Bachelor of Science in Biology: Option III: Marine Science
The B.S. in Biology: Marine Science degree is offered in the College of Natural Sciences on the Austin campus. Under this major, students are required to take six credits in residence at the Marine Science Institute in Port Aransas through Semester by the Sea or Intersession. Students can register in Marine Science independent study courses with directed research (MNS 170 and/or 270) over consecutive fall/spring or summer terms. Only three research credits may be counted toward fulfilling the 21-hour upper-division course requirement as described under section 19(c) in the Prescribed Work in Option III: Marine Science. Degree Plans
Semester by the Sea
Join Us for Spring 2027
Spend a semester on the coast and dive into cutting-edge research with this comprehensive spring program for UT undergraduates. Semester by the Sea combines coursework and research at our field station in Port Aransas.
The Spring Semester by the Sea program offers four 3-credit hour organized courses plus an optional 3-credit field research course for an independent field- or lab-based research project (MNS 370). All courses are taken while in residence at UTMSI. Courses count towards degree requirements for EVS, EEB, & MS.
The following courses will be taught in spring 2027.
- MNS 352 Geology of the Gulf Coast
- MNS 352M Marine Community Ecology
- MNS 354Q Marine Environmental Science
- MNS 356 Ecosystem Oceanography
- MNS 370 Special Studies in Marine Science
Registration in MNS 152R in Fall 2026 is encouraged but not required to participate in the 2027 SbtS program.
Students accepted into the program are eligible for:
- Campus housing
- Financial aid for students enrolled in all 4 classes in 2027
- Top students may be eligible for a travel award to a national or regional science meeting.
- Some students complete EVS capstone projects through Semester by the Sea
- Most students hired to work in labs over the summer at UT MSI start as Semester by the Sea students
- Access to marine instrumentation and a diverse small boat fleet at UTMSI for field research
Courses count towards degree requirements for EVS, EEB, & MFS.
- Each course satisfies a requirement in the Prescribed Work or Major Requirements for the EVS Biology degree (e.g. Climates and Oceans, Physiology, and Taxon-based).
- All courses would count toward the 21-hour requirement for students in the MS degree option.
While taking our field courses, students accepted into the "Spring Semester by the Sea" program may also register for MNS 370 (Independent Research) and:
- Identify a faculty research mentor.
- Develop an independent field-based research project.
- Work in a research lab.
- Become familiar with the primary scientific literature for independent inquiry and research.
Semester by the Sea Spring 2027
On-campus housing in the MSI dormitory in Port Aransas is available. The dorm includes a student lounge with a table, seating area, and kitchen. Room rates to be determined. Each student is required to sign a rental agreement and pay a deposit, along with the first month's rent, by the first day of class (January 11, 2027). Check-in to dorms begins at 4:00 p.m. from January 8, 2027, through January 10, 2027. Check-out is at 11:00 am on May 3, 2027.
The application deadline for Semester by the Sea Spring 2027, is October 15, 2026.
For more information, email Jamey Pelfrey at jamey.pelfrey@austin.utexas.edu, Graduate Program Administrator.
Courses
Prerequisite to be taken in Fall of 2026
Research Methods and Reporting in Marine Science - MNS 152R
Taught by Dr. Inessa Yurchenko
(Port Aransas Unique TBD)
Reviews the planning, conduct, and communication of marine science research, including hypothesis generation, experimental design, data analysis, and scientific writing and presentation. The equivalent of one lecture hour a week for one semester. Marine Sciences 148, 348 (Topic 1), and 352R may not both be counted. Prerequisite: Upper-division standing and concurrent enrollment in Marine Sciences 370.
Geology of the Gulf Coast - MNS 352
Taught by Dr. Zachary T. Sickmann
(Port Aransas Unique TBD)
Taught in-person at the Marine Science Institute in Port Aransas. Description to be determined. The equivalent of three lecture hours a week for one semester; additional lecture and field/laboratory hours may be required.
Marine Community Ecology - MNS 352M
Taught by Dr. Simon J. Brandl
(Port Aransas Unique TBD)
Taught in-person at the Marine Science Institute in Port Aransas. Explore the assembly and functioning of marine communities. Examine both traditional and newly-emerging techniques to study marine communities, from visual censuses to molecular approaches. The equivalent of three lecture hours a week for one semester; additional lecture and field/laboratory hours may be required.
Marine Environmental Science - MNS 354Q
Taught by Dr. Robert J. Griffitt
(Port Aransas Unique TBD)
Taught in-person at the Marine Science Institute in Port Aransas. Application of the principles of marine science to the study of environmental issues: toxicology, biogeochemical cycles, and the biological and ecological impacts of xenobiotic materials in the coastal zone. The equivalent of three lecture hours a week for one semester; additional lecture and field/laboratory hours may be required.
Ecosystem Oceanography - MNS 356
Taught by Dr. Inessa Yurchenko
(Port Aransas Unique TBD)
Taught in-person at the Marine Science Institute in Port Aransas. An exploration of interconnections within and among marine ecosystems, as well as their linkages to climate, human activity, and adjacent freshwater and terrestrial environments. Emphasis will be placed on Gulf of Mexico ecosystems, which may include hands-on field and laboratory activities. The equivalent of three lecture hours a week for one semester; additional lecture and field/laboratory hours may be required.
Special Studies In Marine Science - MNS 370
(Port Aransas Unique TBD)
This course sequence is taught in Port Aransas and is NOT offered over the video link. Students must reside in Port Aransas. The primary goal of this course is for students to develop the range of skills necessary for success in marine science research including the design and execution of a coordinated field/lab project, critical evaluation of scientific data, and development of effective oral and written communication techniques. The course serves as the interface for the student research experience in UTMSI faculty labs during Semester by the Sea via a professional, scientific training curriculum. Specific course activities include some field/lab work in addition to proposal writing, peer review, report writing, and oral communication practice in preparation for the Semester by the Sea Research Symposium. Supervised individual instruction and research in marine science field and laboratory techniques. The equivalent of three class hours a week for one semester at the Marine Science Institute at Port Aransas. Six semester hours of upper-division coursework in science and a university grade point average of at least 2.50
May Term 2027 Courses
On-campus housing in the MSI dormitory in Port Aransas will be available. Room rates are to be determined. Students will be required to sign a rental agreement and submit both a housing deposit and the first month’s rent by the first day of class.
Biology of Fishes - MNS 354C
Taught by Dr. Andrew Esbaugh, Department of Marine Science
(Port Aransas Unique TBD)
Anatomy, physiology, behavior, life history, taxonomy, and distribution of fishes; may include field sampling and laboratory studies of the coastal biota.
This May Term course will be held in Port Aransas at the Marine Science Institute of the University of Texas at Austin. The equivalent of three lecture hours a week for one semester; additional lecture and field/laboratory hours may be required. May be repeated for credit when the topics vary. Prerequisite: The following with a grade of at least C- in each: Biology 311D or 315H, and Chemistry 302 or 302C.
Microplastics in Coastal Environments - MNS 353
Taught by Dr. Zhanfei Liu, Department of Marine Science
(Port Aransas Unique TBD)
This class will focus on microplastics in coastal environments through lectures and fieldwork. We will cover basic knowledge of plastics, such as the composition and production of plastic polymers and additives, as well as environmental processes that will affect the fates of plastics in waters, such as biodegradation and photooxidation. In addition to the lectures, students will read primary literature in the field and lead the discussion. Fieldwork is a key component of this course, where students will participate in cruise sampling and microplastic analysis and identification in estuaries and bays near Port Aransas.
This May Term course will be held in Port Aransas at the Marine Science Institute of the University of Texas at Austin. The equivalent of three lecture hours a week for one semester; additional lecture and field/laboratory hours may be required. May be repeated for credit when the topics vary. Prerequisite: The following with a grade of at least C- in each: Biology 311D or 315H, and Chemistry 302 or 302C.
Study Abroad
This “Field Experience in Marine Botany” course explores two national reserves in the Yucatan Peninsula, renowned for their rich biodiversity and unique ecosystems like mangrove forests, seagrass meadows, and petenes. Students will engage in independent research, gathering field and lab data to contribute to local conservation efforts, while also fulfilling independent inquiry and writing requirements. Travel dates are May 9 – 27, 2027, to Celestun, Yucatan, Mexico. Detailed Packet with important dates, eligibility, and fees. Additional details at the Office of Experiential Learning.
Marine Science Club
The Texas Marine Science Club at The University of Texas at Austin is dedicated to introducing and sharing the wonders of the seven seas to all students, regardless of major. Through academic opportunities, professional development workshops, and social events, we aim to provide all aspiring oceanographers with the skills, resources, support, and fish energy needed to further explore and advance themselves in the marine world, whether that be a profession or a passion. Come swim on by if you’re not feeling too crabby! We guarantee you’ll have a whale of a good time!
Contact
texasmarinescienceclub@gmail.com
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