Program Overview

Introduction to the Semester by the Sea Program

The Semester by the Sea program is a unique opportunity for undergraduate students to immerse themselves in marine science. Located at the Florida Atlantic University's Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute, this program provides students with a comprehensive and intensive experience in marine science.

Program Overview

The Semester by the Sea program is designed for students interested in a career in marine science. The program is conducted during the spring semester and has a limited capacity of 25 students. The curriculum consists of three core courses: marine science, marine biodiversity, and marine ecology.

Core Courses

• Marine science: covers the fundamentals of chemical and physical oceanography
• Marine biodiversity: explores the different types of organisms in a marine environment
• Marine ecology: examines how organisms interact with the environment

Experiential Learning

The program emphasizes experiential learning, with students participating in fieldwork and lab components. The biodiversity and ecology courses include lab components where students conduct hands-on research activities, such as towing for phytoplankton samples and studying the filtration of phytoplankton by bivalves.

Electives

The program offers electives that provide opportunities for students to explore topics such as aquaculture research and the Indian River Lagoon Experience. The Indian River Lagoon Experience elective is a weeklong exploration of the lagoon, where students conduct hands-on research activities, such as seagrass mapping and quantification of invertebrates.

Benefits of the Program

The Semester by the Sea program adds prestige to a student's resume and provides a legitimate background in marine studies. Many students who participate in the program go on to earn their master's and doctoral degrees at Harbor Branch. The program also provides students with career opportunities and navigation, helping them to turn their passion into a rewarding, lifelong pursuit.

Admission Criteria

Admission to the program is open to any undergraduate students who have completed either their second or third year. Students who participate in the program must be academically up to par and have a legitimate background in marine studies.

Faculty and Research

The program is led by research faculty members who are leaders in their fields. The faculty members teach their areas of expertise within the courses, providing students with a comprehensive understanding of marine science. The program is also supported by a grant from the Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute Foundation.

Conclusion

The Semester by the Sea program is a unique and comprehensive program that provides undergraduate students with a comprehensive and intensive experience in marine science. The program emphasizes experiential learning, with students participating in fieldwork and lab components, and provides students with career opportunities and navigation.