Concentration Requirements: Marine Biology (after FS 07)
> for students (freshman or transfer) whose first semester enrolled at MSU was FS 07 or later.
- BS Zoology, Marine Biology concentration requirements for for students (freshman or transfer) whose first semester enrolled at MSU was BEFORE FS 07.
- other concentrations
IMPORTANT NOTE:
This concentration does not appear on your diploma or transcript. Your diploma and transcript will indicate that you finished the BS (Bachelor of Science) in Zoology.
Requirements:
The following list is for informational purposes. Students are expected to check with their advisor at least once each year to discuss program planning and course selection.
In addition to the concentration requirements listed below, remember that you must also complete requirements imposed at the University and College levels to receive the Bachelor of Science (BS) Zoology.
| Complete a MINIMIM of 33 credits from the following: | |||
| Complete all of the following courses: |
|||
| Course | Course Title | Semester Offered *** | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| ZOL 303 | Oceanography | F |
3 |
| ZOL 341 | Fundamental Genetics | F, S, U | 4 |
| ZOL 355, 355Lw | Ecology, Ecology Lab | F, U KB | 3,1 |
| ZOL 353w | Marine Biology | F | 4 |
| ZOL 445w | Evolution | F | 3 |
| ZOL 483w | Environmental Physiology | S | 4 |
| Complete one of the following courses: | |||
| Course | Course Title | Semester Offered *** | Credits |
| ZOL 306 | Invertebrate Biology | F | 4 |
| FW 471 | Ichthyology | F | 4 |
| Complete one of the following courses: | |||
| Course | Course Title | Semester Offered *** | Credits |
| BMB 401 | Basic Biochemistry | F, S | 4 |
| CEM 383 | Introductory Physical Chemistry I | F | 3 |
| FW 416 | Marine Ecosystem Management | F | 3 |
| FW 424 | Population Analysis and Measurement | F | 4 |
| FW 474 | Limnological and Fisheries Techniques | F, S | 4 |
| GEO 324 | Remote Sensing of the Environment | F, S | 4 |
| MMG 425 | Microbial Ecology | S | 3 |
| Complete at least one field course in aquatic biology: ** | |||
| Course | Course Title | Semester Offered *** | Credits |
| MMG 426 | Biogeochemistry | U KB | 3 |
| ZOL 440 | Advanced Field Ecology and Evolution | U KB | 4 |
| ZOL 453 | Field Studies in Marine and Estuarine Biology | U, off campus | 2-3 |
| PLB 424 | Algal Biology | F, U | 4 |
| ENT 469 | Biomonitoring of Streams and Rivers | U KB | 3 |
| FW 480 | International Studies in Fisheries & Wildlife (Bahamas) | U, off campus | 6 |
| (F = Fall, S = Spring, U = sUmmer, KB = Kellogg Biological Station) | |||
| *** Semesters listed here are those listed in the Description of Courses. But if faculty are available to teach it, a course may be offered any semester. ALWAYS check the Schedule of Courses to see when a course is actually available. | |||
**You must complete at least 2 credits of field experience in aquatic biology. The courses listed here are appropriate MSU courses. There may be others at the university. In addition, many marine and freshwater laboratories offer appropriate courses during summer sessions. If you take a course other than one of those listed here, be certain to have your advisor’s prior written permission. Also, if you take a course at an out-of-state institution and want the credits to transfer, be certain to arrange for an MSU guest approval form before enrolling. MMG 426 can be used for this requirement only if not used to meet the preceding requirement. Please schedule an appointment with a Zoology advisor to discuss any substitutions to your Zoology requirements.
Zoology Electives if needed: For this concentration, it is unlikely that additional credits in upper level (300 or above) Zoology courses will be needed to reach the minimum of 33 credits in upper level Zoology courses necessary for the BS degree. If additional credits are needed, these courses must be approved in advance and in writing by the student's academic advisor. Appropriate courses from other departments may be applied with the written consent of your advisor. Please schedule an appointment with a Zoology advisor to discuss your Zoology electives.
Tier II Writing In The Major: Within the 33 credits, complete any two approved Zoology courses (marked with a "W") that include writing.
Pre-professional students:
Completing CEM 142 (3) and 162 (1) or 262 (2) may help to better prepare you for the MCAT and professional school.dditional courses * (such as BMB 401 (4) [or both BMB 461 & 462 (3, 3)]), may be required for admission to professional school. Admission requirements vary from school to school. Check with each school and plan accordingly!
* MSU's College of Veterinary Medicine, for example, requires several courses which are not officially part of the Zoology curriculum. See the MSU CVM Admissions web page. Also, consider making an appointment in the CVM Undergraduate Advising Center with one of the Admissions advisors.
NOTE: scroll down the page to reach the Undergraduate Advising Center information.