SEA Summer Seminar - Oceanography of the Southern California Bight

  United States

Southern California

Duration of Program: 2-4 weeks
Dates: August 8 - 26, 2009

Description: Oceanography of the Southern California Bight (OSCB) is a 3-week academic program for high school sophomores, juniors, and seniors offered by Sea Education Association. SEA offers this program at the University of Southern California's Wrigley Institute for Environmental Studies (WIES). This summer course focuses on the marine environments of the California coast and consists of two components: the first takes place on Catalina Island, where students study near shore marine biology and ecology; the second takes place aboard SEA's research sailing vessel, the SSV Robert C. Seamans, where students study offshore oceanography and become members of the ship's crew.

Shore Component - Wrigley Marine Science Center
The ten-day Shore Component takes place at the Philip K. Wrigley Marine Science Center (WMSC) on Catalina Island, 20 miles west of Los Angeles. This half of the OSCB program provides the near-shore portion of the students' study of the Southern California Bight. Students become familiar with a variety of marine habitats by exploring Catalina's subtidal zone, snorkeling in the labs cove, and hiking along the sea bluffs. They learn about the characteristics and adaptations of marine plants and animals by studying them in the lab and by collecting and analyzing ecological data in the field. Students participate in several ongoing research projects under the direction of the lab's resident scientist.

Daily schedules at the Wrigley Marine Science Center are flexible, accommodating predictable events (e.g., tides) and taking advantage of unforeseen opportunities to experience the marine environment (e.g., observing whales, dolphins, and birds). Low tides are early at this time of year; intertidal field trips take place before breakfast. Lectures are scheduled after breakfast, followed by laboratory work. Work in the lab, snorkeling, or hikes follow lunch, with a second lecture before dinner. After dark, there may be opportunities to observe bioluminescence (a kind of night light for some marine creatures), star gaze, or enjoy slide or film presentations. During free evenings, students are encouraged to carry on informal discussions with visiting faculty and students, work in their lab, or study.

Students share spacious dormitory rooms. Meals are served in the cafeteria. During free time around lunch and dinner, students can take an ocean view walk or use the volleyball court, computer labs, or library. Students will be busy, but there will be time for relaxing, talking, and playing pool in the common room adjacent to the dorm and cafeteria.

SEA Component - SSV Robert C. Seamans
The nine-day Sea Component is an oceanographic voyage in the waters off of Southern California on board SEA's 134' brigantine, the SSV Robert C. Seamans. Working alongside professional scientists, students conduct marine research and collect data which emphasizes the interrelationships of the biological, geological, chemical, and physical characteristics of the region.

Life at sea is fast-paced, as all watch activities continue on a 24-hour basis throughout the oceanographic voyage. In addition to routine watch-standing duties that will be a part of each students experience at sea, lectures are also presented daily. There is always something new to see, learn, or do. Accommodations are comfortable, but cozy. The food is excellent and plentiful: three meals plus three snacks each day. At least once during the cruise, students join in a general cleaning of the ship. Everyone has enough free time to make friends with the rest of the crew on board, to keep a journal, to climb aloft, to make music (bringing instruments is encouraged!), and to enjoy sunrises, sunsets and the night sky.

Highlights: SEA provides students with access to a level of ocean exploration unavailable anywhere else in the world. We balance on-shore research and team building with real oceanographic research aboard a traditional sailing vessel. Most importantly, teamwork, leadership, and sense of community are the underlying values of SEA's academic curriculum. Participants will not only grow as students, but as global citizens and individuals.

Cost in US$: $3,990.00

This Program is open to Worldwide Participants.

Participants Travel to United States Independently or in Groups

Typically Participants Work in Groups

Application Process Involves:

• Letters of Reference
• Physical Exam/Health Records
• Transcript
• Written Application

Post Services Include:

• Alumni Network

Year Founded: 1971