"The offshore ocean area under U.S. jurisdiction is larger than our land mass, and teems with plant and animal life, mineral resources, commerce, trade, and energy sources." Thomas H. Allen

We offer two marine science courses: "Oceanography" and "Marine Ecology." With no more than 12 students in each course, you receive extensive individual attention from the faculty. Both humanities and science majors appreciate an introduction to the science of the sea in this small, focused class atmosphere. Many students take this opportunity to work closely with marine scientists on an extensive individual research project which leads to further research as a senior thesis or at the graduate level. One of the hallmarks of the Williams-Mystic's marine science curriculum is the independent research involving field and laboratory investigations with a superb set of habitat choices: not far from the Williams-Mystic's marine science laboratory are a wealth of aquatic habitats, ranging from sweeping marshes to open pounding surf of exposed Atlantic beaches. Students explore and launch research projects in marshes, tidepools, estuarine fouling and plankton communities, mudflats, sandflats and subtidal bottoms, as well as in open marine waters. Our fleet of small research boats allows you to sample the Mystic River estuary and Fisher's Island Sound.

Oceanography provides a detailed overview of the science of the seas, including the geology, biology, physics and chemistry of the oceans. An examination of the earth's geological history, including studies of plate tectonics, the origins of ocean basins, and the movement of the continents, illuminates the history of the earth's oceans. The chemical and physical properties of sea water provide a basis for understanding how organisms cope with living in a saltwater environment. Studies of global atmospheric circulation lead to an understanding of oceanic circulation and global climactic changes. Oceanography also explores the diversity of ocean ecosystems and communities through numerous field studies in local marine habitats which lead to independent research projects. Topics such as sea level rise, global warming, nutrient cycling and fisheries productivity shed light on the critical importance of understanding the human relationship with the sea.

Marine Ecology examines the ecology and biology of the marine environment. The class inquires into the processes that control the distribution, abundance and diversity of marine organisms, while studying the ways in which animals and plants relate to their environment. The wealth of diverse local habitats is explored through field trips and research projects. Quantitative field exercises on rocky shores, in salt marshes and in estuarine communities are supplemented by a detailed study of other major marine ecosystems. Marine Ecology explores new developments in understanding marine communities, the patterns of ocean productivity and processes that alter nutrient dynamics, biological invasions and symbiotic associations. Woven through the course is the theme of how human activities impact the delicate balance between organisms and their environment in the world's oceans.