Program overview
Marine science is the study of natural phenomena, change patterns, and interactions between the ocean and the atmosphere, land, and biosphere. Simply put, it's about figuring out what's happening in the ocean, why it's happening, and what will happen in the future. You'll learn core courses like physical oceanography (waves, currents, tides), marine chemistry (seawater composition, pollution), marine biology (from plankton to whales), marine geology (seafloor topography, minerals), and marine remote sensing (using satellites to observe the sea). China has unique advantages in marine science—universities like Ocean University of China, Xiamen University, and Tongji University have advanced research vessels and labs, and many professors have participated in field expeditions to the South China Sea and the Arctic. This major is perfect for students who are curious about nature, enjoy hands-on experiments, don't mind sea breezes on research trips, and are willing to analyze data with math and computers. If you're interested in climate change, marine ecosystem conservation, or deep-sea resources, there are plenty of fascinating questions waiting for you here.