OIMB

Immerse yourself in learning!

The Oregon Institute of Marine Biology (OIMB) has convenient access to some of the most spectacular places anywhere to study marine organisms and ecosystems. We invite you to explore our website and discover what OIMB can offer in support of your own educational and research goals.

Life in the laboratory

High quality natural seawater flows through all of the teaching and research labs, enabling scientists to maintain a wide assortment of marine animals, such as the giant Pacific octopus shown here, for experimentation and observation.

Biology of Larval Forms

Most of the resident faculty study early life-history stages (eggs, embryos, larvae and juveniles) of marine animals. Their work is well supported by federal agencies such as NSF and NOAA. This larva of a spionid polychaete was imaged with a laser confocal microscope at OIMB.

At Sea

OIMB has a small fleet of ships and boats for research and teaching. The RV Pluteus, shown here, is equipped with an ROV, a remotely operated undersea vehicle, as well as nets, dredges, grabs and oceanographic instrumentation.

Whales, Dead and Alive

California gray whales, Orcas, Humpback whales, dolphins and an occasional blue whale are seen from the shore and from our boats. OIMB is part of the National Marine Fisheries Marine Mammal Stranding Network, so students have opportunities to respond when mammals wash up on shore.

Rocky Shores

Gooseneck barnacles and mussels are among hundreds of animal species common on the wave-swept rocky shore.

Education by Immersion

At OIMB, students get their hands dirty and their feet wet. Our faculty guide hands-on exploration of scientific frontiers from molecules to ecosystems and from the beach to the deep ocean. Here, invertebrate zoology students dissect a large Humboldt squid.

Where the Forest Meets the Sea

Diverse marine habitats on the Oregon Coast include rocky and sandy shores, bays and estuaries, isolated coves, sea caves, extensive sand dunes and the open Pacific. The entire ecosystem is framed by picturesque coniferous forest.

Oregon Coast

The coast of Oregon is famous for its rugged topography and spectacular scenery. Waves are not always this big, but there are daily opportunities to interact with nature in all of her splendor.

Live Where You Study

The OIMB experience is residential. Student stay in comfortable dorms and share meals in our excellent dining hall. Quaint cottages and modern efficiency apartments are available for visiting investigators and their families.

Classroom Stars

OIMB classes meet all day long, interspersing laboratory projects with field trips, boat trips and lectures. Here, students in Comparative Embryology induce spawning in a variety of local sea stars.

Birds

OIMB is a superb site for the study of seabirds. Many species roost on the sea cliffs, dunes and offshore islands.

Orca on the Beach

Curious beachwalkers look on as OIMB graduate students and faculty dissect a freshly dead killer whale. The skeleton of this specimen will be featured In the new Charleston Marine Life Center.

Tidepools!

Nearby Cape Arago is a classic study area for intertidal ecology and a popular destination for tidepooling. OIMB classes use these sites as outdoor “classrooms.”

Study on the Oregon Coast

University of Oregon students have unparalleled opportunities to study Marine Biology on some of the most spectacular rocky shores anywhere. Individual students and groups of students from other institutions are also welcome.

Surrounded by Wildlife

Located in the little fishing village of Charleston, OIMB is surrounded by a diversity of marine and estuarine habitats where wildlife both large and small is easily observed.

The Edge of the Sea

The OIMB campus includes a protected salt marsh available for research projects. The nearby 8000 acre South Slough National Estuarine Research Reserve provides additional opportunities for estuarine research.

Marine Biology Major

The University of Oregon offers a rigorous undergraduate major in Marine Biology. Students receive solid training in modern biology for the first two years, then spend at least three terms in residence at OIMB.

Graduate Studies

Ph.D. and M.S. degrees offered through the University of Oregon include specialized course work and research. Graduate students affiliated with OIMB laboratories work locally, up and down the Pacific Coast, and in deep-water habitats throughout the world.

Visiting Scientists

OIMB is well equipped to support visiting scientists as well as visiting classes from other institutions. Housing, office and laboratory space are offered at reasonable rates, and most lab and field equipment is available to qualified visitors. OIMB is a regular field-trip stop for numerous inland universities, some of which teach month-long courses on the OIMB campus.