Marine Invertebrate Biology & Evolution
Program Overview
Introduction to the Marine Invertebrate Biology & Evolution Track
The Marine Invertebrate Biology & Evolution Track is a Master of Professional Science program designed to provide students with experience in molecular techniques, phylogenetics, taxonomy, museum/collection science, and digitization. The program takes advantage of the rich marine biota at the Voss Marine Invertebrate Collection housed at the Rosenstiel School.
Program Description
The mission of the Marine Invertebrate Biology & Evolution Track is to train a new generation of evolutionary biologists skilled in contemporary techniques such as genomics, while also learning classical techniques such as taxonomy and physical collection maintenance. The program introduces students to the principles of systematics and biodiversity, with an emphasis on homology and convergence, diversity and complexity, presented in a phylogenetic and ecological context through the study of form and function of living and preserved specimens.
Prerequisites
- Bachelor's degree in any field
Course Topics
- Data management
- Museum collection
- Genomics
- Digitization
Job Titles
- Curator
- Curatorial Assistant
- Digitization Technician
- Research Associate
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is this track important?
This track provides critical training in genomics and digitization, helping students gain the needed cutting-edge experience to work in museums and research laboratories. The Voss Marine Invertebrate Collection acts as an anchor for the training of students in this track, which is part of a large consortium of museums and collections throughout the United States.
Why Miami?
The Marine Invertebrate Biology & Evolution Track is designed to give students experience in molecular techniques, phylogenetics, taxonomy, and museum/collection science, taking advantage of the rich marine diverse biota at the Voss Marine Invertebrate Collection (VMIC). Students are introduced to the principles of systematics and biodiversity with emphasis on homology and convergence, diversity and complexity, presented in a phylogenetic and ecological context through the study of form and function of living specimens.
What can students do with this degree?
By receiving training in this track, students will demonstrate knowledge in the fields of genetics, genomics, taxonomy, museum science, digitization, data organization, and systematics. There is built-in flexibility with the electives to facilitate different career trajectories, and students will be introduced to a wide network of museum practitioners and scientists.
What makes this track unique?
There are only a few institutions in the US that offer graduate degrees with a focus on invertebrate museum programs. Despite this, in the US, there are over 51 different science museums with a wide range of job opportunities, including technicians, curators, educators, and researchers.
Track Leader
- Gina Hendrick
Plan of Study Grid
Fall
| Course Title | Credit Hours | |
|---|---|---|
| MBE 615 | Tropical Marine Ecology | 3 |
| MBE 553 / MBE 653 | Evolutionary marine phylogenetics, systematics, and genomics | 3 |
| MBE 554 / MBE 654 | Museum collection and data management | 3 |
| MBE 552 / MBE 652 | Advanced Invertebrate Zoology and laboratory | 4 |
| Credit Hours | 13 |
Spring
| Course Title | Credit Hours | |
|---|---|---|
| MES 660 MES 661 | Introduction to Marine Geographic Information Systems and Intro to Marine Geographic Information systems laboratory* | 3 |
| MBE XX | Elective | 3 |
| MBE XX | Elective | 3 |
| MBE 535 | Practical computing for biologist | 3 |
| Credit Hours | 12 |
Summer
| Course Title | Credit Hours | |
|---|---|---|
| MBE 805 | MPS Internship 1 | 5 |
| Credit Hours | 5 | |
| Total Credit Hours | 30 |
Electives
- RSM 600: Research Diving Techniques (can be taken fall or spring)
- GSC 380: Paleontology and Stratigraphy
- MBE 518: Reef Coral Biology, Ecology, and Conservation
- MBE 529: Population Genetics and Genomics
- MBE 578: Evolutionary Genetics
- Others with approval