Coastal & Marine Science
Natural Science focuses on the application of biological, chemical and physical principles of the physical environment and the species that inhabit it. In this program, students learn a wide variety of topics, through lab and field work, in the areas of general ecology, marine biology, oceanography, commercial and sport-fisheries, upland ecology, aquaculture studies and much more. Students will participate in activities including marine and ecological studies, aquaculture projects, water analysis, boater’s safety, wildlife and fisheries projects and involvement in the National FFA Organization. By the end of this program, students will have successfully completed and attained their NJ Boaters Safety Certificate (pending exam results).
Students Will
- Attain a NJ Boaters Safety Certificate bymastering the operation of smallwatercraft, safe decision-making on thewater, and essential boating laws.
- Manage aquarium systems through thesetup and maintenance of tanks, caring forlive organisms, and analyzing water-qualitydata to monitor health.
- Identify and classify marine life usingtaxonomic terminology, professionalsampling techniques, and specialized fieldguides or keys.
- Conduct data analysis by collecting,visualizing, and interpreting scientific datato understand and evaluate complex marineecosystems.
- Evaluate human impacts on the ocean,including the study of climate change,pollution, overfishing, and the effectivenessof sustainability practices.
- Perform advanced oceanographic researchinto the ocean’s physical, chemical,geological, and biological systems usingreal-world case studies.
- Participate in the National FFAOrganization, developing leadership skillsthrough involvement in the organizationand managing a Supervised AgriculturalExperience (SAE).
Career Pathways
- Industrial Ecologists
- Conservation Scientists
- Natural Science Manager
- Park Naturalists
- Water Quality Monitor
- Fisheries Observer
- Wildlife Biologist
- Oceanographer
- Shoreline Protection Manager