Marine and Coastal Science Major

MCS Major Student Learning Objectives

Marine and Coastal Science Student Learning Objectives

Graduates of the Marine and Coastal Science Program should be able to:

Understand and integrate fundamental principles, including:
- development and evolution of modern ocean/earth system
- distribution, diversity and abundance of marine life, and special adaptations to ocean environment
- impact of ocean circulation on climate, atmosphere, biosphere
- biogeochemical cycles, ocean productivity
- processes at terrestrial-marine interface and in the coastal zone
- anthropogenic impacts and management of ocean resources
Utilize the scientific method to answer questions and investigate the natural world
Successfully communicate scientific information through presentations and writing
Interpret and discuss scientific data, critically evaluate published scientific literature
Experience the marine environment in field, research or internship opportunities
Explain and evaluate major issues that are facing the modern marine environment

The Marine and Coastal Science major builds upon strengths at UC Davis in marine and coastal sciences as well as field-based courses offered at Bodega Marine Laboratory to provide students a unique, interdisciplinary education.

The MCS major begins with introductory courses in mathematics, chemistry, physics, biology, and earth sciences. These are followed by core courses in Marine Science. The major requirements provide focus and breadth, so that each student gains mastery in one area and broad exposure to many facets of Marine and Coastal Science. Each student also graduates with field experience and hands-on research or internship experience.

The student’s chosen Focus Area will determine the college into which the student is admitted, the college where the degree is awarded, and the associated department (in parentheses), as listed below:

Coastal Environmental Processes: College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (Environmental Science & Policy)
Marine Ecology & Organismal Biology: College of Biological Sciences (Evolution & Ecology)
Marine Environmental Chemistry: College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (Environmental Toxicology)
Oceans and the Earth System: College of Letters and Science (Earth and Planetary Sciences)

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Coastal and Marine Sciences Institute

Many members of the Earth and Planetary Sciences department are also affiliates of the Coastal and Marine Sciences Institute.

Joining the CMSI community is easy! All affiliates have to do is be a current UC Davis student, faculty, or staff actively working or studying in coastal and marine sciences, and sign up.

As a CMSI affiliate, you’ll be part of a growing network of students, faculty and staff who are passionate about marine science. CMSI hosts events, seminars, salons, and other workshops to help build your network in and outside of UC Davis and expand on the skills and experience needed as a graduate student or in a career in marine science.

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Did you know?

There are corals right in our own backyard off the coast of San Francisco that live over 500 meters deep. The skeletons of these corals tell stories of past climates just like tree rings.