The marine biology major is composed of a rigorous sequence of courses leading to the Bachelor of Science degree. Students prepare for advanced work by taking a year (two semesters) each of general biology, general chemistry, and college physics, all with laboratory components. Mathematics preparation extends through integral calculus and statistics. Two practical courses, fieldwork safety techniques and oceanographic field techniques, plus two semesters of general oceanography, with laboratory and field work, complete the lower-division requirements. Advanced courses ranging from molecular biology to ecology offer students breadth and depth across the spectrum of modern biology and its marine applications. Laboratory and field work take advantage of Hawai'i's tropical and oceanic setting and its wealth of marine life. The University’s 42-foot research vessel, Kaholo, supports small classes in advanced studies from fringing coral reefs in Kaneohe Bay to the deep sea only a few hours away. Based on superior achievement and faculty recommendation, students may participate in an honors-level research project during their final semester. Completion of the marine biology major prepares students to enter private- or public-sector and domestic or international careers in fields such as living marine resource management, marine environmental analysis and protection, and interpretation or teaching in biology and marine science. Students who aim for future leadership in marine biology also achieve the academic preparation to pursue a master's or doctoral degree in their field.