The Centre of Advanced Study (CAS) in Marine Biology is a reputed and a pioneering Marine Academic and Research Institute in India which is actively engaged in teaching, research and extension activities. It has made rapid strides in various facets of Marine Sciences, Marine Technology and Oceanography. The eminent Scientist (Late) Prof. R.V. Seshaiya, is the Founder Director of this Centre and he modeled this Centre on lines of the Marine Biological station of Woods Hole, USA in the year 1957. Following him, this Centre was nurtured by the Formative Director (Late) Prof. R. Natarajan an eminent Malacologist, Cytologist, Geneticist and Microbiologist.

In October, 1963, this department was recognized for its outstanding research contribution by the University Grants Commission (UGC) as the Centre of Advanced Study in Marine Biology and the Commission continues to extend generous assistance till-date. Right from the inception through the fledgling Marine Biological Station days, till now, this Centre has been the cynosure of the scientific eyes the world over. Presently, the Centre has 68 members in the faculty supported by 112 administrative and technical personnel. The Centre has published more than 1,000 research papers in scientific journals of both national and international repute. The Centre has also published books, monographs, field guides, laboratory manuals etc. Thanks to the financial assistance by the under mentioned funding agencies, the Centre has grown from strength to strength and established essential infrastructural facilities such as Reference Museum, Running Water System for maintenance of marine organisms, Library, Instrumentation facility, Browsing facility, GIS Laboratory, ENVIS etc. Our centre now been elevated to the level of Faculty of Marine Sciences.