M.S. in Earth and Marine Sciences

专业介绍

The Department of Earth, Marine and Environmental Sciences (EMES) advances understanding of the earth and ocean processes that govern our planet, shape diverse ecosystems, sustain life, and drive environmental change. We promote exploration and discovery of the natural world by engaging students in research-based learning at all levels. Our graduates are equipped with the strong science foundation, critical thinking skills, and interdisciplinary perspectives required to tackle current and future environmental and resource challenges. We encourage engaged service that translates knowledge for the public good.

Facilities

The primary location of our department in Chapel Hill fosters interactions with faculty, students, and staff from other UNC–Chapel Hill departments, nearby research institutions and companies; places scientists within easy reach of RDU International Airport, allowing for the convenient transport of equipment and personnel to distant ports and field locations; and provides ready access to advanced computational resources through ITS Research Computing and RENCI (Renaissance Computing Institute). Graduate students can also perform research under the direction of EMES faculty in residence at the department’s marine laboratory, the Institute of Marine Sciences (IMS) in Morehead City, which provides coastal access for field studies and instruction. Shared, flexible laboratory space is also available at the Institute.

In addition to the many core facilities on campus, the department maintains research facilities and office space in both Murray-Venable Hall and Mitchell Hall. Shared laboratories and facilities include an aquarium research lab for coral research, several clean rooms for trace-metal clean work; a 120-ft experimental wave tank; an environmental genomics lab for microbial culturing, imaging and molecular work; radioisotope counting (alpha-, beta- and gamma-emitting radionuclides) and isotope ratio monitoring mass spectrometry labs; a micromilling and sample preparation lab for geochemical analysis of biogenic carbonates; and a sediment analysis laboratory including core storage. IMS operates a fleet of research vessels (17 to 48-feet), an outdoor mesocosm farm and wet-lab space with running seawater. Specialized analytical equipment for earth and marine sciences research includes dedicated GC/MS, chromatographic and spectroscope systems, quadrupole ICP-MS for metal concentrations and lithium isotope analyses; laser particle-size analyzer; and high-capacity light- and temperature-controlled incubators. Observational instrumentation for field use includes a suite of current meters and temperature/pressure sensors; and water-column, near-bottom and sub-bottom water samplers and profilers.