Summer Springboard
Marine Biology
ON THE CAMPUS OF UC SAN DIEGO
DIVE INTO MARINE ECOLOGY WITH EXPERTS AND OCEANFIELD WORK AT UC SAN DIEGO
Marine Biology
- Explore diverse marine ecosystems and habitats studied at the Scripps Institution of Oceanography.
- Study the anatomy of marine vertebrates and invertebrates through dissections and field observations.
- Learn ecological concepts including species interactions and ecosystem functioning.
- Use sampling methods, data collection, and analysis to assess ocean biodiversity.
- Examine threats to marine life and strategies for conservation and ecosystem preservation.
- Meet professionals and marine biologists to learn about research pathways and career options.
Summer Springboard
Marine Biology
About This Course
This two‑week Marine Biology course at UC San Diego places high school students within a world-class ocean science environment just minutes from facilities like Birch Aquarium, Scripps Oceanography, La Jolla tide pools, and more.
Participants receive instruction from marine scientists while performing hands-on activities such as marine animal dissections, habitat studies, and ecological fieldwork. Students learn to monitor ecosystem health by gathering and interpreting data on biodiversity, species behavior, and environmental factors such as pollution and climate impact.
The curriculum includes engagement with conservation professionals and researchers who provide insights into career pathways in marine biology and ecology.
By the end, participants emerge with a comprehensive understanding of marine ecosystems, practical sampling and analysis skills, and inspiration for future study or careers in marine sciences.
TOPICS YOU'LL EXPLORE
Hands-on Learning
Students conduct field observations and marine organism dissections and apply ecological sampling and data analysis techniques in real coastal environments.
Career Exploration
Through discussions with marine biologists and exposure to ocean research institutions, students develop a clear understanding of academic and professional paths available in marine conservation and ecology.
RESOURCES
Course Infosheet
Click here to view or download the printable infosheet for this course.
Program Catalog
Click here to request our catalog to learn more about our summer programs and courses.
Campus Page
Click here to view the website page for this campus and learn more.
“I had a great time! I was able to get a lot of freedom as a rising sophomore in high school. I was able to meet people from all over the world, network and cultivate long lasting friendships. Showed a lot of interesting things about myself and future career and college plans. Thanks SSB @ UCSD!”
– Remy K. | Alumni Student
Summer Springboard
Marine Biology
Meet Your Instructor
Fernanda Urrutia is a highly motivated marine ecologist and environmentalist with a strong interest in marine mammal conservation issues.
Currently, Fernanda is a Marine Biology PhD candidate at the Scripps Institution of Oceanography, UC San Diego, where she focuses her research on the molecular ecology of fin whales in the North Pacific. Fernanda is also the founder, leader, and primary researcher of PROCETUS, a research program dedicated to the study of cetaceans in an isolated area of the Sea of Cortes.
She was born and raised in Puebla, Mexico, where she received her undergraduate degree in Environmental Engineering. She later earned her graduate degree in Marine Ecology at CICESE in Ensenada, Mexico, where she worked with artisanal fisheries and studied incidental mortality rates for the vaquita, the most endangered marine mammal in the world.
Outside of work, Fernanda enjoys taking people to the hidden gems of the Baja peninsula, where she can often be found at the bow of the boat leading the way to marine wildlife.
FERNANDA URRUTIA
“Overall this is one of the best camp experiences I have had! I’ve learned so much from this 2 week course (at UC San Diego) and made so many new connections with many different people!!”
– Naveen N. | Alumni Student
Summer Springboard
Marine Biology
Dates & Tuition
| 2025 Dates |
|---|
| Session 1: June 29 – July 11, 2025 |
| Session 2: July 13 – July 25, 2025 |
| Session 3: July 27 – August 8, 2025 |
Click here to enroll in this course using our online enrollment form.
| Tuition |
|---|
| Residential Tuition: $5,898 |
| Commuter Tuition: $3,298 |
Tuition Protection Plan: Allows for cancellation for any reason up until the day of the program.
| Location |
|---|
| City: San Diego |
| State: California |
| Campus: UC San Diego |
Summer Springboard programs are not run by our campus partners (with the exception of Cal Poly and NYSID which are run in partnership with SSB). Universities and their affiliated departments and partners do not control and are not responsible or liable in any manner for any part of the Summer Springboard program.