SEA Semester: Oceans & Climate (Advanced Science)

- Multi-Country

  Mexico

Puerto Vallarta

  Tahiti

Papeete

Term: Fall 
Dates: October 14, 2009 - January 4, 2010

Description: Understanding climate change is quickly becoming the predominant scientific challenge of our time. Applying this knowledge to public policy is is crucial to the future of our planet. SEA Semester: Oceans & Climate is an oceanography-focused program that examines how oceans function in the global climate system. Based in the world-renowned scientific community of Woods Hole, Massachusetts, Sea Education Association provides undergraduates with the opportunity to study the ocean from a multitude of academic perspectives, and do to it from the platform of a traditional sailing vessel. Our four diverse SEA Semester options are the only full-credit programs in the world that combine an engaging academic and research curriculum with the sailing adventure of a lifetime.

SEA Semester: Oceans & Climate
Like all of SEA's programs, SEA Semester: Oceans & Climate combines academic work at our campus in Woods Hole with practical application of skills & oceanographic research at sea. This upper-level science semester focuses on one of the most important issues of our time: climate change. Understanding climate change is quickly becoming the predominant scientific challenge of our time. Applying this knowledge to public policy is is crucial to the future of our planet. SEA Semester: Oceans & Climate is an oceanography-focused program that examines how oceans function in the global climate system. It also incorporates perspectives from the humanities and public policy to show how scientific knowledge is used in policy making. In addition to SEA's experienced faculty, prominent guest lecturers share their research and work directly with our students.

Shore Component - Woods Hole
For the first 6 weeks, students take academic classes and labs on our campus in Woods Hole to prepare for their research cruise. SEA faculty and guest lecturers work individually with students as they design an original research project to carry out & complete at sea. They also take advantage of the renowned Woods Hole Oceanographic Research Institution/Marine Biological Laboratory Library. Shore courses include Oceans in the Global Carbon Cycle, Ocean Science & Public Policy, and Nautical Science, which grounds students in seamanship - no prior sailing experience is necessary. Students live in communal housing on the SEA campus and have the chance to enjoy the beaches & culture of Cape Cod.

SEA Component - Equatorial Pacific
During the second 6 weeks, students participate in a research cruise through the equatorial Pacific. They are full working members of the scientific staff & crew of SEA's 134' steel brigantine, the SSV Robert C. Seamans, a state-of-the-art sailing research vessel. They deploy oceanographic sampling equipment, complete their research projects, operate the ship and visit port stops far off the beaten path. Sea courses include Oceanographic Research and Oceanographic Research in Oceans & Climate.

Highlights: For more than 35 years and 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 newfound 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

Cost in US$: Visit our website for information on costs, affordability & financial aid

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.

Participants Travel Independently or in Groups

Typically Participants Work Independently or in Groups of 2-8

Scholarships are Available. numerous merit based scholarships are available.

Application Process Involves:

• In-Person Interview when Feasible
• Letters of Reference
• Phone Interview
• Physical Exam/Health Records
• Transcript
• Written Application

Post-Program Services Include:

• Alumni Network
• Exit Debriefing Abroad
• Job and Internship Network
• Re-Entry Debriefing at Home

Year Founded: 1971