Humans have challenged the limits of human ingenuity by landing a man on the moon. At the same time, marine scientists have plummeted into the depths of our own oceans to unlock its evasive secrets.
The study of the oceans has become an increasingly interdisciplinary subject because researchers are realizing that it plays such a crucial part in the development of the world’s history, economy, and culture. Following this trend, a new field experience is available to undergraduate students who are interested in learning more about our oceans.
Sea Education Association (SEA) is offering students around the world a chance to participate in their hands-on research program to broaden society’s understanding of the world’s oceans. It’s aptly named “SEA Semester” because participants spend several months involved in studying in the program while at sea. According to their website, SEA is the “only educational organization with custom-built sailing vessels” and SEA Semester has two ships that are each 134 feet long.
SEA Semester’s ports-of-call in the past have included Hawaii, Nova Scotia, Trinidad and Tobago, Palmyra Atoll and several others in the Caribbean. This year, one of their destinations includes the Polynesian Islands.
The courses offered incorporate studies of ocean exploration, resource conservation, culture of the Caribbean, world climatology, sustainability, biodiversity and energy production. The topics are approached from many different perspectives, including the social sciences, natural sciences, public policy and technology. Students take with them skills learned from working together with a team of other students to develop their own research projects in the onshore components of the program. The rest of their time is spent on the open oceans and 12-18 college credits are awarded for the completion of the program. Students on board become immersed in sea-faring life and are involved in all activities on the ship, not just in their research.
Sea Education Association has sailed over one million nautical miles and has taught over 7,500 students in the past 40 years.
If you would like more information about this program, visit the Study Abroad Office in Edge Hall or visit SEA Semester’s website at www.SEA.edu.
No comments:
Post a Comment