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Freshwater and Marine Biology

  • Bachelor of Science
  • Erie, Pennsylvania
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  • Immerse Yourself in an Aquatic Career with a Freshwater and Marine Biology Degree from Gannon University 

    Earth’s water resources are in increasingly high demand – and so are aquatic scientists. Gannon’s freshwater and marine biology program will immerse you in the wonders of aquatic life, prepare you to solve diverse environmental problems, sustain marine life, and obtain careers studying freshwater or marine ecosystems. Delve into exciting careers in aquatic ecology, marine biology, fisheries biology, environmental science and more.

    • Region’s only freshwater and marine biology program.
    • Accessibility to Lake Erie, the world’s11th largest lake based on surface area.
    • Opportunities to earn academic credit through a travel course in the Bahamas.

    Learn to Lead the Way in Freshwater and Marine Biology

    • Gain practical exposure to freshwater and marine environments by studying how local aquatic systems function
    •  Develop an intellectual framework in core scientific courses including biology, chemistry, environmental science and geology.
    • Courses and research projects emphasize hands-on learning in aquatic ecosystems.

    Experience an Exceptional Learning Environment

    • Learn aboard the RV Environaut, our 48-foot research vessel that is equipped with water quality instrumentation, set up for trawling, and includes an onboard scientific laboratory.
    • Discover natural aquatic habitats including Lake Erie and local streams to support your classroom learning and field-based research.
    • Conduct two semesters of original, faculty-mentored research, which often leads to presentations and publications. Projects can be lab or field based.

    Inspire Your Academic Success

    Gain real-world knowledge through key freshwater and marine biology courses including: 

    Limnology: Study the biota of fresh waters through modern limnological techniques with emphasis on Lake Erie and Presque Isle Bay

    Tropical Marine Biology: Take coursework in the Bahamas to explore ecological systems including coral reefs, mangroves, beaches, tidal pools and inland habitats.

    Biology Research I and II: Design and facilitate a faculty-supervised research project that will prepare you for real-world opportunities.

    Achieve the Possibilities

    Students will experience a high-quality scientific education and undergraduate research that will enable success in the rigors of graduate school or a future career. Students in Gannon’s freshwater and marine biology program can:

    • Pursue valuable field internships with organizations such as Presque Isle State Park, Department of Environmental Protection, and the PA Fish and Boat commission.
    • Focus coursework in freshwater and marine biology to prepare for employment or graduate training in the field of aquatic science.

Student Learning Outcomes

  1. The student utilizes and assesses the functions of scientific theory and experiment.
  2. The student identifies and applies the general methods and procedures used by aquatic scientists to investigate aquatic ecosystems.
  3. The student identifies and explains the fundamental concepts and principles underlying the functioning of aquatic ecosystems.
  4. The student examines the purpose, design and use of general laboratory equipment and techniques used by aquatic scientists.
  5. The student adopts the language in the general field of aquatic science, which includes language in biology, chemistry, geology, and physics.
  6. The student analyzes scientific literature associated with aquatic science.
  7. Overarching Program Goal: The student demonstrates entry into an aquatic science related career or graduate school.
Timothy Edwards

Timothy Edwards Freshwater and Marine Biology

"My courses have introduced me to a lot of modern, applicable skills, and the professors have helped me find and apply for many research and internship opportunities."

Ileana Calderon-Martell

Ileana Calderon-Martell Freshwater and Marine Biology

“I got into this program because I come from an island, so I hold water very deeply in my heart. Learning about streams, rivers and lakes has been something incredible.”

  • Receive hands-on learning through real-world courses, projects and valuable internship experiences that prepare you to become a professional in the field.
  • 13:1Enjoy a personalized experience inspired by Gannon’s faculty experts and a low student-to-faculty ratio of 13:1.
  • Apply for generous financial aid packages and scholarship awards.