Bachelor of Science in Marine Biology

Experiential Learning Opportunities

Marine Biology Field Courses

Many marine biology courses offered during the academic year at URI include field work, but the following are intense field courses that take place locally, aboard ship, and in the Caribbean, during J-term, Spring Break and Summer Term. 

NRS 475X: Coral Reef Conservation and Analysis 
Learn about important global marine conservation issues; learn to apply interdisciplinary theory to marine conservation; develop SCUBA skills to put ideas in practice and to solve real conservation problems. Critical analysis of primary literature and local case studies are integrated with daily SCUBA-based investigations. J-Term (10 days)

Short Cruise-Based Courses aboard the R/V Endeavor 
Occasional courses offered by faculty in CELS and GSO that incorporate a cruise on URI’s research vessel, the R/V Endeavor; these will be announced on a semester-by-semester basis.

BIO 355: Marine Invertebrates of Southern New England 
Students study invertebrate diversity in their Rhode Island backyard where considerable local biodiversity is challenged by coastal development and the effects of climate change. Summer Term – 4 weeks

Students are encouraged to perform research or independent study projects with faculty and take advantage of the unique programs available through College of the Environment and Life Sciences.

Undergraduate Research Fellowships

Coastal and Environmental Fellowship

This fellowship offers the opportunity to engage in environmental research, education, or outreach programs that address current environmental or societal problems.

Become a fellow

RI NSF EPSCoR Fellowship

The Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship (SURF) offers URI students 10 weeks of intensive real-world training with active, National Science Foundation research projects.

Gain experience

Research Fellowships in Oceanography

The Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship (SURF) provides 10-week research experience designed primarily for science, math and engineering students.

Ocean Research

Science and Engineering Fellows Program

This programs connects students from underrepresented cultural backgrounds to research opportunities working with faculty mentors.

Gain skills

Undergraduate Teaching Assistant opportunities

Students are encouraged to join the Undergraduate Teaching Assistant (UTA) program in Biological Sciences labs.

Upon successful completion of lab, interested students are encouraged to apply to the UTA program. URI BioSci engages UTAs who truly understand the material and can: 1) communicate their knowledge effectively, 2) engage students in learning material, and 3) work with the GTA to create an equitable and productive learning environment.

UTAs have the unique role of acting in two capacities. UTAs aid fellow students as peer-educators and use their experience as a student-teachers to help improve course content. The UTA role is also an excellent leadership opportunity that allows students to work closely with faculty and graduate students.

Semester programs

URI offers credit for students who spend a semester taking courses and doing research at the Bermuda Institute of Ocean Science and the SEA Semester program at Woods Hole through the URI study abroad program.

Semester Programs

Regional Opportunities

Our students take advantage of the many internships and research opportunities in the region, including the RI Department of Environmental Management, the Mystic Aquarium and Institute for Exploration, the Roger Williams Zoo, Save the Bay, and the Naval Undersea Warfare Center.

The URI Center for Career and Experiential Education helps students get started.

Find Internships

Diving Research and Safety Information

Scuba diving is an important part of both academics and undersea research at the University of Rhode Island. The Diving Safety Program provides training and support for underwater research and exploration.

URI Diving Safety Program