"I arrived in Woods Hole with no knowledge of sailing or oceanography but learned an incredible amount through my 12 weeks with SEA Semester. I learned so much about myself, about teamwork, about leadership, and about research. It was an incredible experience that I would recommend to anyone looking for adventure and challenge."
Allie Ivanowicz
Davidson College
Biology Major
SEA Semester: Ocean Exploration
What Is It?
An interdisciplinary ocean studies semester which combines natural sciences, humanities, and social sciences with hands-on research and sailing experience.
When Is It?
Fall 2012: Space Available
August 27 - November 19, 2012 (Atlantic)
Early Fall Atlantic: Voyage of the Mighty Atlantic
Woods Hole to St. Croix. This "classic" SEA Semester cruise track traverses a diverse array of oceanic regions and conditions, from temperate coastal waters to open ocean subtropical and tropical zones. Before arriving at your first port stop, the nearly four week ocean passage crosses the powerful Gulf Stream current and transits the mysterious Sargasso Sea, home to contemporary conservation issues and many unique creatures. Conclude your voyage with glimpse of Caribbean island culture and trade wind sailing.
Early Spring 2013: Tentative Dates
January 3 - March 26, 2013 (Atlantic)
Early Spring Atlantic: Caribbean Coastal Circuit
Key West to Key West. Explore the waters that fuel the Gulf Stream current on this near-coastal cruise track, passing among islands, over shallow and productive banks, and through open ocean regions. You'll spend shorter blocks of time underway between Caribbean island port stops while experiencing a great variety of sailing conditions and honing your coastal navigation skills. Chances of marine mammal sightings are good!
Spring 2013: Tentative Dates
February 12 - May 8, 2013 (Atlantic)
Spring Atlantic: Sojourn Through the Sargasso
Key West to St. Croix. By starting the sea component with a month-long open ocean voyage, you'll experience the challenges of sailing to windward followed by a trade wind run on the way home. Become familiar with the many ecosystems and creatures found in the intriguing Sargasso Sea while contributing to important new scientific and conservation efforts. This cruise track also includes a Caribbean island port stop late in the trip.
Who Should Apply?
Ocean Exploration is the perfect program for any student interested in taking a firsthand look at the oceans. This program attracts students from all majors who are interested in gaining an in-depth understanding of our world's oceans: both science majors who are looking for field research opportunities, and non-science majors who are hoping to fulfill science requirements in a hands-on way!
While there is an emphasis on oceanography, the curriculum is designed for students representing a wide diversity of backgrounds and interests. Because the program combines multiple academic disciplines, it draws students from majors as varied as history, environmental science, biology, journalism, and studio art.
When we say Ocean Exploration is open to all majors, we mean it! View a full list of student majors represented in 2009-2012 Ocean Exploration programs.
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.
Program Description
Understanding the oceans is an essential aspect of appreciating how the world works and how we relate to it as human beings. The sea is so complex that it is impossible to comprehend from the perspective of a single academic discipline. With that in mind, this interdisciplinary semester combines insights from oceanography, the humanities, and the social sciences with practical skills in seamanship, allowing students to deepen their awareness of and appreciation for the ocean through hands-on research and personal experience. Each semester offers a unique academic theme allowing students to address and answer some of the most pressing global questions related to the ocean environment.
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 and the world-renowned Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution/Marine Biological Laboratory Library, students design original research projects to be completed at sea. Maritime Studies provides a wider historical and social perspective on the impact of humans on the world's oceans, and on the experience of going to sea. Nautical Science introduces practical seamanship skills and the theoretical background necessary to safely operate a tall ship on the open ocean.
At Sea on the Open Ocean
As full, working members of the scientific team and sailing crew on one of SEA's state-of-the-art research vessels, students manage shipboard operations, navigate by the stars, analyze oceanographic samples, and visit foreign ports off the beaten path. Most importantly, students learn to challenge themselves and develop new leadership, teamwork, and research skills. Depending on the semester, students may have the option to choose between sailing in the Caribbean, Atlantic, or Pacific.
Ocean Exploration Photo Gallery
Click images to view full gallery (33 photos)
Course Descriptions
Oceanography, CAS NS 221 (3 credits)
This course provides students with the scientific foundation needed to investigate the planet's oceans. It introduces them to the scientific study of the ocean and serves as the foundation for the courses in practical oceanography taken during the sea component. As they learn about modern ocean studies and technological advances in instrumentation, students develop proposals for independent research projects to be carried out at sea.
Maritime Studies, CAS NS 222 (3 credits)
The relationship between humans and the sea is the focus of this course. Maritime Studies examines maritime commerce and technology, and discusses cultural expressions of the maritime experience in works of literature and art. This course also looks at the role of ships as agents of contact and change, and at marine conservation issues that shape today's ocean policy debates.
Nautical Science, 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.
Practical Oceanography I, XAS NS 225 (4 credits)
Students learn how to safely deploy and recover modern oceanographic sampling instruments, conduct shipboard laboratory research, analyze oceanographic data, and operate a fully equipped laboratory at sea.
Practical Oceanography II, XAS NS 226 (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.
Request Information
Download a brochure or request a catalog for more information about SEA Semester: Ocean Exploration.