Summer Springboard
Marine Science & Ecology at UC Santa Barbara
ACADEMIC COURSE
DISCOVER AND PROTECT OCEAN ECOSYSTEMS WITH HANDS‑ON FIELD STUDY, SAMPLING, AND EXPERT LED EXCURSIONS AT UCSB.
Course Highlights
- Study the ocean environment including the various types of marine ecosystems and diverse marine life found within, from rocky shores to coral reefs, from phytoplankton to marine mammals.
- Explore the biology and anatomy of various marine vertebrates and invertebrates through field trips and direct contact with marine life.
- Learn and understand key ecological concepts to understand the interactions between marine species and their environment.
- Develop skills to monitor and assess the health and biodiversity of marine ecosystems, including sampling methods, data analysis, and interpretation.
- Learn about various human and natural factors threatening our oceans and understand the role of marine ecosystems in maintaining the health of the planet.
- Apply critical thinking and problem-solving skills to address the complex challenges facing our oceans and marine life today.
Summer Springboard
Marine Science & Ecology at UC Santa Barbara
Course Overview
Roughly 70% of the Earth’s surface is covered by our oceans, of which more than 80% remain unmapped, unobserved, and unexplored. There is a vast and diverse amount of marine life and ecosystems found in our oceans – those both discovered and researched, and those still wading in the depths. Summer Springboard’s course in Marine Science and Ecology will offer students the opportunity to explore these various marine life and ecosystems.
Students will explore select marine life, learn about the different habitats they live in and the ways their ecosystems interact, study various threats facing our oceans and marine life today, and hear from leading experts in the field.
LEARNING OUTCOMES
Outcome #1
Understand marine ecosystem diversity across habitats and species, from plankton to mammals.
Outcome #2
Gain field and lab research skills in sampling, data collection, and ecosystem health evaluation.
Outcome #3
Analyze environmental challenges by studying both natural processes and human impacts on marine systems.
Outcome #4
Explore marine science career paths through engagement with field experts and immersive program experiences.
