MSI Academics - UP Marine Science Institute

ACADEMICS

The UP MSI fosters aspiring marine scientists and professionals through advanced, multidisciplinary graduate programs. For research-oriented students, UP MSI grants M.S. and Ph.D. degrees in Marine Science with different specializations. For professionals outside academia, it offers the Professional Masters in Tropical Marine Ecosystems Management (PM-TMEM) program, with an initial focus on Marine Protected Areas (MPAs). Graduate students receive support in the form of research assistantships and scholarships.

ACADEMIC SPECIALIZATIONS

While applying to their respective programs, graduate students must choose a subfield of marine science to specialize in. This will determine what kind of research they will be doing throughout the duration of their stay in the UP MSI. Three major tracks are offered: marine biology, marine physical sciences, and marine biotechnology. Each specialization has unique set of core courses that lay the foundation of the student’s expertise.

MARINE BIOLOGY

Marine biology not only examines organisms individually, but also considers their interactions with the other members of their ecosystems. Graduate students who major in Marine Biology are required to take MS 210 (Physical Ocean), MS 220 (Chemical Ocean), and MS 240 (Biological Ocean).

MARINE PHYSICAL SCIENCES

The physical sciences branch of marine science attempts to understand the physical, chemical and geological patterns and processes of the coastal and open oceans. Graduate students who major in Marine Physical Sciences are required to take MS 210 (Physical Ocean), MS 220 (Chemical Ocean), MS 230 (Geological Ocean), and MS 240 (Biological Ocean).

MARINE BIOTECHNOLOGY

Through marine biotechnology, molecular biological approaches are used to understand the phylogeny of marine organisms, and identify and develop natural products for various applications. Graduate students who major in Marine Biology are required to take MS 240 (Biological Ocean), MS 270 (Biochemistry of Marine Organisms), and MS 272 (Marine Biotechnology I). For their fourth course, they may choose between MS 210 (Physical Oceanography) and MS 220 (Chemical Oceanography).

DEGREE PROGRAMS

Master’s Program

Students can choose to major in Marine Biology, Marine Physical Sciences, or Marine Biotechnology. The MSc program aims to provide basic understanding of the nature of biological and physical processes in the ocean, as well as rigorous training in formulating and carrying out independent research.

PhD/Doctoral Program

The Ph.D. Program in Marine Science (Marine Biology, Marine Physical Sciences, and Marine Biotechnology) aims to provide advanced education on the sciences of the sea with emphasis on the dynamics of marine life, in preparation for careers as high-level marine scientists in academic, research, and other institutions in the public and private sector.

Professional Masters in Tropical Marine Ecosystems Management (PM-TMEM)

PM-TMEM is an accelerated program designed for professionals engaged in the management and governance of tropical marine ecosystems. It integrates the scientific, socio-economic, and policy dimensions of these ecosystems through lectures and field work handled by interdisciplinary teams of faculty, and assignments students can apply in their respective Marine Protected Areas.

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