Marine science is a first-class undergraduate major in Hainan University, relying on the co-construction of Hainan University and the "Double-First Class" university's high-quality teaching resources and the construction of the "State Key Laboratory of Marine Resources Utilization in South China Sea" first-class scientific research platform. With the professional orientation of "exploiting the South China Sea, being first-class domestically, and keeping up with international frontiers," it serves the country's tropical marine resource sustainable development and environmental protection cause. The major focuses on marine biology and oceanography, supported by physical oceanography and marine geology, focusing on tropical marine ecosystems such as coral reefs, seagrass beds, and mangroves. The major has important research directions including tropical marine biology and ecological restoration, global change and marine biogeochemical cycling, nearshore hydrodynamic processes and their ecological effects in Hainan Island, and continental shelf sedimentary geology. It serves tropical biomedicine, ecological security, resource multiplication, carbon sequestration trading, energy minerals and other fields.

Objectives:

Marine science in Hainan University is guided by national strategies and industry talent needs. By broadening the foundation of high-level math and science knowledge, it sets four training directions: marine biology, marine chemistry, physical oceanography, and marine geology. It combines advanced courses on cutting-edge topics, innovation and entrepreneurship courses, and field trips at different levels to achieve deep integration of theory and practice in the training process. Through four years of undergraduate study, students will acquire basic practical skills for Marine scientific research, Marine resource protection and development, Marine monitoring and management. At the same time, they will possess correct ocean views, broad horizons, and excellent practical skills.

(1) Possess good scientific and cultural literacy, strong social responsibility sense, healthy physical and mental qualities, and active innovative thinking abilities;

(2) Possess correct views on the ocean and the concept of ocean protection and sustainable development, solid basic knowledge reserves and excellent learning and practical abilities;

(3) Master theoretical knowledge related to Marine biology, Marine chemistry, physical oceanography, Marine geology, possess experimental skills in Marine biology and Marine chemistry, as well as practical skills for conducting Marine biological resource and environmental investigation monitoring and engaging in Marine-related research and analysis work;

(4) Familiar with the current development trends in the field of Marine science at home and abroad as well as the latest research progresses and developments, possess strong learning ability and certain scientific research collaboration abilities.

Current situation:

There are currently 45 full-time teachers in this major, of which 97% have doctoral degrees, with 82.5% under the age of 45; there is also one national outstanding teacher among them. In the past three years, these teachers have received 10 provincial awards. Since 2007, over 606 graduates have been cultivated in this field. 60% of them are studying for master's degrees or working in ocean-related industries to promote China's development of Marine science particularly in Hainan province. Over the past five years, the teachers have guided undergraduates to win 20 national awards including "Challenge Cup" and "Internet Plus", as well as 26 provincial awards. There is also one provincial excellent course.

Since 2007, over 606 graduates have been cultivated in this field. 60% of them are studying for master's degrees or working in ocean-related industries to promote China's development of Marine science particularly in Hainan province. Over the past five years, the teachers have guided undergraduates to win 20 national awards including "Challenge Cup" and "Internet Plus", as well as 26 provincial awards. There is also one provincial excellent course.

Main courses:

Introduction to Marine Science, Marine Biology, Fluid Mechanics, Physical Oceanography, Marine Geology, Marine Ecology, Seaweed Science, Marine Plankton Biology, Ichthyology, Marine Benthic Biology, Tropical Marine Ecosystem Biology, Marine Survey and Monitoring Technology, Fisheries Resources and Fisheries Science, Marine Biological Resource Survey Technology, Marine Biological Resource Aquaculture Science, Water Environment Monitoring and Evaluation.

Internship courses:

Marine Science Internship, Tropical Marine Ecosystem Survey Internship, Offshore Marine Biological Resources and Environment Comprehensive Survey Internship.