5 answers
Angelika
Student
Miami Beach, Florida
1
Question
Updated
1189 views
What classes would I require to become a successful Marine Biologist?
I'm a 9th grader (freshman) who has just started High school! I find marine biology VERY fascinating, I watch many shows about Marine Biology like SeaWorld's "Ocean mysteries". So I was curious to what required classes are needed to get a degree in Marine Biology since I aspire to become a Marine Biologist.
#biologist #marinebiology #science #freshman
5 answers
Brian Borchik
3
Answers
Updated
Brian’s Answer
That is a great question. I have a Bachelor of Science degree in Marine Science / Biology. I would highly suggest taking as many science classes in high school as you can. Even if they are not specifically 'marine' classes you will find all of them helpful as you pursue your degree and they provide the perfect substance to get started in your first year of college.
Once you are in college you will take an array of courses but by your junior year you will want to tailor what you take to best suit what you may want to do, and this is something your advisor will play a big part in. There are many different career paths with a marine science or biology degree that you could take. You can work at a zoo or aquarium, work for the fisheries service, work in conservation specifically, animal rescue and rehabilitation or even enter the Navy as they have specialized groups that deal with their impact on the marine world. You may decide to specialize in one aspect of the 'marine world'. Sea Turtles, sharks, whales, corals, etc. And the more open you are to relocate the better your chances are to get your dream job.
I also see your location is Miami which is the perfect location to get your foot in the door somewhere. The zoo or aquariums are always looking for volunteer help. The Miami Seaquarium would be a great place to look. There is also the Marine Animal Rescue Society just south of Miami Beach. Getting involved with these places now would definitely help point you in the right direction, and your involvement would look great on a college application! Good luck perusing your dreams.
Get involved! Volunteer at a zoo, aquarium or animal rescue
Speak to your guidance councilor or high school career center for assistance
Once you are in college you will take an array of courses but by your junior year you will want to tailor what you take to best suit what you may want to do, and this is something your advisor will play a big part in. There are many different career paths with a marine science or biology degree that you could take. You can work at a zoo or aquarium, work for the fisheries service, work in conservation specifically, animal rescue and rehabilitation or even enter the Navy as they have specialized groups that deal with their impact on the marine world. You may decide to specialize in one aspect of the 'marine world'. Sea Turtles, sharks, whales, corals, etc. And the more open you are to relocate the better your chances are to get your dream job.
I also see your location is Miami which is the perfect location to get your foot in the door somewhere. The zoo or aquariums are always looking for volunteer help. The Miami Seaquarium would be a great place to look. There is also the Marine Animal Rescue Society just south of Miami Beach. Getting involved with these places now would definitely help point you in the right direction, and your involvement would look great on a college application! Good luck perusing your dreams.
Brian recommends the following next steps:
Thank you so much! and thank you for giving me options within my area :D that really helps.
Angelika
Desiree Giler Mann
Attorney
166
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Desiree’s Answer
That was my undergraduate major!
First thing to remember is that Marine Bio is a science, not just playing with whales, dolphins and sharks (although that part IS super cool). That means you want a really strong background in all sciences - and math. Biology - sometimes call a "soft" science in comparison to chemistry and physics - relies a lot on statistics (which is another word for math!). One of the best parts of Marine Bio is that it blends so many other sciences. You have to know Chemistry (e.g., water chemistry, bioluminescence -- the stuff that makes marine life glow in the dark! - how limpets use mucus to adhere to rocks), Physics (e.g., ocean waves, tides, currents) and Geology (oceanography, underwater volcanoes, tsunamis, fossils). Lastly, no one will know about your fabulous work unless you can write up your research, so you want to have solid English writing skills (e.g., writing composition, technical writing) - this will also help with writing grants to fund research.
In the meantime, volunteer for anything related to science you can (and keep track of it to add to your college application!).
Volunteer for any science related activity you can! (When it's safe to do so given COVID-19 restrictions, of course.)
Research the required courses at universities that offer Marine Science degrees.
Keep your grades in Science and Math up!
First thing to remember is that Marine Bio is a science, not just playing with whales, dolphins and sharks (although that part IS super cool). That means you want a really strong background in all sciences - and math. Biology - sometimes call a "soft" science in comparison to chemistry and physics - relies a lot on statistics (which is another word for math!). One of the best parts of Marine Bio is that it blends so many other sciences. You have to know Chemistry (e.g., water chemistry, bioluminescence -- the stuff that makes marine life glow in the dark! - how limpets use mucus to adhere to rocks), Physics (e.g., ocean waves, tides, currents) and Geology (oceanography, underwater volcanoes, tsunamis, fossils). Lastly, no one will know about your fabulous work unless you can write up your research, so you want to have solid English writing skills (e.g., writing composition, technical writing) - this will also help with writing grants to fund research.
In the meantime, volunteer for anything related to science you can (and keep track of it to add to your college application!).
Desiree recommends the following next steps:
Thank you for such a detailed answer I will be sure to keep those things in mind!
Angelika
Thomas Sutherland
Associate Continuity and Recovery Specialist, CBCP
207
Answers
Detroit, Michigan
Updated
Thomas’s Answer
You will definitely what take as many science, chemistry, and math classes as possible. Writing is also very valuable skill you help you with writing your reports and recording your findings.
Thank you I will be sure to focus on those subjects!
Angelika
P N
Physician
12
Answers
Atlanta, Georgia
Updated
P’s Answer
Everyone above have great answers. I went to Duke and spent a semester at their marine lab which was amazing. My major was biology with a concentration in marine sciences. I ended up becoming a medical doctor but I wouldn’t trade my experience for anything. As everyone has said strong science and math grades will
help get you into a good school.
When you get to college, check out the school for field studies though Boston college. I did a research study abroad in Kenya and for credit for it. You can do many marine programs through them as well.
Best of luck!
help get you into a good school.
When you get to college, check out the school for field studies though Boston college. I did a research study abroad in Kenya and for credit for it. You can do many marine programs through them as well.
Best of luck!
Thank you I will be sure to do so!
Angelika
Patrick Whitman
Supervisor
1
Answer
Alpharetta, Georgia
Updated
Patrick’s Answer
Marine Biology is a great field of study, I am not sure of what courses but I do know that UNC Wilmington has a fantastic Marine Biology program that you should look at. Good luck in school and enjoy every minute of it!!
Thanks I will be sure to check that out!
Angelika
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