Loyola University New Orleans College of Arts and Sciences
Bachelor of Science in Biology with a Concentration in Marine Biology
New Orleans, USA
BSc
DURATION
LANGUAGES
English
PACE
APPLICATION DEADLINE
EARLIEST START DATE
Sep 2026
STUDY FORMAT
Key Summary
About: The Bachelor of Science in Biology with a Concentration in Marine Biology at College of Arts & Sciences blends core biology with hands-on labs and fieldwork. In the first two undergraduate years you'll take four core biology courses (two with labs). Sample courses include Biology of Fishes (taxonomy, morphology, physiology, behavior, ecology, conservation), Conservation Biology (ecology, evolution, genetics), and Tropical Ecology (study abroad, field trips, service learning).
Career Outcomes: You can pursue careers as marine biologist, fisheries scientist, conservation scientist, environmental consultant, research technician, laboratory technologist, science educator, wildlife manager, NGO conservation officer in research, policy, or education.
Life’s funny, isn’t it? That’s one thing people say. Or amazing. Or chaotic, beautiful, unfair, and too short. But a biologist says that life is discoverable. Medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, environmental service, molecular genetics, virology, botany, ecology, marine biology, microbiology, physiology, zoology—our program is the first step toward all of these fields and more. Whether your interest is micro or macro, we’ll turn you into an expert-level life scientist.
In your first two years, you’ll take the four core biology courses. Two of these classes are linked with labs so that as you learn the fundamental concepts of the biological sciences, you’ll also get some hands-on field experiences. Click here to view the Major Sheet and DPCL Forms.
Here’s a sample of what you can expect to learn and do:
• Biology of Fishes
This course emphasizes functional morphology, sensory biology, physiology, reproduction, behavior, ecology, and conservation. You will learn a good deal about the taxonomy and natural history of common southeastern freshwater and marine fishes through fieldtrips and laboratory study of collected specimens. You will boldly go where most terrestrial biologists avoid!
• Conservation Biology
The study of the conservation of biodiversity based in the principles of ecology, evolution, and genetics. The primary goal of this course is to understand natural ecological systems in the context of a human dominated world to learn to best maintain biological diversity in concert with an exploding human population. This is accomplished through lecture, group discussion, and videos.
• Tropical Ecology
This course examines biology, ecology, and conservation of flora and fauna of tropical ecosystems. The co-requisite laboratory for this course involves a fieldtrip abroad to a country such as Belize, Ecuador, Honduras, or Panama to experience first-hand the unique natural history and unparalleled biodiversity of tropical ecosystems. Tropical Ecology incorporates an intense study abroad component and service learning.
