As leaders in the education of a highly trained and diverse scientific workforce, our mission is to provide a dynamic educational experience by engaging students in hands-on, inquiry-based learning activities at the bench and in the field. Through these experiences our students will gain a conceptual and experiential understanding of the biological sciences spanning from molecules to ecosystems.<br><br>The department offers an undergraduate marine biology program in which students take preparatory courses for two years on the main SJSU campus and specialized, upper-division course work at our affiliated Moss Landing site in Monterey. Please see the catalog section detailing the curriculum in this concentration.<br><br> Serve the diverse student population of our region.<br><br> Educate students to be intellectually agile and technologically proficient.<br><br> Provide students with intensive, rigorous laboratory and field experiences within the context of their regular coursework.<br><br> Create individualized mentoring opportunities and state-of-the-art learning experiences within the context of our faculty research programs.<br><br> Foster creativity, a sound theoretical foundation, and the ability to communicate effectively and interact cooperatively.<br><br> Make substantial contributions to the scientific community through our research efforts and that of our students.