Summer Springboard
Marine Science & Ecology
ON THE CAMPUS OF UC SANTA BARBARA
PRE-COLLEGE PROGRAM FOR HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS AT UC SANTA BARBARA
THIS IS A TWO-WEEK PROGRAM WHERE YOU’LL FOCUS ON ONE COURSE FOR THE ENTIRE DURATION.
Marine Science & Ecology
- 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
About This Course
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.
TOPICS YOU'LL EXPLORE
Hands-on Learning
Students in this course will explore ocean habitats and marine life up close through hands-on learning. They’ll conduct fieldwork, collect and analyze data and study how marine ecosystems function and interact. By directly engaging with marine environments, students will gain practical skills and a deeper understanding of the challenges facing our oceans today.
Career Exploration
Students will discover the many paths available in marine biology, oceanography, environmental science and conservation. By learning from industry experts and engaging in real-world fieldwork, they’ll gain insight into the daily work of marine scientists and ecologists. This experience helps students connect their passion for the ocean to future careers focused on research, sustainability and protecting marine ecosystems.
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.
“My experience was great. I learned so much and received clarity within the academic track I am wanting to pursue. I suggest that everyone takes this course.”
– Ava G. | Alumni Student
Summer Springboard
Marine Science & Ecology
Meet Your Instructor
Julia is a PhD student studying marine ecology at UC Santa Barbara, working in the Miller and Page labs. She is broadly interested in how human activities influence ecosystems, and how scientific research can help us understand and manage natural resources. Her research explores how fishing impacts kelp forest ecosystems, including the diets, abundances, and population structures of key predators, such as the California spiny lobster. She is also interested in how lobster movement patterns interact with fishing pressure and the effectiveness of conservation strategies.
Julia is passionate about fieldwork and enjoys the collaborative environment it fosters. At UCSB, she uses SCUBA diving to conduct surveys for her research. Before beginning her PhD, she worked as a research assistant for Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, where she spent many weeks at sea studying life in the ocean twilight zone.
In her free time, Julia enjoys making art inspired by the natural world, snorkeling, playing guitar, running, and spending time with her cat.
JULIA COX
“Summer Springboard is a great place for students to connect with like-minded others who are interested in the same career path.”
– Ethan S. | Alumni Student
Summer Springboard
Marine Science & Ecology
Dates & Tuition
| 2026 Dates |
|---|
| Session 1: July 19, 2026 July 31, 2026 |
Click here to enroll in this course using our online enrollment form.
| Tuition |
|---|
| Residential Tuition: $5,798 |
| Commuter Tuition: $3,298 |
Tuition Protection Plan: Allows for cancellation for any reason up until the day of the program.
| Location |
|---|
| City: Santa Barbara |
| State: California |
| Campus: UC Santa Barbara |
Summer Springboard programs are not run by our campus partners (with the exception of Cal Poly, UW Foster 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.