The Marine Science Certificate program prepares students for future studies or careers in the field of marine sciences or coastal resource management. It is intended for current or past CMI students, current marine resources or environmental employees, or qualified community members interested in obtaining knowledge and practical skills in marine sciences. The program allows students to focus their studies in preparation for further education in marine sciences, careers in marine resource management and environmental protection, or teaching science in local schools. The curriculum stresses critical analysis of the marine environment to promote the sustainable management of marine resources using robust scientific data.
Mission
The Marine Science Certificate prepares qualified individuals to build local capacity and to support scientific-based decision making regarding marine ecosystems within the Republic of the Marshall Islands.
Approved November 15, 2016
Purpose of the Program and Content
The Marine Science Certificate program prepares students for future studies or careers in the field of marine sciences or coastal resource management. It is intended for current or past CMI students, current marine resources or environmental employees, or qualified community members interested in obtaining knowledge and practical skills in marine sciences. The program allows students to focus their studies in preparation for further education in marine sciences, careers in marine resource management and environmental protection, or teaching science in local schools. The curriculum stresses critical analysis of the marine environment to promote the sustainable management of marine resources using robust scientific data.
Program Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of the Marine Science Certificate, students will be able to:
- Describe the biological, physical, and ecological process of marine ecosystems.
- Implement marine research projects from development to completion.
- Master technical skills necessary for future studies or careers within the field of marine science.
- Apply conservation and sustainable management of marine resources.
- Communicate marine science effectively to a variety of audiences using both written and verbal communication strategies.
Approved by CC September 12, 2016
Certificate of Completion in Marine Science – Program Sheet Approved Fall 2019
Sample Course Sequencing
Program Requirements
| Required Courses | Credits | |
|---|---|---|
|
English Courses (7) |
||
|
ENG 111 |
English Composition I |
4 |
|
ENG 105 |
Fundamentals of Speech |
3 |
|
Introductory Course (4 credits) Choose one |
||
|
SCI 111 |
Environmental Science |
4 |
|
SCI 135 |
Introduction to Marine Biology |
4 |
|
Core Course (4 credits) |
||
|
SCI 235 |
Tropical Marine Ecosystem |
4 |
|
Management Course (4 credits) Choose one |
||
|
SCI 240 |
Marine Conservation and Management |
4 |
|
SCI 245 |
Integrated Coastal Management |
4 |
|
Technical Skills Course (4 credits) Choose one |
||
|
SCI 220 |
Marine Field Research |
4 |
|
SCI 225 |
Principles of Aquaculture |
4 |
|
Communication Course (4 credits) Choose one |
||
|
SCI 112 |
Climate Change |
4 |
|
SCI 255 |
Communications in Natural Sciences |
4 |
|
Elective Course (3 credits) Choose at least 3 credits |
||
|
MSC 113 |
PADI Open Water SCUBA |
3 |
|
MSC 203 |
PADI Advanced SCUBA |
3 |
|
MSC 280’s |
Marine Science Internship |
1-5 |
|
SCI 112 |
Climate Change |
4 |
|
SCI 220 |
Marine Field Research |
4 |
|
SCI 225 |
Principles of Aquaculture |
4 |
|
SCI 255 |
Communications in Natural Sciences |
4 |
|
SCI 240 |
Marine Conservation and Coastal Management |
4 |
|
SCI 245 |
Integrated Coastal Management |
4 |
|
Total Credits |
30 |
|
Courses Offered
SCI 111 – Environmental Science
Pre-requisites:
C or better in ENG 111 and ENG 105, Math 90s or Placement in Credit math
Introduces students to the concept of ecosystems and their main functions. Exposes students to the importance of biodiversity, ecosystem function, and sustainability. Presents environmental problems including their causes, effects and possible solutions.
SCI 112 – Climate Change
Pre-requisites:
C or better in ENG 111 and ENG 105
Designed to provide students and community members with a scientific knowledge of climate systems and climate change within a Pacific Islands context in preparation to share this knowledge in classroom and community situations.
SCI 135 – Introduction to Marine Biology
Pre-requisites:
C or better in ENG 111 and ENG 105, Math 90s or Placement in Credit math
Introduces students to the field of marine science in a broad sense, including geological, physical, chemical, and biological aspects, with an emphasis on the ecology of the marine environment. Describes the marine environment and the factors that regulate its function. Builds an understanding of human interactions with the marine environment. Utilizes knowledge of marine ecosystems for the development of strategies of marine conservation.
SCI 220 – Marine Field Research
Pre-requisites:
C or better in SCI 111 or SCI 135, Open Water SCUBA Certified or Permission of Instructor
Trains students on common ecological survey techniques for tropical marine ecosystems with a focus on coral reefs. Teaches belt and line-intercept transect and quadrat techniques. Practices knowledge underwater until proficiency is attained. Emphasizes the recognition of target organisms used in ecological assessment. Provides techniques for the collection of a wide range of samples (algae, fish, coral, invertebrates, etc.).
SCI 225 – Principles of Aquaculture
Pre-requisites:
C or better in SCI 111 or SCI 135
Introduction to the world of aquaculture with an emphasis on Pacific marine species with a traditional or commercial value. Emphasizes production of seaweed, corals, finfish, giant clams and oysters. Shows different production systems used in aquaculture and introduces marketing, policy, economics and the production processes.
SCI 235 – Tropical Marine Ecosystems
Pre-requisites:
C or better in SCI 111 or SCI 135
Introduces students to marine ecosystems of the tropical Pacific, including mangroves and seagrass bed, with a focus on coral reefs. Identifies the major species of tropical marine ecosystems and their roles within the systems. Describes human impacts on tropical marine ecosystems and conservation strategies for the sustainable management of marine resources.
SCI 240 – Marine Conservation and Management
Pre-requisites:
C or better in SCI 111 or SCI 135
Presents a variety of tools and techniques in coral reef conservation. Introduces different forms of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) along with a step-by-step design and management of MPAs. Also introduces survey techniques for ecological and social analysis, selection of sites based on ecological, sociocultural, and economic criteria, legal and institutional arrangements, and programs related to monitoring and compliance. Discusses traditional land tenure and local uses. Includes assessment, survey, and adapted techniques focusing of ecological and cultural aspects using best management practice.
SCI 245 – Integrated Coastal Management
Pre-requisites:
C or better in SCI 111 or SCI 135
Introduces the concept of coastal resource management. Includes both biotic and abiotic resources and investigates integrated management in the context of sustainability.
SCI 255 – Communication in Natural Sciences
Pre-requisites:
C or better in SCI 101 or SCI 111 or SCI 120 or SCI 135
Prepares the student to communicate in natural science through scientific writing and oral presentations. Demonstrates data organization, analysis, and interpretation. Introduces scientific writing. Practices designing and delivering effective oral presentations for various audiences.
SCI 281 – Internship in Marine Science 1
Pre-requisites:
8 credits towards the MSC Permission of Internship Advisor
Provides students with a hands-on experience working with a business or a government agency involved in marine-related projects Includes weekly discussions with the internship advisor, maintaining a journal or work experience and a final report analyzing the project. The duration of the internship and hours of work per week for the specific project should equal a total of 48 hours.
SCI 282 – Internship in Marine Science 2
Pre-requisites:
8 credits towards the MSC Permission of Internship Advisor
Provides students with a hands-on experience working with a business or a government agency involved in marine-related projects Includes weekly discussions with the internship advisor, maintaining a journal or work experience and a final report analyzing the project. The duration of the internship and hours of work per week for the specific project should equal a total of 96 hours.
SCI 283 – Internship in Marine Science 3
Pre-requisites:
8 credits towards the MSC Permission of Internship Advisor
Provides students with a hands-on experience working with a business or a government agency involved in marine-related projects Includes weekly discussions with the internship advisor, maintaining a journal or work experience and a final report analyzing the project. The duration of the internship and hours of work per week for the specific project should equal a total of 144 hours.
SCI 284 – Internship in Marine Science 4
Pre-requisites:
8 credits towards the MSC Permission of Internship Advisor
Provides students with a hands-on experience working with a business or a government agency involved in marine-related projects Includes weekly discussions with the internship advisor, maintaining a journal or work experience and a final report analyzing the project. The duration of the internship and hours of work per week for the specific project should equal a total of 192 hours.
SCI 285 – Internship in Marine Science 5
Pre-requisites:
8 credits towards the MSC Permission of Internship Advisor
Provides students with a hands-on experience working with a business or a government agency involved in marine-related projects Includes weekly discussions with the internship advisor, maintaining a journal or work experience and a final report analyzing the project. The duration of the internship and hours of work per week for the specific project should equal a total of 240 hours.
SCI 286 – Internship in Marine Science 6
Pre-requisites:
8 credits towards the MSC Permission of Internship Advisor PADI Open Water or Internationally recognized equivalent
Provides students with a hands-on experience working with a business or a government agency involved in marine-related projects. Includes weekly discussions with the internship advisor, maintaining a journal or work experience and a final report analyzing the project.
MSC 113 – PADI Open Water SCUBA
Pre-requisites:
Swim 200 yards Float for 10 minutes
Teaches students PADI scuba diving techniques and issues relative to certification. Introduces first aid, safety and compressor techniques, tools for dive tank inspection and scuba diving equipment maintenance. Upon successful completion, students will receive PADI Open Water certificate
MSC 203 – PADI Advanced SCUBA and Scientific Diving
Pre-requisites:
PADI Open Water or Internationally recognized equivalent Swim 200 yards Float for 10 minutes
This course prepares students to become PADI advanced scuba certified divers with scientific diving skills. They will experience five different dive types and practice skills necessary for scientific dives. Upon successful completion, students will receive PADI certified Advanced Open Water certificate and will be a proficient scientific diver.
