Biological oceanogaphers study life in the oceans. Their goal is to obtain a predictive understanding of the activities and distributions of marine organisms, from phytoplankton to apex predators. Current research in the EOAS department focuses on a variety of organisms from microbial communities to large marine mega-fauna at tropical to polar oceans and from the land-ocean interface to deep-ocean. Our research is often interdisciplinary, and uses a variety of approaches, including field observations, laboratory experiments, spatial analysis and theoretical models.<br><br>The program allows students to participate in research both in the laboratory and in the field. Many students get to participate in oceanographic cruises and some have the chance to work in the laboratories of our colleagues around the world. Because of the interdisciplinary nature of many of the questions biological oceanographers investigate, we often collaborate with chemical, geological, and physical oceanographers. Frequently, we collaborate with colleagues at other institutions in this country and abroad. Our students also present the results of their research at professional meetings all around the globe.<br>Any degree seeking student with at least a B.S. or B.A. degree in a basic science may apply to enter the Master's program. Most successful applicants without a Master's degree in oceanography or a closely allied field are accepted into the Master's degree program. However, such applicants, as well as applicants with Master's degrees in oceanography or a related field, may also apply directly to the Ph.D. program. Admission to the M.S. or Ph.D. program is granted upon a favorable majority vote of the faculty and upon agreement of a faculty member to act as a major professor. The candidate for the Ph.D. degree is required to take at least 18 semester hours in areas related to the student's specialty in addition to the general M.S. requirements. The content of these 18 hours will be determined by the student, their advisor and the student's supervisory committee. These requirements apply to students entering the Ph.D. program with an M.S. degree in a related field as well as students with an M.S. in Oceanography. Also, all students must take 24 semester hours of dissertation (OCE6980). If a student is working toward the Ph.D. degree without completing the M.S. degree, the M.S. minimum course requirement of 33 semester hours must be fulfilled as well as the Ph.D. requirements. Students completing the Florida State University M.S. degree may be readmitted to the Ph.D. program upon a favorable majority vote of the faculty. Each Ph.D. student must be continuously enrolled for at least 24 hours in any 12 month period.