Division of Marine Biology & Fisheries

Degrees offered:

M.A., M.S., and Ph.D. degrees and a certificate program in special fields.

Program description:

The Division of Marine Biology and Fisheries (MBF) focuses its efforts in a wide range of field, laboratory, and theoretical research with particular interest in areas such as the biochemistry of marine toxins, coral reef studies, biological oceanography and marine biology, fisheries biology and aquaculture, and the biology and behavior of marine vertebrates.  Through various Rosenstiel School research centers and groups, such as the Marine and Freshwater Biomedical Science Center, the experimental hatchery, the Pew Institute for Ocean Science, the National Science Foundation/National Institute of Environmental Health Science Center for Oceans and Human Health, the world-renowned NIH/University of Miami National Resource for Aplysia facility, and many others, division faculty, students, and their many international collaborators participate in multi-institutional, multi-disciplinary, and cross-divisional programs.  Graduate students in MBF are able to choose from a diversity of subject areas for their research and courses with such a wide variety of experts.

Resources:

A modern fleet of research vessels, small boats, excellent computer facilities, scanning electron microscope and other sophisticated laboratory instruments, a highly technical field capability, an extensive library, research invertebrate museum, and an experimental fish hatchery provide the perfect research environment for both the budding and accomplished marine biologist. Combined with the other on-campus divisions of Meteorology and Physical Oceanography, Marine and Atmospheric Chemistry, Marine Geology and Geophysics, Applied Marine Physics, and Marine Affairs, the School offers opportunities in marine science available at few other institutions.

Other perks:

In addition, division personnel have ready access to the NOAA Atlantic Oceanographic and Meteorological Laboratories (AOML), the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) Southeast Fisheries Center (SEFC), the relatively nearby National Florida Keys Marine Sanctuary, and the various associated research disciplines within the University of Miami.

Requirements:

Applicants must have a bachelor's degree in biological sciences including a strong foundation in physical sciences (chemistry, physics, calculus) and basic biological sciences. Applicants must take the GRE, and those whose first language is not English must pass the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) with a score of at least 550. The advanced biology test is recommended but not required. Courses in marine biology and oceanography are not necessary for entrance into the program and are not recommended if taken in place of basic biology courses.

Funding opportunities:

The overwhelming majority of MBF students are supported as research assistants. These assistantships, which are awarded competitively, provide a monthly stipend and cover tuition costs. Students not supported as research assistants are generally supported on special fellowships provided by their employer or, for some non-U.S. students, their home country.

Contact:

Professor Sharon Smith
RSMAS/MBF
University of Miami
4600 Rickenbacker Causeway
Miami, FL 33149

tel: 305.421.4182
fax: 305.421.4600
mbf@rsmas.miami.edu.