Marine Invertebrate Biology & Evolution Track

rosenstiel school rosenstiel school
Master of Professional Science
Marine Invertebrate Marine Invertebrate
Master of Professional Science

The mission of the Marine Invertebrate Biology & Evolution MPS Track is to give students experience in molecular techniques, phylogenetics, taxonomy, museum/collection science, and digitization. Taking advantage of the rich marine biota atthe Voss Marine Invertebrate Collection housed at the Rosenstiel School, students will be introduced to the principles of systematics and biodiversity with emphasis on homology and convergence, diversity and complexity, presented in a phylogenetic and ecological context through the study of form and function of living and preserved specimens.

The goals of this program are to train a new generation of evolutionary biologists that are skilled in contemporary techniques such as genomics while also learning classical techniques such as taxonomy and physical collection maintenance.

Prerequisites:

Bachelor’s degree in any field

Course topics:

Data management, museum collection, genomics, digitization

Job titles:

  • Curator
  • Curatorial Assistant
  • Digitization Technician
  • Research Associate

FAQ's

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  • Why is this track important?

    This track provides critical training in genomics and digitization that will help students gain the needed cutting-edge experience to work in museums and research laboratories. The Voss Marine Invertebrate Collection will act as an anchor for the training of students in this track. It is a part of a large consortium of museums and collections throughout the United States. Through this network, internships and job opportunities help students find experience in the field.

  • Why Miami?

    The Marine Invertebrate Biology & Evolution Track is designed to give students experience in molecular techniques, phylogenetics, taxonomy, and museum/collection science. Taking advantage of the rich marine diverse biota at the Voss Marine Invertebrate Collection (VMIC), students are introduced to the principles of systematics and biodiversity with emphasis on homology and convergence, diversity and complexity, presented in a phylogenetic and ecological context through the study of form and function of living specimens.

  • What can students do with this degree?

    By receiving training in this track, students will demonstrate knowledge in the fields of genetics, genomics, taxonomy, museum science, digitization, data organization, systematics. There is built in flexibility with the electives to facilitate different career trajectories and students will be introduced to a wide network of museum practitioners and scientists.

  • What makes this track unique?

    There are only a few institutions in the US that offer graduate degrees with a focus on invertebrate museum programs. Despite this, in the US there are over 51 different science museums with a wide range of job opportunities including technicians, curators, educators, and researchers.

Track Leader

Nikki Traylor-Knowles

Marine Invertebrate Biology & Evolution Track

ngt14@miami.edu

(410) 905-5107
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Nikki Traylor-Knowles is an Associate Professor in Marine Biology and Ecology at the Rosenstiel School of Marine, Atmospheric, and Earth Science. She is a cell biologist that studies the evolution of immunity, wound healing, and regeneration. Her lab uses cell biology, genomics, microbiology, and molecular biology techniques to study the cnidarian innate immune system and its interaction with climate change and other human-induced stressors. She is interested in the application of these techniques to conservation efforts through the development of biomarkers...
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Plan Of Study Grid

Fall Course Title Credit Hours
MBE 615 Tropical Marine Ecology 3
MBE 553 / MBE 653

Evolutionary marine phylogenetics, systematics, and genomics

3
MBE 554 / MBE 654 Museum collection and data management 3
MBE 552 / MBE 652

Advanced Invertebrate Zoology and laboratory

4
Credit Hours 13
Spring Course Title Credit Hours
MES 660 MES 661 Introduction to Marine Geographic Information Systems and Intro to Marine Geographic Information systems laboratory* 3
MBE XX

Elective

 3
MBE XX

Elective

 3
MBE 535 Practical computing for biologist 3
Credit Hours 12
Summer Course Title Credit Hours
MBE 805 MPS Internship 1 5
Credit Hours 5
Total Credit Hours  30

Electives
RSM 600 Research Diving Techniques (can be taken fall or spring)
GSC 380 Paleontology and Stratigraphy
MBE 518 Reef Coral Biology, Ecology, and Conservation.
MBE 529 Population Genetics and Genomics
MBE 578 Evolutionary Genetics
Others with approval 

*  or Elective

1  Enrollment in 2 - 6 internship credits required during a student's time in MPS. Completion of less than 2 internship credits must be approved by MPS Director. Students may enroll in more than 6 internship credits with the approval of the Program Director. Typically 2 semesters are needed to complete all aspects of the internship phase of MPS.

Elective Options

Students may request elective courses with the consent of their Academic Advisor. Refer to the course schedules for a list of classes available on the Rosenstiel School campus. The course offerings may vary from semester to semester. For more details, visit the UM Academic Bulletin.

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