UGA Marine Science students scuba, snorkel their way to degrees

Scuba diving, snorkeling, sea kayaking and boating expeditions are just a few of the opportunities the Marine Science Department has to offer.
The Marine Science Department at the University is unknown to many students because of its lack of an undergraduate major. The Interdisciplinary Study Program, through Franklin College, allows students who are interested in marine science to obtain a concentration in marine biology, marine chemistry or physical oceanography.
 “We do sort of fly under the radar, not because we want to, but because we don’t have a standard major,” said Brian Binder, the department head. “We are trying to get the word out that you can study marine sciences at UGA.”
Students are advised to take calculus, physics, chemistry and biology if they are interested in the IDS Program. The department has hopes that one day, a marine science major will be available to students.
“We are interested in forming a major. Over the years, we have developed numerous proposals, and the University has always been quite supportive,” Binder said. “New majors have to be approved by the Board of Regents. For one reason or the other, it has not received their approval.”
Contrary to popular belief that marine science is filled solely with dolphins and fish, the department focuses more on the microbial aspect of marine life, Catherine Teare Ketter, an academic professional in the marine science department, said.
“The traditional thing that happens is that students, as kids, would watch the nature channel and see whales and get psyched, and that’s great, but most of the faculty here don’t study the large charismatic organisms,” Binder said. “Most of the biologists study microbes. It’s really the microbes that drive the system. It seems students have an inherent interest in marine science, and that is what draws them here.”
For students interested in marine science and looking into graduate school, the Marine Science Department offers a program with research opportunities.
“We offer predominately doctorates and some Masters [degrees]. There is a core curriculum that everyone has to take that includes chemical oceanography, physical oceanography and biological oceanography,” Teare Ketter said. “There is mandatory research ship time and then coastal research.”
This department leaves the confines of the Athens campus frequently. There are research programs on Skidaway Island and Sapelo Island, both on the Georgia coast.
“All the biologists here have laboratory work, and they have field work,” Binder said. “Sometimes it’s off the coast of Georgia, in the middle of the ocean or Antarctica. It’s all over the place.”
A small group of undergraduate students also recently found the Marine Science Club.
“It’s brand new. The plans are that they are going to bring in faculty members to tell them what they do and if they have any opportunities in their labs or even field expeditions,” said Mary Ann Moran, a professor and faculty adviser for the Marine Science Club. “Since we don’t have an undergraduate program, we are really excited about a way to connect more to the students who are interested.”
The club plans on taking a snorkeling and scuba diving trip and a weekend trip to the University Marine Institute at Sapelo Island. The club is student-run and all majors are welcome.
“The ocean is something near and dear to my heart,” said Melody Calloway, a science education graduate student.
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