For the AMS Program, students participate in the following three required courses, plus optional Marine Sciences Seminar, for a total of 16 or 17 credits:

• Novel Marine Ecosystems (FHL 450, 5 credits)
• Comparative Anatomy and Physiology of Marine Organisms (FHL 471, 5 credits)
• Research in Marine Biology (FHL 470, 6-credit Research Experience)
• (optional) Marine Sciences Seminar (FHL 490, 1 credit)

Prerequisites: This is an upper-level program and it is assumed that all students have a solid background in introductory biology (e.g. either FISH 270/OCEAN 270/MARBIO 270 or a minimum grade of 3.4 in either BIOL 180, B BIO 180, or T BIOL 120). Successful completion of Foundations in Ecology (Biol 356) and Marine Biology (Biol 250) is recommended.

Novel Marine Ecosystems (FHL 450, 5 credits)

Instructor: Dr. Marjorie Wonham, associate teaching professor at the University of Washington

In Novel Marine Ecosystems students will study emerging coastal ecosystems resulting from species deletions and additions in the Anthropocene. We will ask why these new ecosystems are forming, how ecological theory does and does not help us understand their dynamics, and what the future holds for these critical socio-ecological systems. Students will design, conduct, and report on field and lab studies to characterize the changing nature of local marine assemblages. Readings and discussions will be based on peer-reviewed journal articles and book chapters. Prerequisites: Any three 300-level courses.

No textbook is required for this course.

UW marine biology majors enrolled in this course will earn Ecology and Ecosystems elective credit

Comparative Anatomy & Physiology of Marine Organisms (FHL 471, 5 credits)

Instructor: Adam Summers

In this course, you will learn about the challenges and opportunities presented by the marine environment, with a focus on the relationship between organismal form and physiological function in marine animals (invertebrates as well as vertebrates) and plants. You will get hands-on experience testing anatomical and physiological phenomena you hear about in lecture, with labs covering numerous techniques including physiology experiments, testing of biomechanical properties, and CT scanning.

No textbook required.

UW marine biology majors enrolled in this course will earn Organismal Processes elective credit

Research in Marine Biology (FHL 470, 6 credits)

Instructor: Dr. Marjorie Wonham, associate teaching professor at the University of Washington

In this course, you will get a hands-on introduction to doing science in marine biological systems. You will work in small groups to develop interesting questions and design and conduct research projects in close collaboration with a supervisor. These projects will connect big-picture questions to the local marine habitats and organisms of the Salish Sea. To help make those connections, we will use class activities, workshops, and discussions to hone your curiosity and wonder, your research prowess, and your professional capacities. You can expect to develop skills in quantitative data visualization and analysis, visua, oral and written communication, and team collaboration. Prerequisites: Any three 300-level courses.

No textbook is required for this course.

UW students earn “W’ credit.

UW marine biology majors enrolled in this course will earn integrative field experience (IFE) credit.

UW students taking this course are eligible to obtain Mary Gates Endowment scholarships. Check our financial aid page to learn more.

Marine Sciences Seminar (FHL 490, 1 credit)

Instructor: Dr. Marjorie Wonham, associate teaching professor at the University of Washington

There will be one lecture per week by research scientists. The topics will cover different fields of research. Participation is obligatory for registered students wanting to gain credits, but all students are encouraged to attend. No textbook required.