Marine biology is not a separate discipline in biology. It is the application of different specialties in biology to the study of the particular organisms which live in the marine environment. It requires an understanding of the unique characteristics of the sea and its inhabitants and the particular adaptations and special relationships of those organisms to that environment. Biology 157, Dynamic Oceans, is suggested as an entry level course, but is not required and won't count towards a Biology major. Students concentrating in marine biology are required to take four (4) course credits at the Duke University Marine Laboratory (not including Physics). Selection of the courses depends upon student interests and one of the courses may be an independent study.