Tropical Marine Ecosystem Management Degree Track

Corals Corals
Master of Professional Science

The Master of Professional Science Degree in Tropical Marine Ecosystem Management provides students with advanced training in the theoretical aspects of tropical marine ecology, as well as the practical aspects needed to begin a career in this field. Theory focuses on nearshore, benthic ecosystems common to tropical and subtropical regions worldwide (coral reefs, seagrasses, and mangroves) and emphasizes threats facing these ecosystems. Practical aspects of the course include field methods and techniques, taxonomy and identification of common vertebrates, invertebrates, algae and marine plants, GIS and remote sensing of shallow water marine environments, scientific diving (through the American Academy of Underwater Sciences), and small boat handling (through the Department of the Interior’s Motorboat Operator Certification Course). This degree is excellent preparation for technical positions in marine conservation and management and marine ecosystem science at one of a number of state and federal agencies, institutions, and NGOs.

Tropical Marine Ecosystem Management (TME)

The MPS in Tropical Marine Ecosystem Management provides students with advanced training in the theoretical aspects of tropical marine ecology, as well as the practical aspects needed to begin a career in this field. Please see our departmental website for more information about this program.

Program Requirements

Dr. Andrew C. Baker

Tropical Marine Ecology Track

abaker@rsmas.miami.edu

(305) 421-4642
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Andrew Baker is an Associate Professor of Marine Biology and Fisheries at the University of Miami. His research focuses on the responses of coral reefs to climate change.
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Dr. Christopher Langdon

Tropical Marine Ecology Track

clangdon@rsmas.miami.edu

(305) 421-4614
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Chris Langdon is a Professor of Marine Biology and Ecology at the University of Miami’s Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science. He is an expert in matters relating to carbon cycling on coral reefs and climate change impacts on coral biology and ecology. Teaching and Mentoring Langdon teaches introduction to marine science...
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Dr. Diego Lirman

Tropical Marine Ecology Track

dlirman@rsmas.miami.edu

(305) 421-4168
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Diego Lirman currently works at the Department of Marine Biology & Ecology, University of Miami. Diego does research in Phycology, Marine Biology and Ecology. Their current project is 'Rescue A Reef Citizen Science Program.
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Plan Of Study Grid

Fall Credit Hours
MBE 615 Tropical Marine Ecology 3
RSM 600 Research Diving Techniques (Can be taken in Fall or Spring) Or ELECTIVE 3
RSM 667 Motorboat Operator Certificate Course 1-2
RSM 612 or MES 624 Statistics for Environmental Management
or Statistics & Data Analysis for Environmental Science & Policy		 3
MES 620, 720,
or 616		 Environmental Law (or ELECTIVE)
or Coastal Law and Policy
or Ocean Policy and Development and Analysis		 3
Credit Hours 12
Spring Credit Hours
MBE 621 Field Techniques and Instrumentation in Tropical Marine Ecology 3
MES 660
& MES 661		 Introduction to Marine Geographic Information Systems
and Introduction to Marine Geographic Information Systems - Laboratory		 3
MES 610 Environmental Planning and the Environmental Impact Statement (or ELECTIVE) 3
MES 646 Marine Population Biology Processes And Modeling (or ELECTIVE) 3
Credit Hours 12
Summer Credit Hours
MBE 805 MPS Internship 6
Credit Hours 6
Total Credit Hours 30

Elective Options

Students may take any elective on the RSMAS campus with the consent of their faculty advisor. Below are a few examples of courses past students in this program used as electives.

Additional Elective Options

Code Title Credit Hours
BIL 623 Advanced Biology of Marine Invertebrates 4
MES 606 Advanced Fieldwork in Coastal Cultures 3
MBE 716 Bayesian Statistics For Marine Scientists 3
MBE 704 Biological Oceanography 3
MES 720 Coastal Law and Policy 3
MES 602 Economics of Natural Resources 3
MES 620 Environmental Law 3
MES 610 Environmental Planning and the Environmental Impact Statement 3
MBE 678 Evolutionary Genetics 3
MES 614 Underwater Archaeology Field Techniques 3
MES 604 Fieldwork in Coastal Management: Tourism, Conservation, and Development 3
MES 605 Fieldwork in Coastal Cultures 3
MES 625 Fisheries Socioeconomics and Management 3
POL 631 Global Environment Politics 3
MES 710 International Ocean Law And Governance 3
MES 626 Submerged Cultural Resource Management 3
MES 616 Ocean Policy and Development and Analysis 3
RSM 710 The Physical Environment of Marine Organisms 3
MES 601 Political Ecology of Marine Management 3
MES 662 Spatial Analysis: Intermediate Course in Marine GIS 3
MBE 614 Tropical Marine Biology: A Field Course 3

 

For more details, visit the UM Bulletin