2009 UNB Saint John Marine Semester

  • What is the UNB Saint John Marine Fall Semester?

    • An intensive, 12-week immersion semester offered on a biennial basis, in a marine setting and providing students with a “hands-on” study experience of diverse marine organisms, including mammals (whales and seals), algae, fish and invertebrates. The semester consists of 5 courses (see "what courses") worth a total of 19 credits. It is equivalent to a full-semester course load, and students are expected to take all 5 courses. Three courses run for 2-4 consecutive weeks each, and two run throughout the semester.
    • The semester involves lectures, research seminars, discussions, labs, field trips and independent research projects. The semester is designed to promote critical thinking and expose students to innovative research in marine biology.

  • Where and when will the Marine Semester be held?

    • The UNB Saint John Marine Fall Semester will run out of the Huntsman Marine Science Centre (HMSC) in picturesque St. Andrews, New Brunswick
    • Students will live in residence at HMSC throughout the duration of the semester.

    • September 8 - November 30, 2009

  • Who can take the semester?

    • The marine semester is intended for motivated University students with the necessary course prerequisites (see below). Priority will be given to UNB Saint John students majoring in Marine Biology, and remaining seats will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. Enrollment for the semester will be limited to 18-20 students.

      Non-UNB students will have to apply and be accepted as a visiting student: please see http://www.unb.ca/prospective/ first.

  • How can I register?

    • You can register for the semester by 31 March 2009 by emailing Dr. Rémy Rochette, who is the Coordinator of the Marine Semester.
    • In your e-mail, please provide the following information: your name, your home university, and confirmation that you meet the course prerequisite requirements.
    • You will then be asked to provide a $400 deposit (non-refundable after 1 August 2009) to reserve your seat in the semester. This deposit will go towards offsetting HMSC costs (see "how much").

  • How much does the marine semester cost?

    • The cost of the Marine Semester will be a maximum of $4,700; it will be less if enrolment exceeds 15. This includes accommodations (room + food for 12 weeks), campus fees (to use Huntsman premises and labs), cost of all field trips (including 20 hours on the HMSC vessel), as well as all applicable taxes. It does not include UNB tuition fees. 

  • What are the course prerequisites for this semester?


    STAT 2264 Statistics for Biology I (or equivalent)

    An introductory course in statistics. Probability, Bayes' Theorem, applications of probability to genetics. Random variable, expectation. Binomial and Normal random variables. Confidence intervals for means and proportions. Prediction intervals. Tests of hypotheses. Paired data versus two independent samples. Brief introduction to analysis of variance. Regression, correlation. Contingency variables. Examples drawn from biology. Use of a statistical computer package.


BIOL 2585 Introductory Ecology (or equivalent)
Introduces concepts of ecology common to terrestrial, fresh water and marine ecosystems. Provides a basis for further ecological or environmental studies. Introduces man's influence on ecosystems.

and

BIOL 2615 Introductory Zoology (or equivalent)
Classification, functional morphology, development and evolution of the major animal groups.

all three with a grade of C or better

  • What courses will be taught during the Marine Semester?

    • Diversity and Habitats of Marine Organisms (5 credits)
    • Adaptations of Marine Organisms (5 credits)
    • History and Development of Aquaculture (2 credits)
    • Directed Studies in Marine Sciences (5 credits)
    • Current Topics in Marine Sciences (2 credits)

  • Are there scholarship or work opportunities during the marine semester?

    There will be opportunities for remunerated work during the marine semester, involving participation in the research program of Marine Biologists from UNB and the St. Andrews Biological Station. A certain number of HMSC scholarships, valued at $300-$400, will also likely be available to students.

Who can I contact if I have questions about the marine semester?

Dr. Rémy Rochette | rochette@unbsj.ca| phone (506) 648-5988

or c/o
UNB Saint John Biology Office | sjbiol@unbsj.ca
phone: (506) 648-5565