72 courses with the subject MES, each shown exactly as we captured it from the college's catalog, with every element we hold. Where the wording looks broken, that is our reading of the catalog, not the college's text.
MES 101First Year Seminar Lec. 1./Credit 1
A unique first year research seminar course that investigates the diversity of current research topics in the marine and environmental sciences (MESC) through hands on activities and presentations and discussion sessions with invited speakers. Topics include the functions of MESC scientists, and a better understanding of the fundamentals of MESC.
and Ocean Systems Lec. 3./Lab 3./Credit 4. This course focuses on the geological history of the Earth, atmosphere and ocean, with its influences on environments and ecosystems. The importance of plate tectonics upon formation, global distribution of mineral and energy resources, basic map reading and construction, with an introduction to GIS/ GPS technology will also be discussed. An interdisciplinary approach to the sciences and fields involved with the study of the world’s oceans and coastal bodies of water, including the fundamentals of oceanography with particular reference to physical, chemical, geological, and biological aspects of ocean science. Focusing on current topics: ocean acidification, El Nino, global warming. Examination of the Earth/Sun system and the greenhouse effect, discussion of paleoclimates and ice ages, processes of weather and their relation to climate, geographic extent of ecosystems and biomes. Prerequi- sites: MES 130 and MES 131. Course Descriptions – Main Campus 327
For Majors and Minors only Lec. 3. Credit 3. This course is designed specifically for Marine and Environments science majors and minors and will provide students with the opportunity to examine the complex relationship between humans, the environment, and the princi- ples of sustainability. This course will explore the following topics: humans and sustainability, ecological principles as it relates to sustainability, and th actions required to sustain biodiversity, natural resources, environmental quality, and human societies.
and Environmental Geology Lec. 3./Lab 3./Credit 4. Importance of plate tectonics upon formation and global distribution of mineral and energy resources. Coverage of traditional and alternative energy production. Extraction techniques and use of minerals, as well as energy sources and environmental concerns. Basic map reading and construction. Introduction to GIS/GPS technology.
Environmental Science Lec. 3./Credit 3. Exploration of the multidisciplinary science of the environment. Examina- tion of contemporary issues such as air and water pollution, global climate change, ozone depletion, acid rain, hazardous and solid waste, alternative energy resources, soils, deforestation, overfishing, biodiversity, and endan- gered species, and their ecological, economical, and human health impacts.
Lab. 3. Credit 1. Examination of the Earth/Sun system and the greenhouse effect, discussion of paleoclimates and ice ages, processes of weather and their relation to climate, geographic extent of ecosystems and biomes, field trips to Chesapeake Bay, waterworks, sewage treat- ment facilities and local parks.
Lecture 3. Credit 3. A multidisciplinary course which examines the human relation- ship to the sea through a study of scientific, historical and literary accounts. Importance of climate oscillations and anthropogenic effects on global climate change. Consideration of global warming and sea level rise in highly populated coastal regimes. Exploring the role of the sea in shaping human cultures, and how the sea responds to human interventions. 330 Course Descriptions – Main Campus
in Marine and Environmental Science Sem/Prj./Credit 1-3. Designed for first year students. Emphasis placed upon introduction to areas of marine and environmental science research, regular attendance at appro- priate seminars, techniques of literature searches, and background study. This course may be taken twice.
Watershed Diversity Lec. 3./Lab. 3./Credit 4. This course will focus on the structure, function, and diversity of flora, fauna and ecosystems in the Chesapeake Bay and place them in context of global biodiversity and human interactions. Interwoven into this course will be examinations of the role of evolution in shaping organismal diversity and how both evolution and anthropogenic interactions affect structural and functional aspects of organisms and habitats. This course will involve field collection and laboratory study s of plants and animals along the Chesapeake Bay watershed. Prerequisites: MES 102, MES 130 and MES 131.
Study of the formation of the planet earth and its physical processes: plate tectonics, mountain building, mass wasting and sedimentation. Consider- ation of the physical geology of the world’s oceans and continental features. Petrology of igneous, metamorphic and sedimentary rocks. Basic map reading. Field trips.
Lec. 3./Lab 3./Credit 4. A basic ecology course investigating the interaction between organisms and their biotic and abiotic environment, focusing on human populations and their effects on the natural environment. Laboratory periods will be concerned with the earth/sun system and the resultant global climate and biome distribution. Several field trips will be taken to local areas of interaction between man and the natural environment.
Environmental Science Lec. 3./Credit 3. A basic ecology course investigating the interaction between organisms and their biotic and abiotic environment, focusing on human populations and their effects on the natural environment.
Statistics Lec. 3.Lab. 3.Credit 4. Application of statistical methods to problems encountered in the ecological and environmental sciences. Methods include sam- pling design, data visualization, population parameter estimation, hypothesis testing, the Normal and other probability distributions, single-factor and multifactor analysis of variance (ANOVA), corre- lation and linear regression. Laboratory projects carried out using EXCEL and statistical software.
Environmental Science Lab 1./Credit 1. Data collection and analyses conducted in the local marine and estuarine environment. Includes sampling techniques, microscopy, instrumentation and technology training.
Processes and Biomes Lab 1./Credit 1. Examination of the Earth/Sun system, computation of sun angles, processes of weather and their relation to climate, geographic extent of ecosystems and biomes, field trips to Chesapeake Bay and local sites.
Marine and environmental scientists rely on highly customizable statistical software, such as R, Python, and MATLAB. Building upon the foundation established in Ecological Statistics I, this advanced statistics course engages students in data wrangling, analysis, and visualization in R-Studio. Students will work with real ecological data and apply statistical operations, including both parametric and nonparametric tests and introductory modeling approaches. Students will be encouraged to analyze data from their own research and internship experiences. Students will be expected to present and justify results orally and in writing. Part two of a two-part series. Prereq- uisites: MES 105, 102, 210, MAT 151/152.
Lec. 3. Lab. 3. Credit 4. Fundamentals of oceanography with particular reference to physi- cal, chemical, geological, biological and engineering aspects of ocean science. Interdisciplinary approach to the sciences and fields involved with the study of the world’s oceans and coastal bodies of water. Focus on current topics: ocean acidification, El Nino, global warming. Prerequisites: MES 110, MES 130 and MES 131.
and Environmental Science Sem/Prj./Credit 1-6. Designed for sophomore-level students. Emphasis will be placed upon intro- duction to basic techniques of conducting research and literature review, regular attendance at selected seminars, and directed work on a research project in marine and environmental science. This course may be taken twice.
, Research experience at off-campus laboratory facilities. Instructional activi- ties include laboratory and field studies in marine and environmental science areas. Duration is approximately 10 weeks. A deliverable such as a poster or presentation at a conference is emphasized. Summer registration required.
A seminar course designed to expose students to contemporary issues in environmental problems focusing on environmental restoration and waste management. Seminar presentation is required for each student.
Classification of marine sediments and processes of sedimentation. Inves- tigation of marine sedimentary environments: estuaries, bays, shallow seas, shelves and abyssal depths. Extensive investigation of plate tectonic processes and history of major ocean basins. Prerequisite: ESC 202 or consent of instructor.
This course will focus on introducing advanced third-year students to research topics in marine and environmental sciences. Research topics will be selected, literature searches conducted, the research committee selected, and research proposals written in preparation for MES 404 and MES 405. This course will also focus on the preparation of graduate school and job portfolios that includes resume, CV and research statements.
Introduction to the organization of benthic and planktonic communities in the ocean. Quantitative treatment of biotic and abiotic processes. Special topics include: microbial dynamics, phytoplankton and zooplankton production, and ecology of marine food webs. Emphasis placed on understanding how physical, chemical, and geological factors shape the biology and ecology of the ocean system. Prerequisite: MES 230. MES 311/BIO 611 Renewable Energy and Sustainable Technology Lec. 3 This course is designed to introduce the variety of sustainable technologies currently available. Students will learn the underlying principles behind solar energy, wind energy, hybrid cars, geothermal heating and cooling systems, energy neutral architecture, and other recent advances. We will also explore the economic and environmental trade-offs associated with these technolo- gies. Classes will include hands-on experiences and field trips to visit examples of sustainable buildings. We will use the learner-centered approach that minimizes lecturing and emphasizes student involvement and owner- ship. Thus Classroom/laboratory time will focus on instructor led discussions, group and individual projects, field trips and hands-on learning activities using model systems. Open to all majors and no prerequisites.
This interactive course examines environmentalism and its connection to the ocean and climate change. Through a series of case studies, real-world experi- ences, dynamic speakers, and enactments, students will examine systems that result in unjust environmental and climate conditions that disproportion- ally impact communities of color, indigenous groups and low-income earners. Students will engage in important topics such as climate change and vulner- able groups, social and economic impacts of extreme weather events, as well as advocacy and approaches to climate justice. Prerequisites: MES 105, MES 102, or permission from the instructor.
This course is designed for upper-level undergraduate students interested in building functional knowledge in the study of ecological communities and energy flow. In this course, students will read and review seminal works and major themes in food web ecology and will collect and analyze samples from local food webs. Students will primarily work with C, N, and S isotopes and will present their results through written and oral presentations.
Classification of marine sediments and processes of sedimenta- tion. Investigation of marine sedimentary environments, especially those producing fossil fuels. Plate tectonic processes, oceanic dis- tribution of oil and gas reserves, history of major ocean basins. Hampton University 2018-2020
and Physical Oceanography Lec. 3./Credit 3. Chemical and physical properties of ocean basins and sea water; case studies of El Nino and the Sargasso Sea. Primary productivity and nutrient cycling in oceans; carbon sequestration. Dynamics of ocean currents and properties of water masses. Physics of tides and estuarine circulation. Prerequisite: MES 230.
This course is a continuation of MES 301. Students begin the projects approved by their research committee. Students will conduct marine or environmental research projects either as laboratory and or field-based studies within the local watershed on campus or at other approved locations. Students will be trained: to prepare laboratory/field notebooks, use laboratory/field equip- ment to collect samples, maintain a database, prepare a research paper, prepare a research presentation, and continue to prepare for comprehensive exam. Prerequisite: MES 304.
This course is a continuation of MES 401. Students will complete the research projects begun in MES 401. The students must submit a written thesis documenting their research, present an oral presentation on their research, and complete a comprehensive written examination based upon the required coursework in the Marine and Environmental Science curriculum. Prerequi- site: MES 404.
1st 2nd MES 452 Marine Ecology - MES 510 Environmental Toxicology - MES 518 Ichthyology .. 4 4 Or selection from suggested electives (see list in MES depart- .. 3 3 ment) 3 This minor will prepare graduates with sufficient scientific - 3 content and experience in the areas of marine and environmental - science to pursue related disciplines in graduate school or employ- .... 1 - ment areas. The recommended sequence is as follows: 16 17 Hampton University 2018-2020
MES 410Coastal and Oceanic Processes Lec. 3./Credit 3
Investigation of sediment transport within the littoral environment and the dynamic influence of waves upon beaches and coastal structures. Forces affecting particle erosion and deposition. Barrier island formation and circu- lation of estuarine systems. Long term sea level fluctuation and the effects of global warming on low-lying coasts. Prerequisite: MES 230.
This course offers a comprehensive introduction to ichthyology and fisheries, integrating both historical and contemporary perspectives. The course is grounded in the evolution and ecology of fishes through an interdisciplinary approach. Students will engage with course material through a blend of classroom, field, and lab-based experiences. Students will learn fish form and function, systematics and evolution, ecology, conservation, and fisheries.
MES 440Marine Community Ecology Lecture 3. Credit3
This course is an introduction to community ecology with an emphasis on the ecological patterns, processes, and interactions that structure marine systems. Current events, climate change, and human-dimensions of marine systems will also be explored. Students will research both foundational and contemporary literature and will gain hands-on experience in scientific writing, experimental design, and multivariate data analysis. Prerequisites: MES 210, 220. Course Descriptions – Main Campus 329
This course will blend lectures and activities to introduce students to the polar environment and the unique evolutionary pressures polar organisms face. Polar biogeography and polar organismal adaptations will be explored with a focus on the marine realm. Students will utilize the primary literature to discuss techniques/approaches to study polar organisms and select advanced topics in the field. Prerequisites: MES 105/ BIO 106, MES102, MES210.
MES 450General Marine Biology Lec. 3./Lab 3./Credit 4
An introduction to the field of marine biology and the marine environments. Students will learn basic marine sampling techniques and basic organism identification. Students will also explore the different components of the marine environment, in particular Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries. Prereq- uisites: BIO 210; Corequisite BIO 220.
Marine Resources Lec. 3./Credit 3. Emphasis on conservation of natural resources, including seafood and other substances involved in the food chain of beneficial organisms. Considerations of energy potentials, mineral resources and technologies that impact on the marine environment.
Examination of ecological structure and dynamics in marine and estuarine habitats at organismal, population, community, and ecosystem levels. Geographic aspects and human interactions with marine ecosystems including anoxia in Chesapeake Bay are also investigated. The laboratory includes investigation of differ- ent types of estuarine and coastal habitats, field and laboratory techniques, and design of basic marine ecological investigations. MES (Marine and Environmental Science –
Underlying geologic interpretation of world landscapes, processes of soil formation and types. Glaciation. Interpretation of tectonic activity from topographical and geological maps. Introduction to field mapping. Prerequi- site: ESC 202 or consent of department chair.
and Stratigraphy Lec. 2./Lab 3./Credit 3. Classification and dating of sedimentary rocks. Sedimentary environments and processes. Use of fossils in stratigraphy. Interpretation and construction of stratigraphic maps. Correlation of sedimentary rocks and the importance of orogenic activity. Introduction to geologic mapping. Prerequisite: ESC 202.
Lecture course covering the basic principles of environmental toxi- cology, including acute and chronic effects of toxicants in ecosys- tems, methods of testing and remediation. Prerequisite: CHE 301.
MES 511Seminar in Environmental Science Sem 1./Credit 1
A seminar course designed to expose students to contemporary issues in environmental problems focusing on environmental restoration and waste management. Seminar presentation is required for each student. Prerequi- site: Permission of department chair.
Trn./Credit 3. A field placement experience in which students work with environ- mental scientists to gain practical experience in the field. Place- ment may be at a government agency, national laboratory, industry, academic institution, or other appropriate institutions.
Environmental Science Lec. 3./Lab 2./Credit 4. Capstone course that implements advanced aspects of data collection and statistical analyses with the use of statistical software, spreadsheets and databases. ANOVAs, regression, hypothesis testing for non-normal and non-parametric data are covered. Includes formal written and oral presenta- tions. Prerequisites: ESC/ SCI 301 or MAT 205; MAS 304/414; or permission of instructor.
The morphology, taxonomy, and embryology of marine fishes; some consideration of problems in speciation and economic productivity. 332 Course Descriptions – Main Campus
This interactive course examines environmentalism and its connection to the ocean and climate change. Through a series of case studies, real-world experi- ences, dynamic speakers, and enactments, students will examine systems that result in unjust environmental and climate conditions that disproportion- ally impact communities of color, indigenous groups and low-income earners. Students will engage in important topics such as climate change and vulner- able groups, social and economic impacts of extreme weather events, as well as advocacy and approaches to climate justice. Graduate students will engage in a semester long project to explore solutions to climate change.
Watershed Biodiversity Lec. 3./Credit 3. This course will focus on the structure, function, and diversity of flora, fauna, and ecosystems in the Chesapeake Bay and place them in context of global biodiversity and human interactions. Interwoven into this course will be examinations of the role of evolution in shaping organismal diversity and how both evolution and anthropogenic interactions affect structural and functional aspects of organisms and habitats. This course will involve field collection and laboratory study of plants and animals along the Chesapeake Bay water- shed. Prerequisites: all freshmen, sophomore, and junior MES courses.
This course will introduce students to marine mammal morphology, physi- ology and ecology with a focus on cetaceans (dolphins and whales) and pinnipeds (seals and sea lions). Content will highlight adaptations of marine mammals to life in the aquatic environment from an evolutionary perspec- tive. Conservation and management issues will also be discussed. Graduate students will be required to develop a research project on marine mammal ecology utilizing data publicly available. Prerequisites: MES 105/ BIO 106, MES102, MES210.
This interactive course provides an overview of ocean and coastal policy on a local, national, and global scale. Students will examine policies, statues and regulations and investigate how ocean and coastal policy is implemented through the political, social and economic lenses. Students will explore case studies, in-class debates and enactments, guest speakers with real-world experience, track and advocate for legislation, and get training in science communication. Students will engage in important topics such as ocean pollution, sea level rise, seafood and fisheries, offshore energy and other relevant ocean policy related topics. Graduate students will engage in a semester long project to explore solutions in ocean and coastal policy.
This course is for upper-level undergraduate and graduate students inter- ested in improving their ability to communicate their scientific knowledge by presenting science activities in an aquarium setting. The course will combine instruction in inquiry-based science teaching methods with 9 hours of super- vised teaching at the Virginia Aquarium. Students will practice communi- cating scientific knowledge and receive mentoring on how to improve their presentation skills to informal and formal audiences by development and presentation of original hands-on science activities. Graduate students will use their graduate research for these projects. Hampton University 2026-2028
Biotechnology Lec. 3./Credit 3. This course is for upper-level undergraduate and graduate students inter- ested in topics that explore and utilize marine organisms and their biological processes to create products and technologies that benefit humans, their health and the economy. These topics will explore a wide range of applica- tions including but not limited to the new “blue economy”, drug discovery, vaccination delivery, bioremediation, and the development of sustainable materials.
Environmental Science Lec. 3./Lab 1./Credit 4. Application of advanced aspects of data collection and statistical analyses with the use of statistical software; spreadsheets and databases. ANOVAs, regression, hypothesis testing for non-normal and non-parametric data and information theoretic approaches are covered. Includes formal written and oral presentations. Prerequisite: MES 210 or MAT 205.
Underlying geologic interpretation of world landscapes, processes of soil formation and types. Glaciation. Interpretation of tectonic activity from topographical and geological maps. Introduction to field mapping. Prerequisite: MES 110.
MES 552Sediments and Stratigraphy Lec. 3./Credit 3
Classification and dating of sedimentary rocks. Sedimentary environments and processes. Use of fossils in stratigraphy. Interpretation and construction of stratigraphic maps. Correlation of sedimentary rocks and the importance of orogenic activity. Introduction to geologic mapping. Prerequisite: MES 110.
Study of lakes and inland waters with emphasis on ecology and the inter- acting physical, chemical, and geological factors affecting their structure and function. The role of limnology in the management of water resources will be investigated. Several labs will be field trips followed by the identification of specimens collected and analysis of data gathered. Prerequisites: BIO 210 and BIO 220.
Thesis Proposal Lec. 6./Credit 6. This course provides a platform for graduate student research and will be led by the student’s thesis advisor. Students will develop a research thesis proposal with a project timeline and produce drafts of their written thesis (focusing on Introduction and Methods). Students are required to spend the equivalent credit hours working on their research project. A thesis committee will be assembled and formalized by the end of the semester and project reports will be submitted at the end of the semester. Weekly meetings with advisors are also required.
Intensive examination of ecological structure and dynamics in marine and estuarine habitats at organismal, population, community, and ecosystem levels. Special emphasis is placed upon environmental factors, ecological succession, and the dynamics of interspecific relationships; various aspects of conservation and productivity included in field studies. Graduate students will be tasked with developing a research project relating to marine ecology.
Collection and Analysis Lec. 6./Credit 6. Description: This course provides a platform for graduate student research and will be led by the student’s thesis advisor. Students will conduct research with a focus on data collection and analyses. Working drafts of Methods and Results will be produced by the student. Students are required to spend the equivalent credit hours working on their research project and submit progress reports to their research mentor. Students are expected to apply for graduation according to the graduate college deadlines and obtain all perti- nent approvals from committee members. Weekly meetings with advisors are also required. Monthly committee meetings are encouraged. Hampton University 2026-2028
Oral Defense Lec.1-9./Credit 1-9. Description: This course provides a platform for graduate student research and will be led by the student’s thesis advisor. Students are required to spend the equivalent credit hours working on their research project and submit progress reports to their research mentor. Students are expected to apply for an oral defense according to the graduate college deadlines. During this course, students will submit their final thesis, work on incorporating correc- tions and submit a final thesis transmittal form to the graduate college. Weekly meetings with advisors are also required. Monthly committee members are encouraged.
Lec. 3./Credit 3. A field placement experience in which students work with envi- ronmental scientists to gain practical experience in the discipline. Placement may be at a government agency, national laboratory, industry, academic institution, or other appropriate institutions.
Students will work under the guidance of a faculty member to assist with course activities in the Marine and Environmental Science Department. Students will learn about inclusive teaching styles and mentoring. Assign- ments will include reading pedagogical literature and their application in lecture and laboratory activities. Students may also be required to attend lectures and hold tutoring sessions if they have taken the course previously.
Research on problems that could lead to a master’s thesis in the environ- mental sciences. MET (Music Engineering Technology) Changed to MRT (Music Recording Technology) MFL (Modern Foreign Languages)
MES 620Data Analysis & Visualization Lec. 3./Credit3
This advanced statistics course engages students in data processing, analysis, and visualization in R-Studio. Students will clean raw data, check assumptions, and analyze their own data collected through their research experiences. Students will be expected to present results orally and in writing.
This graduate-level course offers a comprehensive introduction to ichthyology and fisheries, integrating both historical and contemporary perspectives. The course is grounded in the evolution and ecology of fishes through an inter- disciplinary approach. Students will engage with course material through a blend of classroom, field, and lab-based experiences. Students will learn fish form and function, systematics and evolution, ecology, conservation, and fisheries. Graduate students will be tasked with developing a research project relating to ichthyology and/or fisheries ecology.
This course is designed for graduate students interested in building functional knowledge in the study of ecological communities and energy flow. In this course, students will read and review seminal works and major themes in food web ecology and will collect and analyze samples from local food webs. Students will primarily work with C, N, and S isotopes and will present their results through written and oral presentations. Graduate students will be tasked with developing a research project relating to food web ecology.
This course is an introduction to community ecology with an emphasis on the ecological patterns, processes, and interactions that structure marine systems. Current events, climate change, and human-dimensions of marine systems will also be explored. Students will research both foundational and contemporary literature and will gain hands-on experience in scien- tific writing, experimental design, and multivariate data analysis. Graduate students will be tasked with developing a research project relating to marine community ecology. Course Descriptions – Main Campus 331
This course will blend lectures and activities to cover various aspects of polar biology with a focus on biogeography and polar organismal adaptations. Students will be expected to lead discussions of high impact papers in the field. This course will highlight the collaborative and international nature of polar research so students will also be expected to work in groups to conduct an independent project that explores the conservation and management of polar marine living resources. MET (Music Engineering Technology) Changed to MRT (Music Recording Technology) MFL (Modern Foreign Languages)