Programs of Study in Marine Affairs

• Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Coastal and Marine Policy Studies
• Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Coastal and Marine Policy & Management
• Minor in Coastal and Marine Policy Studies

This handbook has been compiled to assist undergraduate students in Marine Affairs. Although care has been taken to ensure the accuracy of the information contained within it, the student should note that the University of Rhode Island Catalog is the authoritative guide to student requirements, and its provisions take precedence in any conflicts with information contained in this handbook.

Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science programs of study in Marine Affairs

With advances in technology and increasing demands for marine resources, the world's oceans are of major importance in terms of provision of food and energy, as a location for the disposal of wastes, and as transit routes for most international trade. At the same time, population continues to increase rapidly in the coastal zone, creating significant problems in environmental protection and conservation, in access to the shore for recreational and other purposes, and, generally, in the increasing number of conflict-of-use situations.

The multiple uses, rational management, and the health of the coastal zone and the world's oceans are of great importance to everyone. The manner in which we treat and regulate the ocean and coastal environment may have a significant impact upon our present and future well being and quality of life.

Marine Affairs is an interdisciplinary, social science field of study which focuses upon coastal and ocean management and policy. As an interdisciplinary field, it examines the marine and coastal environment, their resources and uses from a variety of perspectives, and encompasses the areas of fisheries management and law, coastal management, ports and maritime transportation, and international and national ocean policy, law and institutions. Course titles and descriptions will provide the reader of this handbook with a more detailed understanding of the scope of the field covered by Marine Affairs.

The Department of Marine Affairs in the College of the Environment and Life Sciences (CELS) offers two undergraduate degree programs: one leading to the award of a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) degree in Coastal and Marine Policy Studies, and the other to a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree in Coastal and Marine Policy & Management. The B.A. degree in Marine Affairs provides for a 36 credit-hour program in the major, while the B.S. degree has additional requirements beyond those needed for the completion of the B.A. A total of 126 credits is required for graduation in the B.S. Program. For the B.A., 120 credits is required. Both programs are outlined later in this handbook

As with all academic programs, there are different approaches to meeting degree requirements for graduation. It is important for all students to design, with the guidance of an academic advisor, a program of study. The program of study identifies those courses within Marine Affairs to be taken by the student. Students are also encouraged to consider a minor in a related field. Possible minor courses of study are identified toward the end of this handbook.

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A student may declare a major in Marine Affairs upon entering the University of Rhode Island. A total of 24 hours of course work must be completed before a student can formally transfer from University College to his/her major department. Information on University College may be found online at www.uri.edu/univcol

Transferring from University College to the Department of Marine Affairs: To complete the transfer from University College to the Department of Marine Affairs, a Degree Granting College Form must be signed by the Marine Affairs advisor in University College. This form may be obtained at University College, located in Roosevelt Hall.

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The University of Rhode Island requires all undergraduate students to complete the applicable General Education requirements. General Education allows the student to explore a broad range of course topics, perspectives, and fields. Seven broad subject areas are included: (1) English Communication, (2) Fine Arts and Literature, (3) Fine Arts and Literature, (4) Letters, (5) Mathematics, (6) Natural Sciences, and (7) Social Sciences. Note: the General Education/BLS requirements are different for students in the B.A. and B.S. programs in marine affairs. A student needs to understand the General Education/BLS requirements which are applicable to his/her situation, depending on whether he/she is working toward the B.A. or B.S. degree.

The requirements for and a list of courses which may be taken to meet requirements for students pursuing the B.A. degree may be seen by clicking on: www.uri.edu/catalog/cataloghtml/ugrad/artsandsciences.html. Note that with respect to Letters, Natural Sciences, and Social Sciences, students may use only one course per discipline (as identified by course code).

The requirements for and a list of courses which may be taken to meet requirements for students pursuing the B.S. degree may be seen by clicking on:
www.uri.edu/catalog/cataloghtml/ugradprogramreq.html#
generaleducationrequirements Students working toward a B.A. degree in marine affairs will have their non-major requirements and graduation requirements certified by the Office of the Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, while all requirements for students in the B.S. program are certified by the Office of the Dean of the College of the Environment and Life Sciences. Information on needed curriculum approvals is provided later in this handbook.

Department of Marine Affairs: Program Concentrations and Requirements

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• MAF 100 Human Use and Management of the Marine Environment (I, 3)
• MAF 120 New England and the Sea (II, 3)
• MAF 220 Introduction to Marine and Coastal Law (II, 3)
• MAF 312 The Politics of the Ocean (I or II, 3)
• MAF 320 Shipping and Ports (I or II, 3)
• MAF 330 World Fishing (I or II, 3)
• MAF 410 Senior Seminar in Marine Affairs (I or II, 3)
• MAF 413 Peoples of the Sea (I or II, 3)
• MAF 415 Marine Pollution Policy (I or II, 3)
• MAF 434 Introduction to Environmental Law (I or II, 3)
• MAF 461 Coastal Zone Management (I or II, 3)
• MAF 465 GIS Applications in Coastal and Marine Management (I or II, 3)
• MAF 471 Island Ecosystem Management (II, 3)
• MAF 472 Marine Recreation and Tourism Management (I, 3)
• MAF 475 Human Responses to Coastal Hazards (II, 3)
• MAF 482 Quantitative Methods in Marine Affairs (II, 3)
• MAF 484 Environmental Analysis and Policy in Coastal Management (I or II, 3)
• MAF 490 Internship in Marine Affairs (I or II; limited during summer; 3 or 6)
• MAF 491 Special Problems (I, 3)
• MAF 492 Special Problems (II, 3)
• MAF 499 Directed Study in Marine Affairs (I or II, 1-3)

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Prerequisites or suggested course sequences are intended to assure that students have the necessary background to move on to more specialized topics within Marine Affairs. It is important to consider the sequencing of courses in constructing a Marine Affairs program of study. Failure to do so will prevent students from maximizing the benefit from selected courses and may create unnecessary difficulties and even delay graduation.

MAF 100: Most courses in the department require the MAF student to take MAF 100, Human Use and Management of the Marine Environment, as the first course in a program of study. This course provides an introduction to and an overview of the field of Marine Affairs. If a student cannot take MAF 100 in his/her first semester of study within the Department, it is highly recommended that it be taken as soon as possible.

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In their Senior Year at the University of Rhode Island, undergraduates are allowed to undertake 500-level graduate course work. For undergraduates to take graduate course work, they must have the permission of the instructor and obtain a permission number. When taking a graduate course outside of the department, check with the instructor about background needed to successfully complete course requirements.

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Depending upon a student's status as an undergraduate (i.e., freshman, senior, etc.) some classes may be filled during the registration process. Therefore, it is important to have a list of alternate course options ready. Without advance consideration of course options, a student is often faced with the situation of taking upper-level courses for which he/she is not yet prepared. Student planning is extremely important. As planning proceeds for the coming semester, students should meet with departmental advisers prior to registration. Note that all professors in the department have office hours posted on their office doors. Registration for courses is accomplished online through the e-Campus system. Go to www.uri.edu/ecampus. This webpage provides instruction for its use.

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Except in the case of illness or emergency, students are expected to attend all class meetings. Attendance may be calculated into the grading process and unexcused absence may result in a lower final course grade. Be sure to note the grading policy of each of your instructors.

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In accordance with University policy related to academic integrity, the Department of Marine Affairs has a policy of zero tolerance for plagiarism. Department policy is to give a zero on assignments where plagiarism is evident. Faculty will be vigilant in this issue. If you are uncertain about what plagiarism is or how to properly cite sources, consult the following web site:www.dartmouth.edu/~sources/contents.html

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At the end of each semester, circumstances sometimes necessitate that a student requests an "Incomplete" for a course in place of a final grade. To request an Incomplete, the student m ust be passing the course. Illness or family problems may justify an Incomplete whereas simple inconvenience does not. Failure to complete course requirements for unapproved reasons may subject the student to grade penalties or course failure. Course requirements are to be completed prior to mid-semester of the following term so that the Incomplete may be changed to a letter grade. No change will be made on an undergraduate's student record after a period of two years.

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I. Bachelor of Arts Program in Coastal and Marine Policy Studies

Students must complete a minimum of 30 credits in Marine Affairs, as well as 6 credits in two required courses in statistics and oceanography. The required course of study is outlined below.

All four of the following courses (12 credits):

• MAF 100 Human Use and Management of the Marine Environment
• MAF 120 New England and the Sea
• MAF 220 Introduction to Marine and Coastal Law
• MAF 410 Senior Seminar in Marine Affairs

Six of the following issue area courses (18 credits):

• MAF 312 The Politics of the Ocean
• MAF 320 Shipping and Ports
• MAF 330 World Fishing
• MAF 413 Peoples of the Sea
• MAF 415 Marine Pollution Policy
• MAF 434 Introduction to Environmental Law
• MAF 461 Coastal Zone Uses
• MAF 465 GIS Applications in Marine Affairs
• MAF 471 Island Ecosystem Management
• MAF 472 Marine Recreation and Tourism Management
• MAF 475 Human Response to Coastal Hazards
• MAF 484 Environmental Analysis and Policy in Coastal Management
• MAF 499 Directed Study in Marine Affairs

One of the following oceanography courses must be taken and so, too, must the statistics course noted below:

• OCG 123 Oceans, Atmospheres and Global Change, OR
• OCG 401 General Oceanography
• STA 308 Introductory Statistics

Aside from expertise gained in the field of marine affairs, students are expected to obtain a broad, general liberal arts education and to develop strong skills in written and oral expression as well as research and analysis. A total of 120 credits is required for graduation. At least 42 of these credits must be in courses numbered 300 or above.

II. Bachelor of Science Program in Coastal and Marine Policy and Management

Students must complete a minimum of 30 credits in Marine Affairs. The required course of study is outlined below.

All five of the following courses (15 credits):

• MAF 100 Human Use and Management of the Marine Environment
• MAF 120 New England and the Sea
• MAF 220 Introduction to Marine and Coastal Law
• MAF 410 Senior Seminar in Marine Affairs
• MAF 482 Quantitative Methods in Marine Affairs (note: This course has a prerequisite requirement of STA 220 or equivalent)

Five of the following issue area courses (15 credits):

• MAF 312 The Politics of the Ocean
• MAF 320 Shipping and Ports
• MAF 330 World Fishing
• MAF 413 Peoples of the Sea
• MAF 415 Marine Pollution Policy
• MAF 434 Introduction to Environmental Law
• MAF 461 Coastal Zone Uses
• MAF 465 GIS Applications in Marine Affairs
• MAF 471 Island Ecosystem Management
• MAF 472 Marine Recreation and Tourism Management
• MAF 475 Human Response to Coastal Hazards
• MAF 484 Environmental Analysis and Policy in Coastal Management
• MAF 499 Directed Study in Marine Affairs

In addition to the above marine affairs requirements, students must take BIO 101, OCG 123 or 401, MTH 111 or 131, and WRT 333.

Students must also earn a total of 18 credits from among the following courses, at least nine credits must be from courses at the 300 level or above:

• AFS 102, 201, 210, 211, 362, 483;
• BIO 141, 262, 355, 360, 418, 455/457;
• CHM 103, 112, 124/126;
• GEO 100, 103, 210, 240, 277, 370, 450, 483;
• NRS 223, 406, 410, 423, 424, 440, 461;
• OCE 101, 215, 307, 310, 311;
• PHY 111/185, 112/186, 130, 213/285, 214/286, 306;
• REN 105, 110, 310, 345, 356, 410, 432, 435, 440, 441, 456, 460;
• STA 308, 412, 413.

A total of 126 credits is required for graduation in the B.S. Program.

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Students majoring in departments other than Marine Affairs may undertake a minor offered by the Department of Marine Affairs in Coastal and Marine Policy Studies. Transfer credit may not be used toward the minor. The minor consists of 18 credits of work in the Department of Marine Affairs, with a minimum average of 2.0 earned in MAF courses, and has the following requirements:

Required Courses: (6 credits)

• MAF 100 Human Use and Management of the Marine Environment
• MAF 120 New England and the Sea

Selected Courses: Select four of the following courses (12 credits), of which at least two courses must be at the 400 level:

• MAF 220 Introduction to Marine and Coastal Law
• MAF 312 Politics of the Ocean
• MAF 320 Shipping and Ports
• MAF 330 World Fishing
• MAF 410 Senior Seminar in Marine Affairs
• MAF 413 Peoples of the Sea
• MAF 415 Marine Pollution Policy
• MAF 434 Introduction to Environmental Law
• MAF 461 Coastal Zone Uses
• MAF 465 GIS Applications in Marine Affairs
• MAF 471 Island Ecosystem Management
• MAF 472 Marine Recreation and Tourism Management
• MAF 475 Human Response to Coastal Hazards
• MAF 484 Environmental Analysis and Policy in Coastal Management
• MAF 499 Directed Study in Marine Affairs

Note: It is the student's responsibility to complete the required “Intent to Minor” form for the College in which he/she is majoring no later than the start of the final semester at URI. That form, available from the Department of Marine Affairs, must show that the above requirements for the minor have been satisfied. Questions regarding the undergraduate minor should be directed to Prof. Lawrence Juda who may be reached at his office in 320 Washburn Hall (874-4041) or by email at ljuda@uri.edu.

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Internships:

One of the most important issues facing undergraduates is that of future employment opportunities. An undergraduate degree is intended to provide a broad background of knowledge to carry and build on through life, yet students also want to be able to secure professional employment at the end of a college career. In today's economy, many entry-level job positions are advertised as requiring "experience." The obvious question becomes "how do I get that experience?"

One means of acquiring professional experience is through an internship. An internship is useful in various ways. The internship can provide the student with actual work experience in his/her chosen field and it may result in useful contacts and recommendations for the student. Many private firms and public sector agencies expect the new graduate to have had an internship experience while in college.

At the University of Rhode Island, there are several approaches for the student in Marine Affairs to do an internship. To apply the student must have a sufficient grade point average (2.5 on a 4.0 scale) and be formally admitted to internship course work. Students must demonstrate a substantial level of commitment, maturity, and professionalism in order to apply. Internships should be set up in the semester PRIOR to that in which the internship experience occurs.

MAF 490-Internship in Marine Affairs: This program is for 3 or 6 credit hours, with a maximum of 6 credit hours. An application for MAF 490 is available from the Department secretary, Ms. Myette (Room 310, Washburn). An essential point to remember is that a student must have an MAF faculty member to serve as a "faculty supervisor," i.e., the professor responsible for monitoring, guiding and ultimately assigning a grade for internship course work. Students may find that a professor has prior commitments for research or other advising, or may not be available for other reasons; therefore, ADVANCED PLANNING IS ABSOLUTELY NECESSARY. Although summers are the easiest time of the year for many students to work an internship, most of the MAF faculty are not at the University during this time. Therefore, a student wishing a summer internship should check early in the school year to see if a particular faculty member whom he/she wishes to work with will be available.

To provide a meaningful internship experience, it is recommended that MAF 490 be taken either as a six-credit course in a single semester, or three credits in each of two consecutive semesters. MAF 490 is an MAF elective course and does not substitute for required MAF courses. Students are expected to be located in their internship environment eight hours per week for each three-credit increment undertaken over the fifteen-week semester.

URI Internship Program The URI Internship Program is administered by the Office of Internships and Experiential Learning and is located in Roosevelt Hall, Room 139. As with MAF 490, students must have a faculty supervisor; usually a member of the MAF faculty serves in this capacity. Again, it is necessary to plan an internship in advance. For information on this program visit the following website: www.uri.edu/univcol/exp_edu/index.html

Coastal Fellows Program of the College of the Environment and Life Sciences. Students work with mentors for an 8 month period that spans the summer. For information, go to www.uri.edu/cels/coastalfellows

Directed Study: Directed Studies are intended to provide the student with an opportunity to pursue topics in Marine Affairs in greater depth than generally accommodated in structured course work. The student typically arranges a topic with an MAF faculty member the semester before the directed study is to commence. Courses designated in an directed study or problems format include: MAF 491, MAF 492 and MAF 499. A written description of the project the student wishes to undertake must be submitted in advance to the faculty sponsor for prior approval. This process is to occur in the semester prior to the semester in which the work will be done.

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As noted earlier, the study of Marine Affairs focuses on the management and policy relating to coastal and marine environments and resources. Because of the competitive nature of the work place and competition for entrance into graduate or professional schools, it is highly recommended by the Department that students seek a minor in another field of study. Students should check with the departments in which they expect to minor to learn the requirements that must be met to complete a minor program of study. Note that minor requirements are determined by that department and not by the Department of Marine Affairs.

A minor field of study should be started by the time students are second-semester sophomores or first-semester juniors. This timing will allow students to plan major and minor programs of study and best utilize remaining credits. Typically, a minor requires 18 credits of work in particular departments. Consult an MAF advisor as soon as possible if a minor field of study is being considered.

Recommended minors are: Aquaculture and Fishery Science, Marine Biology, Business, Geosciences, Natural Resources Science, Political Science, or Environmental and Natural Resource Economics.

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University College: Before declaring a major in Marine Affairs, students may be advised at University College on General Education requirements, Marine Affairs program requirements, and transferring procedures. Many of these matters are also addressed in this MAF Student Handbook.

The Department of Marine Affairs provides an advisor to the University College, and appointments can be made with an adviser by contacting the appointments secretary at University College at extension 4-2993.

Department of Marine Affairs: Having transferred into the Department of Marine Affairs, the Department provides advising for its majors. Each student is assigned to a faculty adviser and the identity of that adviser may be obtained from Susan Myette, Department Secretary, who is located in 310A, Washburn.

Hopefully, many questions are answered in this handbook. Individual advising sessions are available with MAF faculty during office hours, posted on the doors of faculty offices, or by appointment.

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