You’ll go from a pollywog to a shellback in this exciting and challenging research semester. Play an active role in answering critical questions related to one of the foremost challenges of your generation. Sail and sample through a 3,000 mile swath of the Pacific Ocean while experiencing the traditions of an Equator crossing!
Download a brochure or request a catalog for more information about SEA Semester: Oceans & Climate.
An investigative science and policy semester examining how the oceans function within the global climate system and evaluating challenges to and strategies for a sustainable future, focused in part on the social, economic, environmental and technological dimensions of marine energy resources.
Cruise Track: Tahiti to Hawaii
Port Stops: Nuku Hiva (Marquesas Islands), Equatorial crossing, Hawaii
February 4 - May 2, 2014 (Space Available)
Special climate/energy focused program!
SEA's Oceans & Climate: Energy Semester attracts upper-level students interested in exploring the ocean's role in the global carbon cycle and climate system, including investigating the history, challenges and uncertainties associated with our current scientific understanding and policy suite, and the potential to utilize ocean resources for energy security. Limited to 25 students per cruise.
Prerequisites: A minimum of two lab science courses, at least one at the 200 level OR two sequential 100-level labs. Not sure if you qualify? Contact your Admissions Counselor.
Understanding climate change is the predominant scientific challenge of our time, and the timely application of this knowledge to public policy is crucial to the future of the planet. Why, however, think about climate change and energy together? The impacts of human activity on global climate change are a major concern for society and ecosystems of all types. Reliable energy sources will always be needed; alternative technologies and resources may relieve U.S. and international dependence on fossil fuels and mitigate climate change; however, there are associated environmental impacts, political implications and economic concerns. In this semester, students explore innovative applications of science and policy towards a sustainable marine ecosystem and future energy security in a setting that offers both adventure and international perspective. They examine how the world’s oceans – past, present and future – function within the global climate system while concurrently developing an understanding and awareness of the political framework, relevant policies, and planning, technological and scientific issues surrounding and at the limits of knowledge of the climate and energy sectors. Strategies employed by different communities and nations are explored as we examine decision-making, cost/benefit analysis and resource management from local to global scales.
SEA Semester: Oceans & Climate offers the opportunity to delve into these timely topics in the real world context of ocean science and management. The multi-faceted nature of the program reflects the reality that there are no single-discipline problems. As they explore crucial climate questions, students will interact with SEA colleagues in myriad fields (e.g., marine science, policy, journalism, economic development and more) and hone their critical evaluation, systems thinking, interdisciplinary problem- solving and both formal and creative communication skills that will prove of value to the next generation of engineers, scientists, advocates and policy-makers.
On Shore in Woods Hole
During the six week shore component, students engage in intensive coursework in the fields of oceanography and climate science, marine and energy policy, and nautical science, all of which focuses on central issues linking energy demand and production to the current climate situation and our oceans. They develop original scientific research projects to be conducted at sea; project topics will relate to either climate or energy questions relevant to the Equatorial Pacific and be driven by student interests.
Students have access to SEA faculty, guest experts, and the world-renowned Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution/Marine Biological Laboratory Library. They also explore local and regional issues at the energy-society-environment interface, including case studies of the Cape Wind project and the still- present effects of New England oil spills. Field trips may visit selected Woods Hole laboratories and research vessels, the New Bedford Whaling Museum, power plants, sustainable energy facilities, the Woods Hole Research Center, and relevant conferences or events.
At Sea in the Tropical and Equatorial Pacific
As full, working members of the scientific team and sailing crew aboard the SSV Robert C. Seamans, students deploy oceanographic sampling equipment, manage shipboard operations, navigate by the stars, and make observations in port stops off the beaten path. Climate issues and energy topics remain prominent themes throughout the sea component as we explore both small island nations reliant upon external support and the Robert C. Seamans itself as a closed system using and producing its own power and water resources. Students implement their experimental design, analyze collected data, and present their scientific and policy-related findings upon completion of the sea component. Field trips may include Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, the Natural Energy Laboratory of Hawaii Authority, and other energy facilities.
Students work individually with SEA faculty and a series of visiting lecturers, all of whom are specialists in their fields, to design an original research project during the shore component. A poster session and scientific paper allow students to present their findings to one another.
Previous Distinguished Lecturers have included:
Dr. Scott Doney, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (SEA Semester Alumnus)
Dr. Hugh Ducklow, Marine Biological Laboratory
Dr. Andrea Hawkes, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution
Dr. Rick Murray, Boston University Marine Program (SEA Semester Alumnus)
Dr. Sarah Das, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (SEA Semester Alumna)
Dr. Cynthia Pilskaln, University of Massachusetts Dartmouth
Dr. Christopher Sabine, NOAA Pacific Marine Environmental Lab
Dr. Jorge Sarmiento, Princeton University
An oceanographic research intensive semester that examines how the oceans function in the global climate system, incorporating public policy perspectives to learn how scientific knowledge is used in policy making.
Cruise Track: San Diego to Tahiti
Port Stops: Equatorial crossing, Nuku Hiva (Marquesas Islands)
September 23 – December 20, 2013 (Space Available)
SEA Semester: Oceans & Climate attracts upper-level science students interested in understanding the ocean's role in the global carbon cycle and climate change. Limited to 25 students per cruise.
Prerequisite: A minimum of three lab science courses, including one at the 300-level or higher. In special cases, this prerequisite may be waived pending SEA faculty approval. Not sure if you qualify? Contact your Admission Counselor.
SEA Semester operates on a rolling admissions basis, so there are no application deadlines. Students are accepted on a case-by-case basis until the program is full.
Understanding climate change is the predominant scientific challenge of our time, and the timely application of this knowledge to public policy is crucial to the future of the planet. This oceanography-focused semester examines how the global ocean functions in the climate system. Incorporating perspectives from the social sciences, we investigate how scientific knowledge is used in public policy. Together with SEA's experienced faculty, prominent visiting lecturers share their research and work directly with students. A 3,000-mile research cruise offers a unique opportunity to study the remote open ocean environment through directed research projects.
On Shore in Woods Hole
During the 6-week shore component, intensive academic coursework prepares students for their research cruise. With full access to SEA faculty, distinguished guest lecturers, and the world-renowned Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution/Marine Biological Laboratory Library, students design original research projects to be completed at sea. Students also work toward establishing seamanship skills while exploring the anthropological connections to their research.
At Sea in the Equatorial Pacific
As full, working members of the scientific team and sailing crew aboard the SSV Robert C. Seamans, students deploy oceanographic sampling equipment, manage shipboard operations, navigate by the stars, and make port stops off the beaten path. They also work through the scientific method by conducting an independent research project related to climate change. Students implement their experimental design, analyze collected data, and present their findings upon completion of the sea component.
Check out the Fall 2012 voyage to hear from the most recent O&C students and read their blogs from sea!
Students work individually with SEA faculty and a series of visiting lecturers, all of whom are specialists in their fields, to design an original research project during the shore component. A poster session and scientific paper allow students to present their findings to one another.
Previous Distinguished Lecturers have included:
Dr. Scott Doney, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (SEA Semester Alumnus)
Dr. Hugh Ducklow, Marine Biological Laboratory
Dr. Andrea Hawkes, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution
Dr. Rick Murray, Boston University Marine Program (SEA Semester Alumnus)
Dr. Sarah Das, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (SEA Semester Alumna)
Dr. Cynthia Pilskaln, University of Massachusetts Dartmouth
Dr. Christopher Sabine, NOAA Pacific Marine Environmental Lab
Dr. Jorge Sarmiento, Princeton University
Click images to view full gallery (33 photos)
Oceans in the Global Carbon Cycle, CAS NS 321 (4 credits)
This course covers global carbon budgets, as well as physical and biological mechanisms of carbon transport and sequestration in the ocean and deep-sea sediments. In a major component of the course, students develop a research project that they will carry out at sea. In addition to SEA's experienced faculty, prominent guest lecturers will share their research and work directly with students throughout the course.
Ocean Science and Public Policy, CAS NS 320 (3 credits)
Oceans and climate have emerged in the last decade as a battlefield for the role of science in government policy. This course will examine the development of science within a political context, and how current policy disputes emerging from climate issues shape and are shaped by scientific, political, and social values.
Nautical Science: Seamanship for Oceanographers, CAS NS 223 (3 credits)
Nautical Science teaches the practical skills and theoretical background necessary to safely operate a tall ship on the high seas. Students learn and apply essential concepts in general physics, astronomy, and meteorology. During the sea component, students apply these concepts while acting as active and increasingly responsible members of the ship's crew, working toward the ultimate role of Junior Watch Officer.
Oceanographic Field Methods, XAS NS 324 (3 credits)
In support of student directed research, students master all aspects of the shipboard lab operations. Students will deploy and recover oceanographic sampling equipment, collect and analyze data from a variety of sophisticated instruments and be a part of the 24 hour/day oceanographic sampling team.
Directed Oceanographic Research, XAS NS 325 (4 credits)
Students collect, analyze, and present data for projects of their own design. Each student completes an original research project in oceanography under the guidance of the Chief Scientist on board the vessel.
"Oceans & Climate gave me the opportunity to use my background in science to the fullest extent. The focus on oceanic carbon cycling really gave me an idea of the wide scale effects of climate-ocean interactions on all aspects of the marine environment. The research carried out at sea was challenging and fascinating, and the first-hand experience on the open ocean was really valuable."
Kady Marino
Roger Williams University
Marine Biology Major
