MCS Lead Mentor Courses

Marine and Coastal Science Major Lead Mentor Courses

Fall: Professional Development in Marine Science

Course Description

ANS 198 2023 is a professional development course for sophomore, junior, and first-year transfer students interested in a career in marine science. This course is composed of 9 2-hour discussion-based classes and assignments. We designed each component of this course with the intention to equip you with the tools, understanding, and confidence to navigate your undergraduate experience in marine science.

Key Learning Outcomes

By the end of this course, you will be able to:

  • Describe the connections within marine science to the environment, science, and society
  • Identify research and data analysis techniques typically used to accomplish marine science projects
  • Differentiate between the various forms of science communication and the purposes behind each of them
  • Find internship/job/research experiences and fellowship/scholarship opportunities at UC Davis
  • Identify faculty/labs whose research interests align with yours
  • Understand the components of an application and the process of applying for marine science opportunities
  • Create a living resume
  • Navigate science with the best personal and ethical practices in mind

Grading

  • This is a 2 unit, PASS/NO-PASS course. To pass this course you must attend 7 out of 9 lectures, pass 5 out of 6 reflections, and pass the Living Resume assignment. Each of these assignments address the course’s goals.

How to succeed:

  • Read and understand the syllabus and assignment descriptions. If you do not understand them, ask your TA to clarify them
  • Visit the Canvas site regularly and attend class
  • Actively participate in class: come prepared, ask questions, and participate in discussion. This is our scheduled time together so let’s make the most of it!

JEDI in Marine Science

Justice, Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (JEDI) are not listed as an explicit topic in the course schedule because JEDI pervades every aspect of our professional lives. We will be addressing these issues each week as we explore the different aspects of marine science. JEDI resources at UC Davis are available here.
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The instructor reserves the right to change details of the above course plans to ensure the best possible learning environment.


Winter: A survey of careers in marine science

ANS 198 Course Description

This is a career exploration seminar for sophomores and juniors interested in identifying which careers in marine science spark their interest the most. This class is composed of 10, 1-hour discussion-based classes and assignments. Each class consists of an exploration into the role of a particular marine science career sector in society coupled with an informational interview with a guest speaker from that field. We designed each component of this course with the intention to broaden your network and understanding of marine science as well as to build confidence to pursue marine science careers after undergrad

Course Goals:

  1. Provide a breadth introduction to and what qualifications are needed to be considered for various careers within marine science
  2. Establish a network of marine scientists (some of which are Davis alumni) who are established in their career 
  3. Promote self-identification as marine scientists
  4. Build the competence and confidence to communicate how your experiences align with the opportunities you want to pursue

Key Learning Outcomes:

By the end of this course, you will be able to:

  • Describe what careers require marine science backgrounds
  • Describe skills required for careers involving marine science
  • Identify common experiences shared by marine scientists in their paths
  • Broaden your professional network
  • Identify which careers spark your interest the most and evaluate what experiences may prepare you for those opportunities
  • Create and deliver an “elevator pitch” or communicate your experiences briefly as it relates to an opportunity you are pursuing

Grading Overview:

This is a 1 unit, PASS/NO-PASS course. To pass this course you must attend 8 out of 10 lectures, pass 5 out of 6 reflections, and co-lead one informational interview. Each of these assignments address the course’s goals. (see Assignments section for further details)

How to succeed:

  • Actively participate in class: come prepared, ask questions, and participate in discussion. This is our scheduled time together so let’s make the most of it!
  • Read and understand the syllabus and assignment descriptions. If you do not understand them, ask your instructor to clarify them
  • Attend class and visit the Canvas site regularly
  • Note: this is a 1 credit hour course, so UC Davis expects you to spend approximately 3 hours a week preparing for the class. Please come to class having completed assigned research and reflections to be ready to participate!

Previous Mentorship Courses

Find resources from previous courses here.