Description

Oceans & Climate attracts upper-level science students interested in understanding the ocean's role in the global carbon cycle and climate change. Limited to 25 students per cruise.

Understanding climate change is the predominant scientific challenge of our time, and the timely application of this knowledge to public policy is crucial to the future of the planet. This oceanography-focused semester examines how the global ocean functions in the climate system. Incorporating perspectives from the social sciences, we investigate how scientific knowledge is used in public policy. Together with SEA's experienced faculty, prominent visiting lecturers share their research and work directly with students. A 3,000-mile research cruise offers a unique opportunity to study the remote open ocean environment through directed research projects.

Shore Component - Woods Hole
During the 6-week shore component, intensive academic coursework prepares students for their research cruise. With full access to SEA faculty, distinguished guest lecturers, and the world-renowned Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution/Marine Biological Laboratory Library, students design original research projects to be completed at sea. Students also work toward establishing seamanship skills while exploring the anthropological connections to their research.

SEA Component - Equatorial Pacific
As full, working members of the scientific team and sailing crew aboard the SSV Robert C. Seamans, students deploy oceanographic sampling equipment, manage shipboard operations, navigate by the stars, and make port stops off the beaten path. They also work through the scientific method by conducting an independent research project related to climate change. Students implement their experimental design, analyze collected data, and present their findings upon completion of the sea component.

Highlights

For 40 years and more than 1,000,000 nautical miles, SEA has educated students about the world's oceans through a fully accredited off-campus study program. Combining perspectives from the sciences, humanities and social sciences, SEA offers extraordinary opportunities for interdisciplinary project-based learning on shore and the immediate application of that new found knowledge at sea. SEA admits students of any race, color, national or ethnic origin to all SEA Semester programs.

No matter your major, SEA considers ocean studies to be an essential component of a liberal arts education. Why should you study the ocean? You can't afford not to. The ocean has a daily impact on your life, and you on it. SEA offers students a connection to this invaluable resource, an experience that you will likely never have access to again.

SEA vessels fly the United States flag and are inspected and certified by the United States Coast Guard as Sailing School Vessels (SSV). Sailing School Vessels are required to meet stringent safety standards that differ from those of a passenger vessel on a comparable route. Our shipboard labs are funded by the National Science Foundation & are among the most advanced oceanographic research vessels in the world.

Degree Level

Bachelors Degree (Undergraduate)

Minimum Education

High School

Subject Areas

Cost in US$:

Visit our website for information on costs, affordability & financial aid

Program Fees Include:

* 17 course credits issued by Boston University (or home institution, if affiliated with SEA)
* Student housing on the SEA campus in Woods Hole during the shore component
* Prepaid grocery cards for use during the shore component
* Three meals plus three snacks a day at sea, prepared by a professional steward
* Research fees & access to SEA library, computer lab & wireless network; WHOI/MBL joint library membership
* Academic field trip and science lab fees
* Full-time Head Resident on site for student support and supervision
* 24-hour emergency assistance and support from on-site staff

Experience Required

yes

a minimum of three undergraduate-level lab science courses is required, including one at the 300-level or higher.

This Program is open to

Worldwide Participants.

Typical Living Arrangements

• Group living

Participants Travel

Independently or in Groups

Typically Participants Work

Independently or in Groups of 2-8

Scholarships are Available

SEA awards over USD1 million per year in both need-based and merit scholarships to students participating in SEA Semester. Over 50% of our students receive some form of financial assistance; out of those, 95% receive aid directly from SEA. SEA remains committed to making our programs affordable for all qualified and motivated students.

Application Process Involves

• Online Application plus Application Assessment
• Essay
• Transcript
• Letters of Reference
• Phone/Video Interview
• Other

Post Services Include

• Alumni Network
• Job and Internship Network

SEA Semester's Mission Statement

SEA is an educational institution dedicated to exploration, understanding and stewardship of the oceans, and to the study of humanity's relationship with the oceans. SEA offers students an interdisciplinary curriculum, on shore and at sea aboard tall ships, that provides challenging voyages of scientific discovery, academic rigor, and personal growth.

Year Founded

1971