Marine Science
Department Award (D) Biological Sciences · Santa Barbara City College · 2026-2027 Catalog
Overview
The Marine Science Department Award comprises 21 units and signifies that students have a broad background in the physical and biological processes of the world's oceans and the tools and techniques with which they are studied. The curriculum includes courses from Biology, Marine Technology and Earth & Planetary Sciences and is especially suited to students interested in the fields of mariculture, boating and recreation, skin and SCUBA diving, fishing, scientific research and marine science education. It is important that the student pursuing the Marine Science Award consult with the Faculty Adviser early to formulate a program of study and to ensure space in classes.
Students interested in a Marine Biology major should take the Biological Sciences majors sequence. Students are encouraged to supplement this sequence with courses in Marine Science.
Students planning on completing the Marine Science curriculum in two semesters can begin in either Fall or Spring.
Requirements
Department Award Requirements
Complete all Major Requirements (or substitution options) with a “C” or higher or "P" in each course.
| Course | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| Major Requirements | ||
| Required Core | ||
| BIOL 124 | Biological Oceanography 1 | 4 |
| BIOL 125 | Marine Biology 1 | 4 |
| ERTH 151 | Introductory Physical Oceanography | 3 |
| ERTH 151L | Introductory Physical Oceanography Laboratory | 1 |
| ERTH 152/GEOG 152 | Weather and Climate | 3 |
| HE 103 | Responding to Medical Emergencies 1 | 3 |
| MDT 101 | Information and Introduction to Marine Diving Technology | 0.3 |
| MDT 108 | Rigging | 1 |
| MDT 109 | Seamanship and Small Boat Handling | 1.5 |
| Plus completion of a Basic SCUBA Diving Certification. | ||
| Total Units | 20.80 | |
- Substitutions: The completion of BIOL 142 Marine Science can be substituted for BIOL 124 Biological Oceanography.The combination of BIOL 101 Plant Biology and BIOL 102 Animal Biology can be substituted for BIOL 125 Marine Biology. The completion of EMT 110 Emergency Medical Technician-Basic can be substituted for HE 103 Responding to Medical Emergencies.
Learning Outcomes
- Describe how and why the ocean varies globally and by depth in salinity, temperature, dissolved gases, and nutrient levels and how these affect marine life.
- State the difference between weather & climate. State the causes of wind and ocean storms (hurricanes, typhoons, etc) and how these impact surface waters of the ocean.
- Summarize characteristics of key marine ecosystems, including descriptions of organisms found within, their adaptations to environmental conditions, and their relationships with their environment.
- List and describe the use of appropriate tools and technologies that are used to study physical and biological aspects of marine ecosytems.