Marine Biology

Dive deep into the content of this course in one of the most fitting physical environments - on the campus of UCSD

Program Highlights

Study the ocean environment including the various types of marine ecosystems and diverse marine life found within.

Explore various marine vertebrates and invertebrates and their anatomy through hands-on dissections and field activities.

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 marine life today, as well as current and prospective conservation efforts.

Meet with various professionals within the field to learn about the various paths and research opportunities you can pursue as a marine biologist.

Residential Tuition:
$5,698

Commuter Tuition:
$3,298

+$250 Tuition Supplement

Session 1:
June 29, 2025 July 11, 2025

Session 2:
July 13, 2025 July 25, 2025

Session 3:
July 27, 2025 August 8, 2025

UC San Diego
San Diego, CA

Course Overview

There’s no better place to study Marine Biology this summer than with Summer Springboard on the campus of UC San Diego. All within minutes of campus, The Scripps Institute of Oceanography, Birch Aquarium, La Jolla Tide Pools and Underwater Park, San Diego-Scripps Coastal State Marine Conservation Area, and Scripps Coastal Reserve – to name just a few – make this the ideal location for practical exposure and hands-on learning possibilities for our students. Summer Springboard students will be able to dive deep into the content of this course in one of the most fitting physical environments – on the campus of UCSD, a university known for its ocean and earth science research and education.

Meet your instructor

Fernanda Urrutia

Marine Biology UC San Diego

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.

Learn more

Topics you'll explore

Hands-On Learning

At our UCSD campus, possible course excursions include whale watching, the Scripps Institute of Oceanography Birch Aquarium and tidepooling, Scripps Experimental Aquarium, Scripps Marine Biodiversity Center, SDSU's Coastal and Marine Institute, tidepooling along the La Jolla Shores, and more.