COURSE CURRICULUM

The Marine, Estuarine, and Freshwater Biology (MEFB) major at the University of New Hampshire is a rigorous, interdisciplinary program designed to prepare students for careers and advanced study in aquatic sciences through a strong foundation in biology, chemistry, physics, mathematics, and field-based ecological research. Students must maintain a minimum grade of C- in all biological science courses used toward the degree, and those aiming for competitive graduate or professional programs are encouraged to maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher by the end of sophomore year. The curriculum begins with core introductory courses in biology, including BIOL 411 Introductory Biology: Molecular and Cellular and BIOL 412 Introductory Biology: Evolution, Biodiversity and Ecology, followed by specialized coursework such as MEFB 401 Marine Estuarine and Freshwater Biology Freshman Seminar, MEFB 503 Introduction to Marine Biology, MEFB 725 Marine Ecology, and ZOOL 690 Evolution, alongside supporting foundational sciences including CHEM 403 and 404 General Chemistry, CHEM 545/546 Organic Chemistry with lab, BMCB 658A General Biochemistry, PHYS 401 and 402 Physics, and genetics through GEN 604 Principles of Genetics. Students also complete quantitative training through mathematics or approved data science and biostatistics courses such as MATH 424B or BIOL 706, plus BIOL 528 Applied Biostatistics I. The major requires selection of specialized courses in plant biology, ecosystem systems, animal physiology, and animal surveys, ensuring broad yet focused understanding of aquatic life. Students choose from advanced electives spanning marine policy, oceanography, fisheries biology, aquatic ecology, conservation, microbial ecology, and field-based marine laboratory courses, many of which take advantage of unique experiential learning environments such as the Shoals Marine Laboratory. A capstone experience through BIOL 780 and additional research or honors options such as MEFB 795 or MEFB 799H ensures integration of theory and practice through independent investigation. Overall, the MEFB program combines strong scientific training, analytical skills, and extensive hands-on research to prepare graduates for careers in marine biology, environmental science, conservation, resource management, and graduate-level study in aquatic and environmental fields.The Mathematics Education major at the University of New Hampshire is a professionally oriented degree designed to prepare students for teacher licensure and careers teaching mathematics at the middle school and high school levels by combining advanced mathematical study with structured training in education theory and classroom practice. Students in the program must maintain strong academic performance, including a minimum grade of C- in all mathematics courses used toward the major, an overall GPA of at least 2.0 in major coursework, and a higher standard of B- or better in all Education (EDUC) courses, with admission to student teaching requiring completion of EDUC 500 and a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.8. The curriculum begins with foundational mathematics courses such as MATH 425 and 426 Calculus I and II, MATH 445 Mathematical Applications with MATLAB or equivalent programming courses, MATH 531 Mathematical Proof, MATH 539 Introduction to Statistical Analysis or approved alternatives, and MATH 545 Introduction to Linear Algebra or related coursework, ensuring strong analytical and computational skills. Students also complete specialized courses in secondary mathematics content, including MATH 624 and 626 which focus on analyzing school mathematics in number systems, functions, geometry, statistics, and probability, along with MATH 700 Introduction to Mathematics Education, MATH 760 Geometry, and MATH 790 Historical Foundations of Mathematics to build conceptual depth and pedagogical understanding. Education coursework such as EDUC 500, EDUC 605, and EDUC 701 develops knowledge of teaching methods, educational theory, cultural perspectives, and human development in learning environments. Students then select a pathway, either middle level or upper level, which includes targeted methods courses like MATH 601 Exploring Mathematics for Teachers I and MATH 703 or 709 Teaching Mathematics at specific grade levels, along with electives chosen from advanced mathematics topics such as differential equations, linear algebra extensions, real analysis, abstract algebra, combinatorics, and number theory. The program culminates in a capstone experience through either a senior seminar or thesis project, integrating mathematical knowledge with educational practice. Overall, the program blends rigorous mathematics training with extensive teacher preparation, ensuring graduates are well equipped to effectively teach mathematics, support diverse learners, and meet licensure requirements for professional teaching careers.