Oceanography | |
Four additional courses selected in consultation with the minor adviser | 16 | |
Total Credits | 20 |
In addition, students are encouraged to become involved in a research project, either by working in a professor's laboratory or by participating in the Undergraduate Ocean Research Project (TECH 797 Undergraduate Ocean Research Project).