Marine Science & Ecology at UC Santa Barbara

Pre-college program for high school students at UC Santa Barbara

Program 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.
Tuition:

Residential Tuition:
$5,698

Commuter Tuition:
$3,298

Dates:

Session 3:
July 20, 2025 August 1, 2025

Location:

UC Santa Barbara
Santa Barbara, CA

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.

Meet your instructor

Dr. Anita Giraldo Ospina

Marine Science & Ecology UC Santa Barbara

Anita is currently a postdoctoral researcher in the Caselle lab at UC Santa Barbara. Anita’s work has focused on the ecology of marine habitat-building species like kelp, seagrasses, and corals.

Learn more

Topics you'll explore

Hands-On-Learning


At UC Santa Barbara, possible excursions include whale watching, tide-pooling, visiting the Maritime museum,
The Reef (UCSBs teaching aquarium), and more.

amazing-landscape-of-la-jolla-cove-scripps-institue-of-oceanography-scripps-pier-la-jolla

Get started today

Summer Springboard Pre-College Summer Program