Academics

Summer 2013 Schedule

Program Dates: August 3–21, 2013 (Space Available!)
    At Sea: August 3–12
   On Shore: August 12–21

Sailing from San Francisco to Catalina Island, CA

Academic Coursework

Introduction to Oceanography: Through hands-on lessons, students are introduced to marine geology, water masses, wind-driven and thermohaline circulation, planktonic organisms, the chemistry of seawater, and the unique oceanographic processes of the Southern California Bight.

Introduction to Nautical Science: Students learn about piloting and chartwork, ship handling, sail theory, life at sea, safety, seamanship, ship stability, aerodynamics, and hydrodynamics.

Introduction to Marine Ecology: Students are introduced to marine ecosystems of the Southern California Bight through hands-on, discovery-based learning. They investigate the ecological interactions between organisms and their environments in kelp forests, mud flats, sandy beaches, rocky shore, and open water through field activities, lab exercises, and lectures.

Sea Component - SSV Robert C. Seamans

OSCB begins with a ten-day oceanographic voyage aboard one of SEA's sailing research vessels, the SSV Robert C. Seamans, through the waters of Southern California. Working alongside professional scientists, students conduct marine research and collect data, which emphasizes the interrelationships of the biological, geological, chemical, and physical characteristics of the region. They also act as full members of the sailing crew.

The Academic Program at Sea

While at sea, each student is assigned to a watch group of eight people with whom they rotate throughout the 24-hour schedule. While a student watch group is on duty, each person is assigned to a particular area of the vessel for the duration of the watch period: the lab, the deck, or the galley.

During lab watch, students participate in oceanographic activities led by the professional scientist on duty. Each day they deploy oceanographic instruments at scientific stations to determine characteristics of the water column, the sea floor, and the biological organisms of the area. The students also assist in analyzing all data collected during the cruise. This data may include sea temperature, salinity, chemical nutrients, water depth, plankton samples, sediment samples, and weather observations.

During deck watch, students participate in navigational exercises led by the mate on duty. These exercises include opportunities to maneuver the vessel under sail and power, plot courses, and learn about celestial navigation and near-shore piloting with charts, compass, and radar.

Students' work in the galley includes assisting with menu planning, helping the steward prepare snacks or meals, and keeping the galley clean and sanitized.

The sea component encourages the immediate practical application of new knowledge, and is often the most memorable part of the program.

Shipboard Life

Life at sea is fast-paced, as all watch activities continue on a 24-hour basis throughout the oceanographic voyage. In addition to routine watch standing duties that will be a part of each student's experience at sea, lectures are also presented daily. There is always something new to see, to learn, to do.

Accommodations are comfortable, but cozy. The food is excellent and plentiful – three meals plus three snacks each day. At least once during the cruise, students join in a general cleaning of the ship. Everyone has enough free time to make friends with the rest of the crew on board, to keep a journal, to climb aloft, to make music (bringing instruments is encouraged!), and to enjoy sunrises, sunsets and the night sky.

Shore Component - Wrigley Marine Science Center

The program continues with a ten-day shore component at the Philip K. Wrigley Marine Science Center (WMSC) on Catalina Island, 20 miles west of Los Angeles. This half of the OSCB program provides the near-shore portion of the students' study of the Southern California Bight. Students become familiar with a variety of marine habitats by exploring Catalina's subtidal zone, snorkeling in the lab's cove, and hiking along the sea bluffs. They learn about the characteristics and adaptations of marine plants and animals by studying them in the lab and by collecting and analyzing ecological data in the field. Students participate in several on-going research projects under the direction of the lab's resident scientist.

Island Life

Daily schedules at the Wrigley Marine Science Center are flexible in order to take advantage of opportunities to experience the marine environment. Low tides can be early at this time of year so intertidal field trips take place before breakfast. Lectures are scheduled after breakfast and are followed by laboratory work. Lunch is followed by work in the lab, snorkeling, or hikes, and a second lecture occurs before dinner. After dark, there may be opportunities to observe bioluminescence (a kind of night light for some marine creatures), star gaze, or enjoy slide or film presentations.

Students share spacious single-sex dormitory rooms and meals are served in the cafeteria. During personal time around lunch and dinner, students can take an ocean view walk or use the volleyball court, computer labs, or library. Students will be busy, but there will be time for relaxing, talking, and playing pool in the common room adjacent to the dorm and cafeteria.