The University of Rhode Island is authorized and empowered to establish in connection with the university a department of marine biology. The department shall establish a marine biological laboratory with suitable facilities for research on problems involving animal life in Rhode Island waters. The department shall cooperate with the department of environmental management. The department shall, as facilities permit, offer courses for the training of students planning to enter the fishing industry or to qualify for positions in federal or state fishery departments. Courses in the department of marine biology shall have the same standing as other courses at the college and shall be accepted as credits for degrees.