Oregon Institute of Marine Biology

 

Study on the Oregon Coast

At the University of Oregon’s marine lab, the Oregon Institute of Marine Biology, we combine world-class research in marine sciences with immersive undergraduate and graduate education and community engagement.

Students and teacher conducting research on marine life

Get a Degree in Marine Biology

The University of Oregon offers a rigorous undergraduate major in Marine Biology, as well as master’s and doctorate programs. Our marine biology majors spend a full academic year studying at OIMB.

Look How Far We’ve Come

A hundred years ago, the Oregon Institute of Marine Biology began as a humble camp on the coast. Today, watch as students in Dr. Rowan McLachlan’s Biological Oceanography class conduct a research cruise on the Megalopa, where they use a range of oceanographic equipment to sample seawater salinity, chlorophyll and phosphate concentration, zooplankton density, and more.

Group of researchers standing together in front of a research vessel

Engage in Marine Research

OIMB faculty and graduate students conduct world-renowned research in marine science. Students have numerous opportunities to conduct research in OIMB faculty’s labs, internships with local partners and our NSF Research Experience for Undergraduates program.

Lounge room filled with displays of marine life

Explore Marine Life

As the public outreach center of OIMB, the Charleston Marine Life Center highlights the diversity of marine life off Oregon’s coast and university research. The center offers public hours and both K-12 and public programming.

Cliffs and ocean with rocks in the foreground

Study Oregon Coast Habitats

OIMB is located in one of the most spectacular places anywhere to study marine organisms and ecosystems. From rocky intertidal and the Coos Bay Estuary to kelp forests and the deep-sea, OIMB has access to it all.

Oregon Institute of Marine Biology News and Events

OIMB, BIOLOGY - At the Charleston Marine Life Center a growing collection of unique organisms serve as underwater ambassadors between UO researchers, local community partners, and the public. It’s a place where UO scientists share their discoveries with the public and community members rally around the preservation of local marine life.
ANTHROPOLOGY, BIOLOGY, EARTH SCIENCES - Students in the College of Arts and Sciences have the opportunity this winter to take classes on the picturesque Oregon Coast at the Oregon Institute of Marine Biology.
BIOLOGY, OREGON INSTITUTE OF MARINE BIOLOGY - Scientists at the University of Oregon have discovered that colonies of gelatinous sea animals swim through the ocean in giant corkscrew shapes using coordinated jet propulsion, an unusual kind of locomotion that could inspire new designs for efficient underwater vehicles.

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Health Grad & Career Expo 2025
Apr23
Health Grad & Career Expo 2025 Apr 23 Erb Memorial Union (EMU)
The Aesthetics of Interculturality in Contemporary German and African Literature
Apr23
The Aesthetics of Interculturality in Contemporary German and African Literature Apr 23 Knight Library
Dept. of History Presents: “Trump’s First 100 Days: Now and Then”
Apr23
Dept. of History Presents: “Trump’s First 100 Days: Now and Then” Apr 23 McKenzie Hall
Symposium: The Limits and Possibilities of Cross-border Latinidades & Indigeneities
Apr24
Symposium: The Limits and Possibilities of Cross-border Latinidades & Indigeneities Apr 24 Jordan Schnitzer Museum of Art (JSMA)
China Town Hall (UO): The First 100 Days - President Trump's China Policy
Apr24
China Town Hall (UO): The First 100 Days - President Trump's China Policy Apr 24 McKenzie Hall
Bob Bussel Labor History Lecture—Essential Workers: Public Employment and the Dignity of Labor
Apr24
Bob Bussel Labor History Lecture—Essential Workers: Public Employment and the Dignity of Labor Apr 24 William W. Knight Law Center
Take Back The Night
Apr24
Take Back The Night Apr 24 Erb Memorial Union (EMU)
Cinema Studies Presents: Screening of DÌDI (弟弟) and Q&A with Director Sean Wang
Apr24
Cinema Studies Presents: Screening of DÌDI (弟弟) and Q&A with Director Sean Wang Apr 24 Lawrence Hall
Indigenous, Race, and Ethnic Studies Presents: “The Violence of Love: Race, Adoption, and Family in the United States.”
Apr25
Indigenous, Race, and Ethnic Studies Presents: “The Violence of Love: Race, Adoption, and Family in the United States.” Apr 25 Erb Memorial Union (EMU)
Phi Alpha Theta Honor Society Presents: Study and Sustenance
Apr25
Phi Alpha Theta Honor Society Presents: Study and Sustenance Apr 25 McKenzie Hall

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Land Acknowledgement

The Oregon Institute of Marine Biology is located on the traditional lands of the Miluk Coos people who have managed these lands for abundance since time immemorial. We recognize the continued connection of the Confederated Tribes of the Coos, Lower Umpqua and Siuslaw Indians, the Coquille (ko-KWELL) Indian Tribe, and the Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians to these lands and waters and the Tribes’ ongoing stewardship of this important place.