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Marine Biology (Ph.D.)
Why pursue a P h .D. in marine biology at UNH?
Our marine biology Ph.D. program will help you a dvance your career a s you seek to understand and protect marine and estuarine ecosystems and the organisms that inhabit them. F aculty in our program use marine organisms as model systems for molecular phylogeny, cellular metabolism and neurobiology, and study the structure and function of marine ecosystems. You’ll have the opportunity to focus on basic research or work in more applied areas such as aquaculture and fisheries . Our graduates now lead agencies involved in managing valuable marine resources, teach marine biology in academic and public settings, own aquaculture companies, and work in research.
Program highlights
Our location, faculty and laboratories makes UNH one of the best institutions from which to obtain a graduate degree in marine biology. Our faculty have expertise ranging from molecular biology to ecology and fisheries, and their research programs often span disciplines and use a variety of methods and technologies to address marine-related questions and issues. The main UNH campus in Durham is located about five miles from the Great Bay Estuary, home of the UNH Jackson Estuarine Laboratory, and 30 miles from the coastline and the UNH Coastal Marine Laboratory. Each of these laboratories supports a number of research vessels used by faculty, staff and students. Students can become certified research divers through our strong dive program. Finally, there are several state-of-the-art research resources on campus, including a DNA sequencing facility, an aquaculture laboratory, and various microscope and instrumentation centers.
Potential career areas
- Aquaculture
- Aquarium industry
- Environmental consulting
- Environmental protection and resource management
- Fisheries management and research
- Habitat restoration
- Marine/environmental outreach
- Marine policy
- Nonprofit organizations
- Research diving
Contact Information
Curriculum & Requirements
Program description.
The Marine Biology (MB) option is intended for students interested in marine, coastal, and estuarine ecosystems, and the organisms that inhabit them, at all levels of inquiry. Some UNH faculty use marine organisms as model systems for molecular phylogeny, cellular metabolism, and neurobiology, while others study the structure and function of marine ecosystems. Some faculty members focus primarily on basic research; others work in more applied areas such as aquaculture and fisheries; many combine the two. Students who have earned advanced degrees at UNH lead agencies involved in managing valuable marine resources, teach marine biology in academic and public settings, own aquaculture companies, or earn a living as researchers. In addition to on-campus facilities, UNH owns the Coastal Marine Laboratory and the Jackson Estuarine Laboratory , and a range of research vessels. UNH has an excellent SCUBA diving program for students interested in becoming certified to dive as part of their research. The Marine Biology option is also affiliated with UNH’s School of Marine Sciences and Ocean Engineering .
Requirements for the Program
Ph.d. degree requirements.
Students work with their advisor and their Doctoral Guidance Committee to plan a program of study including the required core courses and competencies, and develop a viable research proposal. The Guidance Committee is normally established by the end of the first semester, and should meet by the end of the second semester. The student presents to the Guidance Committee a preliminary research proposal in which the soundness, originality, and feasibility of the planned research are clearly described. The Guidance Committee is responsible for approving the proposal, and also oversees the qualifying examination through which the student is admitted to doctoral candidacy. The Doctoral Dissertation Committee is established at this point. To earn the Ph.D. degree, students must complete an original dissertation project, present the results at a public seminar, pass an oral dissertation defense consisting of questions from members of the Dissertation Committee, and have the dissertation approved by the Dissertation Committee and accepted by the Graduate School.
Number of Credits Required
There is no specific credit requirement for the Ph.D., though students must take required core courses and meet competency requirements.
Up to 8 credits of graduate credit from another institution may be transferred, provided the credits were not counted toward another degree, and the course grade was a B or higher. Petitions requesting transfer credit must be supported by the advisor and graduate committee, and approved by the UNH Graduate School.
Required Courses, Competencies, and Electives
All students in the Marine Biology Graduate Program are required to take:
1. BIOL 901 Introductory Graduate Seminar : first-semester course focuses on key information and skills for a successful transition into the graduate program, familiarizing students with program requirements and faculty and providing an opportunity to meet others in their cohort.
2. Two courses in contemporary techniques: Students must take two courses in this competency category, with one course needing to be quantitative. Students should consult their advisor or the graduate program coordinator to determine the courses that fulfill this category.
3. One course in writing/communication: This may be fulfilled by previous graduate coursework (as determined by the student’s advisor and committee), or by taking one graduate-level course. Recommendations often include coursework in professional writing and communication: BIOL 902 Writing and Publishing Science is taught fall semester, and open to students at any stage of the program. BIOL 950 Scientific Communication is usually taught in spring.
4. One marine-based course: This may be fulfilled by previous graduate coursework (as determined by the student’s advisor and committee), or by taking one graduate-level course that has a marine focus.
5. Field requirement: This requirement may be fulfilled by either taking a graduate-level course that has a significant field component as part of the course, or by conducting field research in support of the student's thesis research.
6. Ph.D. students will be required to be a Teaching Assistant for one semester, or demonstrate prior teaching experience.
Additional Information/Requirements
All students in the Marine Biology Graduate Program are expected to present their research in public seminars (including the UNH Graduate Research Conference), and acquire teaching and/or mentoring experience.
Student Learning Outcomes
- Core Knowledge: Demonstrate expert knowledge of the subdiscipline relevant to their research project and general knowledge of the broader discipline of marine biology.
- Critical Thinking: Critique, evaluate, and integrate qualitative and quantitative biological research and methods to develop original hypotheses.
- Research: Synthesize research methods and data analysis techniques to conduct an independent and original research project that contributes new knowledge to address a gap in the field.
- Communication: Ability to effectively communicate scientific information, concepts, theories, and methods to professional colleagues (specialists), invested parties, and the general public.
- Professionalism: Conduct research ethically and responsibly and intellectually engage with the broader scientific community.
Application Requirements & Deadlines
Applications must be completed by the following deadlines in order to be reviewed for admission:
- Fall : January 15 (priority*); August 1 (final) *Applications completed by Jan. 15 will be given priority consideration for admission and financial support. Applications completed after Jan. 15 will be considered based on openings and funding.
- Spring : N/A
- Summer : N/A
- Special : N/A
Application fee: $65; Underrepresented U.S. minority applicants to this program may be eligible for an application fee waiver. Please contact Dr. Dovev Levine ( [email protected] ) for more details
Campus : Durham
New England Regional : No
New England Regional : VT
Accelerated Masters Eligible : No
New Hampshire Residents
Students claiming in-state residency must also submit a Proof of Residence Form . This form is not required to complete your application, but you will need to submit it after you are offered admission or you will not be able to register for classes.
Transcripts
If you attended UNH or Granite State College (GSC) after September 1, 1991, and have indicated so on your online application, we will retrieve your transcript internally; this includes UNH-Durham, UNH-Manchester, UNH Non-Degree work and GSC.
If you did not attend UNH, or attended prior to September 1, 1991, then you must upload a copy (PDF) of your transcript in the application form. International transcripts must be translated into English.
If admitted , you must then request an official transcript be sent directly to our office from the Registrar's Office of each college/university attended. We accept transcripts both electronically and in hard copy:
- Electronic Transcripts : Please have your institution send the transcript directly to [email protected] . Please note that we can only accept copies sent directly from the institution.
- Paper Transcripts : Please send hard copies of transcripts to: UNH Graduate School, Thompson Hall- 105 Main Street, Durham, NH 03824. You may request transcripts be sent to us directly from the institution or you may send them yourself as long as they remain sealed in the original university envelope.
Transcripts from all previous post-secondary institutions must be submitted and applicants must disclose any previous academic or disciplinary sanctions that resulted in their temporary or permanent separation from a previous post-secondary institution. If it is found that previous academic or disciplinary separations were not disclosed, applicants may face denial and admitted students may face dismissal from their academic program.
Letters of recommendation: 3 required
Recommendation letters submitted by relatives or friends, as well as letters older than one year, will not be accepted.
Personal Statement/Essay Questions
Prepare a brief but careful statement regarding:
- Reasons you wish to do graduate work in this field, including your immediate and long-range objectives.
- Your specific research or professional interest and experiences in this field.
Important Notes
All applicants are encouraged to contact programs directly to discuss program-specific application questions.
Applicants are strongly encouraged to apply early if they wish to be considered for financial and priority consideration.
GRE Not Required:
The GRE (general or topical) is NOT REQUIRED for admission by any of the programs in the Department of Biological Sciences.
International Applicants
Prospective international students are required to submit TOEFL, IELTS, or equivalent examination scores. English Language Exams may be waived if English is your first language. If you wish to request a waiver, then please visit our Test Scores webpage for more information.
Inquire with the Department about Research Interests
As part of your application process, we recommend touching base with the academic department or specific faculty about your research interests, fit with the department, and available space. You can Submit an Extended Inquiry and we will inform your desired academic program about your interest. By submitting an inquiry form, you are not guaranteed to hear back from specific faculty. This can be a helpful step before going through the full application process.
Explore Program Details
Faculty directory.
Applying Guide
If you are interested in a MS or PhD program within UNH’s Department of Biological Sciences (options of Integrative and Organismal Biology or Marine Biology), it is important to contact potential thesis mentors (professors) before applying to our program . You can find a directory of relevant mentors in the “FACULTY DIRECTORY.” It is never too early to contact potential thesis mentors, but we suggest contacting them between August and October of the year before you expect to start your degree (for example, contact a mentor in September 2020 if interested in applying by January 2021 for full consideration to begin as a graduate student in Fall 2021). However, you should never be afraid to reach out to a prospective mentor as graduate opportunities can open throughout the year.
How do you contact potential advisors? After identifying professors whose interest align with yours, send them an email to introduce yourself and your interests. This email should contain the following:
- A brief introduction of who you are and your current status
- Your interests broadly
- Why you are interested in this professor’s work and how it aligns with your own interests
- Attachments of CV or resume, and unofficial transcripts
Still intimidated? Use the text below labeled “Email Template” to help you contact a professor.
Can I contact more than one professor in the Department of Biological Sciences or at UNH? Absolutely! Graduate positions are very competitive, and often a professor can only take on one or two students each year (if any). Thus, it’s important to contact as many professors as possible, provided that their research aligns with your interests. You can let professors know who else you are contacting within the department or university when you contact them (see template below).
What if I don’t get a response? Try again! Professors are very busy, and can receive hundreds of emails a day. Sometimes this results in slow reply times, or simply emails getting missed or lost. Wait at least a week, and then try to send again. If after three tries you still do not get a response, this likely means the professor is not taking on any graduate students in the near future.
Other general tips and advice for applying to graduate school: Take time to think about why you want to go to graduate school and conduct research (and communicate this clearly when reaching out to prospective mentors). Before contacting prospective mentors, take some time to learn about their research (either via webpages, their publications, or other resources). Get help from advisors, your university career centers, and others for updating your resume or CV, ensuring that you highlight any research or scientific experiences, important courses taken, skills, and awards received.
Email Template
If you are potentially interested in working with one or more professors towards a MS or PhD in Biological Sciences at the University of New Hampshire, you can use this template email to introduce yourself to these potential advisors.
Please note that you should contact each professor individually (it’s okay to contact more than one faculty member in our department!); individualize your responses to each professor, particularly paragraphs #2 and #3). Also know that this is simply a template; prospective students do not need to follow these instructions exactly when reaching out to prospective mentors. We just hope this helps you get started and give you confidence in contacting faculty!
Dear Dr. [insert professor’s full name here]:
Paragraph 1: Introduce yourself! State your name, educational status and history (including GPA and major and/or degree. If you have graduated, include when you graduated and your current position.), and what semester and year you are aiming to start your graduate studies.
Paragraph 2: Discuss your relevant qualifications and experience that make you an ideal candidate for our graduate program. This may include specific skills you have, research experiences, internships, publications or presentations, and relevant coursework.
Paragraph 3: Describe your specific interests within the field of Biological Sciences? How do these interests align with this professor’s work? What about this professor’s work excites you? Be specific when possible, demonstrating your own efforts to understand this professor’s research.
Thank you for your time in reading this email and your consideration. I have attached my [resume/CV; make sure to attach!] and unofficial transcripts [attach]. I would enjoy an opportunity to chat with you further about potential opportunities as a graduate student in your research group.
[Insert your full name here]
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We have 30 Marine Biology PhD Projects, Programmes & Scholarships
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Marine Biology PhD Projects, Programmes & Scholarships
Studying a PhD in Marine Biology would give you the chance to study ocean life through an extended research project. You could be investigating the effects pollution is having on sea life, attempting to improve how we promote ocean sustainability or developing better methods for tracking organisms.
What’s it like to do a PhD in Marine Biology?
As a Marine Biology PhD student, you’ll develop skills in a range of areas, from field work to in the laboratory. Depending on your exact project, you’ll spend more or less time in the field, but almost every project includes the opportunity to gain at least some field work experience.
Some typical research topics in Marine Biology include:
- Studying microplastics in the ocean
- Developing methods of promoting ocean sustainability
- Improving current methods of tracking sea life
- Studying an organism from the ocean in detail
- Investigating the effects of pollution on sea life
- Studying how organisms adapt to environmental change
Almost all Marine Biology PhD programmes are advertised projects with attached funding. The additional cost of fieldwork or bench fees makes it challenging to self-fund either an advertised project or one you have proposed. This cost, as well as the difficulty finding an institution and supervisor with the expertise and equipment suitable for your research, makes proposing your own research uncommon in Marine Biology.
A general field day will consist of either sampling, measuring, or observing organisms or their environment. This may include tagging individuals from a certain species or counting their population. Other days will involve analysing previously collected data, either in the laboratory or using techniques from data science and statistics.
Upon completion of your final year, you’ll write a thesis of roughly 60,000 words that will contribute to the knowledge of your field. During your viva exam you’ll then defend your work and if successful, be awarded your PhD.
Entry requirements
The entry requirements for most Marine Biology PhD programmes involve a Masters in a subject directly related to Biology, at Merit or Distinction level. If English isn’t your first language, you’ll also need to show that you have the right level of language proficiency .
PhD in Marine Biology funding options
The research council responsible for funding Marine Biology PhDs in the UK is the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC). They provide fully-funded studentships including a stipend for living costs, a consumables budget for bench fees and a tuition fee waiver. Students don’t apply directly to the BBSRC, you apply for advertised projects with this funding attached.
It’s uncommon for Marine Biology PhD students to be ‘self-funded’ due to the additional bench fees. However, if you were planning to fund yourself it might be achievable (depending on your project) through the UK government’s PhD loan and part-time work.
Ecological and evolutionary dynamics of sponge-associated microbial communities
Phd research project.
PhD Research Projects are advertised opportunities to examine a pre-defined topic or answer a stated research question. Some projects may also provide scope for you to propose your own ideas and approaches.
Funded PhD Project (Students Worldwide)
This project has funding attached, subject to eligibility criteria. Applications for the project are welcome from all suitably qualified candidates, but its funding may be restricted to a limited set of nationalities. You should check the project and department details for more information.
CDTS331: Exploring factors underpinning resilience and identifying avenues for restoration of maerl beds, a priority habitat for marine conservation
Competition funded phd project (uk students only).
This research project is one of a number of projects at this institution. It is in competition for funding with one or more of these projects. Usually the project which receives the best applicant will be awarded the funding. The funding is only available to UK citizens or those who have been resident in the UK for a period of 3 years or more. Some projects, which are funded by charities or by the universities themselves may have more stringent restrictions.
Fully funded PhDs in the CDT for Sustainable Management of Marine Resources (SuMMeR)
Funded phd programme (uk students only).
Some or all of the PhD opportunities in this programme have funding attached. It is only available to UK citizens or those who have been resident in the UK for a period of 3 years or more. Some projects, which are funded by charities or by the universities themselves may have more stringent restrictions.
NERC Centre for Doctoral Training
NERC Centres for Doctoral Training conduct research and training in priority areas funded by the UK Natural Environment Research Council. Potential PhD topics are usually defined in advance. Students often receive additional training and development opportunities as part of their programme.
Toward Net Zero Energy: Design of Alloy Catalyst for Direct Seawater Electrolysis
Cdts329: advanced modelling of two-way coupling effects in floating offshore wind farms (flow): integration and impacts on marine and atmospheric systems (flow-iimas), cdts332: understanding the primary drivers for seagrass (zostera marina) regeneration and loss, defining how inter-bacterial symbioses regulate aquatic ecosystem health (phd project), exchange of water between the red sea and gulf of aden recorded at dsdp site 229, competition funded phd project (students worldwide).
This project is in competition for funding with other projects. Usually the project which receives the best applicant will be successful. Unsuccessful projects may still go ahead as self-funded opportunities. Applications for the project are welcome from all suitably qualified candidates, but potential funding may be restricted to a limited set of nationalities. You should check the project and department details for more information.
Impact of climate change on coastal Integrated Multi-Trophic Aquaculture (IMTA)
Funded phd project (uk students only).
This research project has funding attached. It is only available to UK citizens or those who have been resident in the UK for a period of 3 years or more. Some projects, which are funded by charities or by the universities themselves may have more stringent restrictions.
PhD Fellow in Marine Ecology and Biogeochemistry
10 phd positions in the msca doctoral network phabb, funded phd programme (students worldwide).
Some or all of the PhD opportunities in this programme have funding attached. Applications for this programme are welcome from suitably qualified candidates worldwide. Funding may only be available to a limited set of nationalities and you should read the full programme details for further information.
France PhD Programme
A French PhD usually takes 3-4 years and often involves additional training and courses alongside research towards an original thesis. This will be assessed by external examiners before being presented at a public examination and eventually awarded with one of three grades. Some programmes are delivered in English.
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The Marine Biology and Ecology (MBE) graduate program focuses on a wide range of field, laboratory, and theoretical coursework in research areas such as coral reef studies, biological oceanography, and marine biology, fisheries biology, and the biology and behavior of marine animals. MBE Ph.D. students can choose from a diversity of research areas and coursework that provide a broad educational perspective.
Admission Requirements
Most successful applicants have a bachelor’s degree in biological sciences including a strong foundation in physical sciences (chemistry, physics, calculus) and basic biological sciences. However, applicants with a diversity of other degrees also are successful. Courses in marine biology and oceanography are not necessary for entrance into the program. Applicants should contact specific faculty to discuss mutual research interests. The GRE score is not required for admission. Applicants whose first language is not English must pass the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) with a score of at least 550. All application requirements are available here .
Curriculum Requirements
Each student will design a customized curriculum based on their research focus with advisor approval.
| Code | Title | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| The MBE Ph.D. degree requires 60 total credits. | ||
| MBE or Other Approved Electives | 24 | |
| Dissertation Research | 36 | |
| Doctoral Dissertation | ||
| Additional Requirements | ||
| Research Ethics | ||
| Educational Training 1 | ||
| Educational Training 2 | ||
| Educational Training 3 | ||
| Total Credit Hours | 60 | |
Minimum of 18 course credits and 12 dissertation credits.
No core courses are required. Students choose courses with the advice of their committee.
- At the end of the second year, a written qualifying examination is required of all Ph.D. students that focuses on the subject matter needed to complete the research proposed for the dissertation.
- The purpose of the qualifying examination is to demonstrate that the MBE doctoral student has the necessary understanding and expertise in research and related fields to complete the dissertation research. The topic areas should be agreed upon by the student, chair, and the dissertation committee soon after the proposal defense. The student is strongly encouraged to discuss the specific topics with each member of the dissertation committee, well in advance of the examination, to clarify the expected questions. The committee is encouraged to provide specific reading or areas of knowledge they will test the student on.
- The qualifying exam is 4 - 5 partial days (4 hours per day) on questions written by their committee. It is the advisor’s responsibility to provide the test and to have the student’s committee grade it in a timely manner. The scheduling of the exam sessions is the responsibility of the student's advisor, but in all cases the written portion of the examination shall be completed within one week.
- An additional oral qualifying examination may be required by the student's committee, but may not serve as a substitute for the written examination, which is a Graduate School requirement.
- The decision of passing or failing the qualifying examination rests with the dissertation committee. The qualifying examination (written and, if required, oral) must be successfully completed, as documented by the dissertation committee, before the student can be admitted to candidacy.
- In the event of a failure, a student may be re-examined once upon the recommendation of the student's committee in consultation with the academic committee. If permitted, the reexamination must be given before the end of the following semester.
- Attendance to the MBE seminars is required every semester.
- Students entering the MBE Ph.D. program with a Master's degree begin to give seminars in their first year.
- Ph.D. students are expected to be a Teaching Assistant (TA) for two courses while pursuing their degree.
- The mandatory TA program will include training of new TAs, evaluation of their performance, and recognition of excellence. The goal is to make the experience as valuable as possible for the TA, the faculty, and the students taking our courses.
- A training session and two teaching opportunities are offered as courses in educational training (RSM 771, RSM 772, RSM 773). Students will be registered accordingly.
- Specific requirements for TAs are outlined in the Rosenstiel School Student Handbook.
Sample Plan of Study
| Year One | ||
|---|---|---|
| Fall | Credit Hours | |
| Research Ethics | 0 | |
| Approved Elective | 3 | |
| Approved Elective | 3 | |
| Approved Elective | 3 | |
| Credit Hours | 9 | |
| Spring | ||
| Approved Elective | 3 | |
| Approved Elective | 3 | |
| Approved Elective | 3 | |
| Credit Hours | 9 | |
| Summer | ||
| Doctoral Dissertation | 4 | |
| Credit Hours | 4 | |
| Year Two | ||
| Fall | ||
| Doctoral Dissertation | 1 | |
| Approved Elective | 3 | |
| Credit Hours | 4 | |
| Spring | ||
| Doctoral Dissertation | 1 | |
| Approved Elective | 3 | |
| Credit Hours | 4 | |
| Summer | ||
| Doctoral Dissertation | 4 | |
| Credit Hours | 4 | |
| Year Three | ||
| Fall | ||
| Doctoral Dissertation | 4 | |
| Educational Training 1 | 0 | |
| Educational Training 2 | 0 | |
| Credit Hours | 4 | |
| Spring | ||
| Doctoral Dissertation | 4 | |
| Educational Training 3 | 0 | |
| Credit Hours | 4 | |
| Summer | ||
| Doctoral Dissertation | 4 | |
| Credit Hours | 4 | |
| Year Four | ||
| Fall | ||
| Doctoral Dissertation | 4 | |
| Credit Hours | 4 | |
| Spring | ||
| Doctoral Dissertation | 4 | |
| Credit Hours | 4 | |
| Summer | ||
| Doctoral Dissertation | 4 | |
| Credit Hours | 4 | |
| Year Five | ||
| Fall | ||
| Doctoral Dissertation | 4 | |
| Credit Hours | 4 | |
| Spring | ||
| Doctoral Dissertation | 4 | |
| Credit Hours | 4 | |
| Summer | ||
| Doctoral Dissertation | 4 | |
| Credit Hours | 4 | |
| Total Credit Hours | 70 | |
The mission of the Marine Biology and Ecology (MBE) Ph.D. program is to train the next generation of scientists in the fundamental skills, knowledge, and practice of biology of the oceanic environment. Through coursework and independent research, we strive to prepare our students for positions in academia, government, or industry in jobs that leverage their skills in critical thinking, current technical knowledge such as statistical analysis and modeling, and understanding of the global marine environment. Our program commits to inspire graduates to continued scholarship, service, and innovation in an environment that is inclusive and diverse.
The goal is for Ph.D. students to demonstrate mastery of the fundamental skills, knowledge, and practice of biology of the oceanic environment, and commitment to scholarship, service, and innovation in an environment that is inclusive and diverse.
Student Learning Outcomes
- Students will demonstrate a broad understanding of marine and atmospheric science and an awareness of how scientific research in their topical areas bears on current human and societal issues.
- Students will be able to critically evaluate scientific literature, review previous knowledge on a topic, formulate testable hypotheses, and skillfully use available data and tools to advance knowledge in a topical area. They will be able to conduct high-quality, doctoral research as evidenced by their dissertation research.
- Students will demonstrate advanced oral and written communication skills, and be able to effectively communicate scientific information to a peer audience.
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Marine Biology (MB)
Interested in applying to our MS or PhD programs? View presentations from this year's info sessions .
Information for the Marine Biology PhD program and Master's degree programs
The program offers two tracks, Marine Biology and Marine Chemical Biology:
Marine Biology (MB) is the study of marine organisms and their relationship with the physical and chemical dynamics of the marine environment. Faculty expertise encompasses several major areas of modern biology including evolutionary, ecological, organismic, physiological, biochemical, and genetic processes of marine animals and microorganisms.
Examples of current research activities include:
- Marine microbiology
- Algae biofuels and biotechnology
- Genomics, metagenomics, and bioinformatics
- Cell and developmental biology
- Physiology and biochemistry of marine animals
- Biomechanics and biomaterials
- Ecotoxicology
- Photobiology
- Parasitology
- Animal behavior and behavioral ecology
- Deep-sea biology
- Phylogeny and taxonomy of marine animals
- Biogeography or marine populations
- Evolutionary genomics and molecular ecology of marine organisms
- Biodiversity, ecology, and conservation of marine ecosystems
Studies ranging from spatial ecology of coral reef ecosystems to the role of the marine microbiome in food web dynamics are being investigated in over thirty independent research laboratories.
Marine Chemical Biology (MCB) is an interfacial discipline combining the fields of chemistry and biology to study and manipulate biological systems with the use of chemical, biochemical and genetic techniques and tools. Currently most of the investigations in the MCB track are focused on the discovery and application of marine microbial natural products and the study of biochemical processes utilized to create these unique molecules.
Marine natural products are amongst some of the most structurally novel in the natural world, and their chemical description is critical to developing their full biomedical and biotechnological value as well as exploring their functional roles in our natural world. Understanding the biosynthesis of these marine natural products by a combination of organic chemistry and recombinant biology approaches lays the foundation for the discovery and application of novel biosynthetic enzymes and the rational metabolic engineering of designer molecules. Some of these metabolites may have utility as biological reagents, pharmaceuticals, agrochemicals, biofuels, or other commodity chemicals. Innovative analytical methods are also being utilized to probe the sites of natural products’ biosynthesis in complex associations of marine species, including those involved in symbiotic relationships.
Potential advisors for prospective applicants
Prospective PhD and MS applicants should reach out to all potential advisors based on research interests to ascertain whether they are encouraged to apply. Additionally, PhD program applicants should be aware that funding for PhD students is usually supplied by individual advisors and that such funding is often very limited; hence, securing outside fellowships (e.g., the NSF GRFP) greatly increases the chance of admission. See here for more information concerning funding.
Educational Requirements for Admission
In addition to the general requirements for admission to the PhD program listed here , a major in one of the biological sciences (or equivalent), with basic course work in botany, microbiology, or zoology, as well as two years of chemistry, including organic chemistry, is required.
Training in one or more of the following areas is strongly recommended: cellular biology, molecular biology, comparative physiology, genetics, developmental biology, ecology, evolutionary biology, vertebrate and invertebrate zoology, microbiology, and/or botany.
MB Applicant evaluation criteria
Factors that are used to evaluate applicants include, but are not limited to, (1) Academic preparation; (2) Scholarly potential; (3) Diversity, equity, and inclusion contributions; (4) Alignment with the program (i.e., fit with the laboratories of prospective advisors); (5) Realistic self-appraisal; and (6) Long-term goals.
If an OBP applicant decides to submit the entirely optional general GRE scores, those scores will be used similarly to the GPA, alongside the applicant’s other materials to inform the holistic assessment of the applicant’s “scholarly potential.”
We reemphasize that a requirement for the acceptance of even excellent applicants is the interest and ability of the prospective main advisor(s) to take on the student; the ability of even an interested advisor to admit is ultimately contingent on the availability of funding, whether from internal or external sources.
Programs of Study for PhD
Students admitted to Ocean Bioscience Program (OBP) are assigned an advisor, who is a chair of the three-person guidance committee. Students are assigned to a curricular group based on their interests. Although students may change curricular groups near the beginning of the year, they must commit to a curricular group early on because this determines which departmental exam they will take. During the year, students may be supported in a variety of ways. After the first year, the guidance committee is dissolved and the research advisor, and eventually the dissertation committee, provide guidance.
Marine Biology Curriculum:
Graduate students are expected to gain research experience in one or more laboratories during their first year.
Graduate students are required to complete SIO core courses including SIO 210, Physical Oceanography, SIO 260, Marine Chemistry, and SIO 280, Biological Oceanography. In addition, students are also expected to enroll in SIOB 297 Marine Biology Seminar, the weekly marine biology seminar series, every quarter. In the spring term of their first year at SIO, students will take a departmental exam consisting of a presentation of their first-year research in the form of a paper and short talk to the curricular group, followed by a meeting with their first-year advisory committee. MB Ph.D. students also must take at least two graduate-level marine organismal courses or labs. A partial list of courses that fulfill this requirement include: SIOB 271 Marine Zooplankton, SIOB 274 Natural History Below the Tides, SIOB 277 Deep Sea Biology, SIOB 281 Marine Physiology, SIOB 282 Phytoplankton Diversity, SIOB 283 Phycology: Marine Plant Biology, SIOB 284 Marine Invertebrates, SIOB 287A Marine Microbial Ecology, SIOB 293 Applications of Phylogenetics, SIOB 294 Biology of Fishes, and SIOB 296 Marine Tetrapods.
After their first year, students are expected to enroll and actively participate in at least one seminar course (SIO 278, 296, or equivalent) per year that will provide in-depth knowledge and reading in selected areas, as well as practice presenting scientific material. Students frequently take additional SIO and UC San Diego School of Biological Sciences courses based on their research interests and general scientific education.
In addition to the seminar requirement discussed above, second-year students will present their research in a special Marine Biology mini-symposium, held in spring quarter; students in the second through fourth years are expected to participate in the research presentation class (SIO 291) each year.
Marine Chemical Biology Curriculum:
Graduate students are required to complete SIO core courses including SIO 210, Physical Oceanography, SIO 260, Marine Chemistry, and SIO 280, Biological Oceanography. In addition, students are required to enroll in SIOB 262 Marine Chemical Biology Seminar every quarter. In the spring term of their first year at SIO, students will take a departmental exam consisting of a presentation of their first-year research in the form of a paper and short talk to the curricular group, followed by a meeting with their first-year guidance committee.
Marine Chemical Biology graduate students are expected to gain research experience in one or more laboratories during their first year. Additional courses that are recommended as electives in this Track, the exact composition of which will be decided by discussion between the student and the student’s first year guidance committee, include CHEM 257, Bioorganic and Natural Products Chemistry, SIO 242A-B, Marine Biotechnology I and II, SIO 264, Special Topics in Marine Natural Products Chemistry, and at least one of the following two courses: CHEM 254, Mechanisms of Organic Reactions and/or CHEM 258, Applied Spectroscopy. These are typically taken over the first two years of study. Additional electives, seminar courses, and special topics courses in graduate science and oceanography are available.
Second-year students will present their research along with students in the Marine Biology mini-symposium which is held in spring quarter.
Program of Study for MS
Required course work-.
- SIOC 210. Physical Oceanography (4 units)
- SIOG 260. Marine Chemistry (4 units)
- SIOB 280. Biological Oceanography (4 units)
- MB M.S. students also must take at least two graduate-level marine organismal courses or labs. A partial list of courses that fulfill this requirement include: SIOB 271 Marine Zooplankton, SIOB 274 Natural History Below the Tides, SIOB 277 Deep Sea Biology, SIOB 281 Marine Physiology, SIOB 282 Phytoplankton Diversity, SIOB 283 Phycology: Marine Plant Biology, SIOB 284 Marine Invertebrates, SIOB 287A Marine Microbial Ecology, SIOB 293 Applications of Phylogenetics, SIOB 294 Biology of Fishes, and SIOB 296 Marine Tetrapods
Elective course work-
Students may fulfill the remaining units of required course work through elective course offerings that may be recommended by the guidance committee.
Marine Chemical Biology Curriculum:
- SIOG 260. Marine Chemistry (4 units)
- SIOB 280. Biological Oceanography (4 units)
Students may fulfill the remaining units of required course work through elective course offerings selected in consultation with the students’ guidance committee. Typical recommended electives are below:
- Chem 257. Bioorganic and Natural Products Chemistry (4 units)
- SIOG 232. Ethical and Professional Science (2 units) or equivalent
- SIOB 242 A-B. Marine Biotechnology I and II (8 units)
- SIOB 264. Special Topics in Marine Natural Products Chemistry (3 units)
- Select at least one of the following: Chem 254. Mechanisms of Organic Reactions (4 units) and/or Chem 258. Applied Spectroscopy (4 units)
Research in Marine Biology
Marine Biology Faculty and Researchers:
- Octavio Aburto
- Andrew Allen
- Lihini Aluwihare
- Dahiana Arcila
- Douglas Bartlett
- Tarik Benmarhnia
- Ricardo Betancur
- Jeff S. Bowman
- Ronald Burton
- Dimitri Deheyn
- Terry Gaasterland
- Bill Gerwick
- Jack Gilbert
- Amro Hamdoun
- Ryan Hechinger
- Paul Jensen
- Linda Kelly
- James Leichter
- April Lukowski
- Deirdre Lyons
- Bradley Moore
- Richard Norris
- Brian Palenik
- Paul Ponganis
- Kim Prather
- Stuart Sandin
- Brice Semmens
- Jennifer Smith
- George Sugihara
- Jennifer Taylor
- Martin Tresguerres
- Lisa Zeigler
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Print Options
- Graduate School Academic Catalog
- Programs of Study
- Biological Sciences (DBS)
Marine Biology (Ph.D.)
https://colsa.unh.edu/biological-sciences/program/phd/marine-biology
The Marine Biology (MB) option is intended for students interested in marine, coastal, and estuarine ecosystems, and the organisms that inhabit them, at all levels of inquiry. Some UNH faculty use marine organisms as model systems for molecular phylogeny, cellular metabolism, and neurobiology, while others study the structure and function of marine ecosystems. Some faculty members focus primarily on basic research; others work in more applied areas such as aquaculture and fisheries; many combine the two. Students who have earned advanced degrees at UNH lead agencies involved in managing valuable marine resources, teach marine biology in academic and public settings, own aquaculture companies, or earn a living as researchers. In addition to on-campus facilities, UNH owns the Coastal Marine Laboratory and the Jackson Estuarine Laboratory , and a range of research vessels. UNH has an excellent SCUBA diving program for students interested in becoming certified to dive as part of their research. The Marine Biology option is also affiliated with UNH’s School of Marine Sciences and Ocean Engineering .
Ph.D. Degree Requirements
Students work with their advisor and their Doctoral Guidance Committee to plan a program of study including the required core courses and competencies, and develop a viable research proposal. The Guidance Committee is normally established by the end of the first semester, and should meet by the end of the second semester. The student presents to the Guidance Committee a preliminary research proposal in which the soundness, originality, and feasibility of the planned research are clearly described. The Guidance Committee is responsible for approving the proposal, and also oversees the qualifying examination through which the student is admitted to doctoral candidacy. The Doctoral Dissertation Committee is established at this point. To earn the Ph.D. degree, students must complete an original dissertation project, present the results at a public seminar, pass an oral dissertation defense consisting of questions from members of the Dissertation Committee, and have the dissertation approved by the Dissertation Committee and accepted by the Graduate School.
Number of Credits Required
There is no specific credit requirement for the Ph.D., though students must take required core courses and meet competency requirements.
Up to 8 credits of graduate credit from another institution may be transferred, provided the credits were not counted toward another degree, and the course grade was a B or higher. Petitions requesting transfer credit must be supported by the advisor and graduate committee, and approved by the UNH Graduate School.
Required Courses, Competencies, and Electives
All students in the Marine Biology Graduate Program are required to take:
1. BIOL 901 Introductory Graduate Seminar : first-semester course focuses on key information and skills for a successful transition into the graduate program, familiarizing students with program requirements and faculty and providing an opportunity to meet others in their cohort.
2. Two courses in contemporary techniques: Students must take two courses in this competency category, with one course needing to be quantitative. Students should consult their advisor or the graduate program coordinator to determine the courses that fulfill this category.
3. One course in writing/communication: This may be fulfilled by previous graduate coursework (as determined by the student’s advisor and committee), or by taking one graduate-level course. Recommendations often include coursework in professional writing and communication: BIOL 902 Writing and Publishing Science is taught fall semester, and open to students at any stage of the program. BIOL 950 Scientific Communication is usually taught in spring.
4. One marine-based course: This may be fulfilled by previous graduate coursework (as determined by the student’s advisor and committee), or by taking one graduate-level course that has a marine focus.
5. Field requirement: This requirement may be fulfilled by either taking a graduate-level course that has a significant field component as part of the course, or by conducting field research in support of the student's thesis research.
6. Ph.D. students will be required to be a Teaching Assistant for one semester, or demonstrate prior teaching experience.
Additional Information/Requirements
All students in the Marine Biology Graduate Program are expected to present their research in public seminars (including the UNH Graduate Research Conference), and acquire teaching and/or mentoring experience.
- Core Knowledge: Demonstrate expert knowledge of the subdiscipline relevant to their research project and general knowledge of the broader discipline of marine biology.
- Critical Thinking: Critique, evaluate, and integrate qualitative and quantitative biological research and methods to develop original hypotheses.
- Research: Synthesize research methods and data analysis techniques to conduct an independent and original research project that contributes new knowledge to address a gap in the field.
- Communication: Ability to effectively communicate scientific information, concepts, theories, and methods to professional colleagues (specialists), invested parties, and the general public.
- Professionalism: Conduct research ethically and responsibly and intellectually engage with the broader scientific community.
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Graduate Study in Marine Biology
Nearly three quarters of the Earth is covered by an ocean that harbors most of life’s diversity, feeds and powers coastal economies, regulates global climate, and is a rich source of biomedical models, natural products, and new drugs. The Marine Biology program offers excellent opportunities to pursue graduate research in areas such as the evolution, development, and sensory biology of marine organisms, microbiology, ichthyology, and marine conservation science. Prospective students are encouraged to explore the research interests of our faculty and then directly contact those professors with whom they might like to work, in addition to submitting an application to the graduate school.
Marine Biology students begin their curriculum with a fall semester consisting of four back-to-back, one-monthlong intensive research courses. The graduate curriculum for Marine Biology students is highly flexible and is customized to the needs and interests of the individual student. By the end of their second year, PhD students complete a written preliminary examination that tests general knowledge in marine biology, and an oral qualifying exam that focuses on areas critical to the student’s dissertation research.
Marine Biology graduate students benefit from a strongly interdisciplinary marine science program , involving the Departments of Biology and Earth & Environment , as well as close partnerships with the New England Aquarium , National Marine Sanctuary Program , and Sea Education Association .
Check the list of recent dissertations and publications to see the range of topics addressed by Marine Biology students.
Interested in applying to our graduate program?
All applicants should review the application procedures listed on our apply page . MS applicants please note that we anticipate limited space available in the Fall 2024 Marine Semester; those applying for the MS with coursework or scholarly paper tracks in Marine Biology should plan alternate fall courses or delay application to a future year.
MB applicants interested in applying to our MS (Coursework Track or Scholarly Paper Track) do not need to contact faculty before applying.
MB applicants interested in applying for our PhD or MS (Research Track) require that you have a professor who is willing to accept you into his/her/their lab. We strongly recommend that you contact professors with whom you are interested in working before you apply to the MB graduate program. Below are guidelines on how to contact professors via e-mail.
- Locate current research projects and contact information for professors in MB who are currently accepting students (see below).
- Your research interests and how they align with the research of the faculty member (1-2 sentences).
- Your previous research experience (2-3 sentences).
- A new idea you might like to pursue while working with the lab you are contacting. This research idea should be consistent with the lab’s current research capabilities and demonstrate some degree of familiarity with the field (2-3 sentences).
- Responses should be as text in e-mail, not as an attachment. However, please attach your resume/curriculum vitae to your e-mail.
List of MB faculty currently accepting PhD students for Fall 2024:
Peter Buston , Associate Professor of Biology; Director of the BU Marine Program
Evolutionary Ecology, Animal Behavior, Marine Ecology and Biological Oceanography.
Ethan Deyle , Research Assistant Professor of Biology
Quantitative Ecology, Environmental Data Science, Nonlinear Dynamics, Applied Complex Systems, Marine Ecology
Robinson W. Fulweiler , Professor of Biology (jointly with Earth & Environment)
Biogeochemistry and Marine Ecology
List of MB faculty currently accepting MS students for Fall 2024:
John R. Finnerty , Associate Professor of Biology
Evolutionary and ecological developmental biology; evolutionary and ecological genomics; marine biodiversity; global change biology; coral conservation.
Phillip S. Lobel , Professor of Biology
ichthyology; behavioral ecology and taxonomy of fishes
Randi Rotjan , Research Associate Professor of Biology; Senior Lecturer; Director of Masters Studies
Marine ecology, conservation biology, behavioral ecology, organismal physiology, coral reefs
Visit our MB Research page for a list of all of the EBE faculty.
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IMAGES
VIDEO
COMMENTS
Our marine biology Ph.D. program will help you advance your career as you seek to understand and protect marine and estuarine ecosystems and the organisms that inhabit them.
What’s it like to do a PhD in Marine Biology? As a Marine Biology PhD student, you’ll develop skills in a range of areas, from field work to in the laboratory. Depending on your exact project, you’ll spend more or less time in the field, but almost every project includes the opportunity to gain at least some field work experience.
The goal is for Ph.D. students to demonstrate mastery of the fundamental skills, knowledge, and practice of biology of the oceanic environment, and commitment to scholarship, service, and innovation in an environment that is inclusive and diverse.
Training in one or more of the following areas is strongly recommended: cellular biology, molecular biology, comparative physiology, genetics, developmental biology, ecology, evolutionary biology, vertebrate and invertebrate zoology, microbiology, and/or botany.
The Marine Biology (MB) option is intended for students interested in marine, coastal, and estuarine ecosystems, and the organisms that inhabit them, at all levels of inquiry. Some UNH faculty use marine organisms as model systems for molecular phylogeny, cellular metabolism, and neurobiology, while others study the structure and function of ...
The Marine Biology program offers excellent opportunities to pursue graduate research in areas such as the evolution, development, and sensory biology of marine organisms, microbiology, ichthyology, and marine conservation science.
The Marine Biology Graduate Program is an interdisciplinary program co-administered by the College of Natural Sciences and the School of Ocean and Earth Sciences and Technology, offering MS and PhD degrees in Marine Biology.
PhD students can visit this page to view deadlines, requirements and access important resources.
The program provides students with a broad background and overview of the fields comprising marine biology and makes use of the diverse interests of the marine biology faculty within the department. As is generally the case, the Ph.D. program is primarily a research degree.
To ensure that students have the fundamentals of the disciplines of Ecology, Evolution, and Marine Biology, students are required to take EEMB 508 and EEMB 509 in the fall and winter of their first year.