SEA Shore: Pre-College Marine Biology
SEA Shore: Pre-College Marine Biology
Study ocean life from plankton to marine ecosystems during three weeks of college-level coursework in Woods Hole, taught by PhD scientists. Eligible students earn three college credits from Cape Cod Community College (4Cs), so you’ll start your undergraduate career with credits already on your transcript. Designed for rising juniors, seniors, and recent graduates interested in marine biology, environmental science, or related fields, the program combines lab and field research on Cape Cod with visits to world-renowned institutions, including Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution and the Marine Biological Laboratory.
Academic programming runs weekdays until 4:00 p.m. from SEA’s Madden Center with extensive field work and institution visits, followed by afternoons and evenings in supervised cottages with up to 12 peers. Design and execute your own group research project, then present findings to peers, faculty, and members of Woods Hole’s science community. Students share meals in SEA’s dining room and participate in evening activities—study hours, movie nights, community building, beach trips, and hikes along Falmouth’s Shining Sea Bike Path.
Program Cost: $7,500
Learning Objectives
Investigate Marine Organisms and Ecosystems
Examine how marine species adapt to their environments and interact with one another through 40+ hours of lectures, lab work, and field investigations. Study coastal and pelagic ecosystems, biodiversity patterns, and ecological processes. Explore topics including species adaptation, conservation challenges, and human impacts like pollution and climate change.
Design and Conduct Original Research
Work in small groups to investigate a topic of your choosing—past projects include climate change impacts on seal species, plankton abundance and whale populations, and invasive species on Cape Cod’s eroding coastline. Develop hypotheses, collect and analyze data, and present findings to peers, faculty, and members of Woods Hole’s science community.
Access Woods Hole's Research Community
Tour facilities at Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, Marine Biological Laboratory, Waquoit Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve, and Woodwell Climate Research Center. Meet scientists, engineers, and marine technicians studying climate change, ocean chemistry, and marine systems. Learn about career paths in oceanography and related fields, and take the first step on yours: eligible students earn three college credits from Cape Cod Community College (4Cs).
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Upcoming Sessions
Cost & payment
Program Cost: $7,500
APPLICATION PROCESS
Students will be required to complete the following in order to be considered by the application deadline:
- Biographical form
- High school transcript
- One academic reference
- Short answer essay questions
- Interview (not applicable for SeaQuest or Ocean Studies on Cape Cod applicants)