Marine Biology (B.S.) | University of North Alabama

Skills & Competencies

Skills developed through this program

Auto-populatedfrom O*NET via SOC 17-2121.00

Skills

Complex Problem SolvingCritical ThinkingReading ComprehensionJudgment and Decision MakingWritingSpeakingActive ListeningMathematics

Knowledge

Engineering and TechnologyMechanicalDesignEnglish LanguageTransportation

Abilities

Deductive ReasoningOral ComprehensionWritten ComprehensionOral ExpressionWritten ExpressionProblem SensitivityInductive ReasoningInformation OrderingCategory FlexibilityMathematical Reasoning

Tasks

Perform monitoring activities to ensure that ships comply with international regulations and standar
Design complete hull and superstructure according to specifications and test data, in conformity wit
Conduct analyses of ships, such as stability, structural, weight, and vibration analyses.
Develop plans for safely drydocking vessels, including structural integrity, block loading, and stability.

Technology

Document management softwareComputer aided design CAD softwareAnalytical or scientific softwareSpreadsheet softwareGraphics or photo imaging software

Tools

Desktop computersHard hatsLaptop computersPersonal computersPlottersProgrammable logic controllers PLCSafety glasses

Work Values

IndependenceAchievementRecognitionWorking ConditionsSupportRelationships

Career Pathways

Occupations this program prepares you for

Auto-populatedfrom O*NET + BLS

Occupations matched to this program, with median wage, top wage, growth, and openings
SOC	Occupation	Method	Wage	Growth	Openings
Match confidence: medium17-2121.00	Marine Engineers and Naval Architects	title_inference	—	—	—

Program Pathways

Credentials this program stacks toward

No program pathways.

What You'll Learn

Key competencies developed through this program

Auto-populatedfrom NSX Competency Framework

Mastery: proficient (Level 3)(based on Bachelor's Degree)

Full hull and superstructure design programs — lead autonomously from concept through production drawings, ensuring conformity with international safety, efficiency, and economy standards on complex vessels.
Comprehensive ship analyses including stability, structural, weight, and vibration — execute across non-routine vessel configurations using advanced analytical software and resolve discrepancies without escalation.
Multivariable craft characteristic trade-offs involving size, speed, propulsion, displacement, and draft — evaluate and optimize independently to meet competing client performance and regulatory requirements.
Regulatory compliance strategy for life-saving equipment and pollution prevention systems — develop and implement across a fleet or project portfolio, adapting to evolving international maritime standards.
High-stakes technical reports and proposals — author for engineering leadership, clients, and classification societies, synthesizing complex data into actionable recommendations with professional written precision.
Contractor and client relationships — manage proactively across the full project lifecycle, resolving disputes and ensuring technical scope, cost, and schedule alignment on large-scale marine projects.
Systems-level analyses of vessel control architecture, propulsion integration, and automation — conduct and validate, identifying latent failure modes and recommending design improvements across complex ship systems.
Novel engineering problems in marine design such as unconventional hull forms or emerging propulsion technologies — diagnose and resolve by applying inductive and deductive reasoning across discipline boundaries.
Cross-disciplinary design reviews incorporating mechanical, structural, and electrical engineering inputs — coordinate and arbitrate to produce integrated, code-compliant vessel designs within schedule constraints.
Mentorship and technical guidance — provide to developing engineers on analysis methods, regulatory interpretation, and professional report writing within a naval architecture or marine engineering organization.

Course Pathway

31 courses in this program

Note: Some courses have circular prerequisites

Core course

External prerequisite

Hover to see relationships

Program Requirements

Courses required to complete this program

BI 111Cellular Foundations of Biology

4 cr

BI 112Organismal Foundations of Biology

4 cr

BI 200WBiological Literature

2 cr

BI 306Genetics

4 cr

BI 307Microbiology

4 cr

BI 312Evolution

3 cr

BI 375Cell Biology

4 cr

BI 435Biostatistics

3 cr

BI 498Senior Assessment Seminar

1 cr

BI 429Marine Botany

4 cr

BI 403Marine Invertebrate Zoology

4 cr

BI 408Marine Vertebrate Zoology

4 cr

BI 412Marine Ecology

4 cr

CH 111General Chemistry

3 cr

CH 111LGeneral Chemistry Laboratory

1 cr

CH 112General Chemistry

3 cr

CH 112LGeneral Chemistry Laboratory

1 cr

PH 241General Physics I

4 cr

PH 242General Physics II

4 cr

Program Details

Detailed information about this program

No detailed information available.

Requirements

What you need to earn this credential

No requirements listed.

Financial Aid

Eligible funding programs

No funding information available.

Scholarships

No scholarships listed.