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 2026
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 a 3-credit field research course for an independent field- or lab-based research project. 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 2026.
- MNS 354Q Marine Environmental Science
- MNS 352 Marine Geoecology
- MNS 356 Ecosystem Oceanography
- MNS 370 (Writing & II Flag) Special Studies in Marine Science
- MNS 352 Marine Technology and Field Methods
Students need MNS 152R in Fall 2025 to participate in the 2026 Semester by the Sea.
- MNS 152R** Research Methods and Reporting in Marine Science
Students accepted into the program are eligible for:
- Campus housing
- Top students may be eligible for a travel award to a national or regional science meeting.
- 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 will 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 2026
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 will be announced soon. 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 12, 2026). Check-in to dorms begins at 4:00 p.m. from January 9, 2026, through January 11, 2026. Check-out is at noon on May 4, 2026.
For more information, email Jamey Pelfrey at jamey.pelfrey@austin.utexas.edu, Graduate Program Administrator.
Courses
Prerequisite to be taken in Fall of 2025
Research Methods and Reporting in Marine Science - MNS 152R
(Port Aransas Unique 57985)
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 170, 270, or 370.
Marine Geoecology - MNS 352
Taught by Dr. Mark A. Lever
(Port Aransas Unique TBD)
Taught in-person at the Marine Science Institute in Port Aransas. Today's Earth system is the outcome of complex interactions between organisms and their physicochemical surroundings over the past 4 billion years. This course will cover the role of marine life in driving conditions in Earth's geo-, hydro-, and atmosphere through time, thereby integrating fundamental concepts across the fields of geology, chemistry, microbiology, and macroecology. 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. Kristin Nielsen
(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 zenobiotic 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. Sharon Z. Herzka
(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)
The course description for Special Studies in Marine Science (MNS 370) will be available soon.
May Term Courses
On-campus housing in the MSI dormitory in Port Aransas is available. Room rates are $400/mo. Each student is required to sign a rental agreement and pay a $400 deposit due along with the $400 rent by the first day of class.
Biology of Fishes - MNS 354C
(Port Aransas Unique 53550)
Anatomy, physiology, behavior, life history, taxonomy, and distribution of fishes; may include field sampling and laboratory studies of the coastal biota. The equivalent of three lecture hours a week for one semester; additional lecture and field/laboratory hours may be required. Prerequisite: The following with a grade of at least C- in each: Biology 311D or 315H, and Chemistry 302 or 302C. Taught in Port Aransas at the Marine Science Institute. All-day classroom, laboratory, and field components in Port Aransas, on the coast, and at sea.
Coastal Biogeochemical Processes - MNS 352
Taught by Dr. Mark Lever
(Port Aransas Unique 53529)
Estuarine and coastal environments are among Earth's most productive ecosystems and play a key role in the global carbon, nitrogen, and sulfur cycles. In this course, we will explore biogeochemical processes across diverse ecosystems of the Texas coast, along with the impacts human activities are having on them. Course activities will include field trips, student-led research projects, hands-on training in sedimentological, geochemical, and microbiological techniques, and science communication through paper writing and public presentations. The equivalent of three lecture hours a week for one semester; additional lecture and field/lab hours may be required. Prerequisite: The following with a grade of at least C- in each: Biology 311D or 315H, and Chemistry 302 or 302C. Taught in Port Aransas at the Marine Science Institute. All-day classroom, laboratory, and field components in Port Aransas, on the coast, and at sea.
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 6 – 24, 2025 to Celestun, Yucatan, Mexico. Detailed Packet HERE with important dates, eligibility, and fees.
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
Find us on Facebook.