Using the same portable next generation sequencing platform employed on the International Space Station and in both the Arctic and Antarctic wilderness, students enrolled in SEA’s Marine Biodiversity & Conservation Program learn how to use modern molecular tools to ask and answer ecological and conservation questions as they sail from New Zealand to Tahiti.

Traversing a range of bioregions, including temperate, blue water, and tropical, you’ll collect zooplankton specimens from the mesopelagic (the Ocean Twilight Zone), and conduct group research projects addressing population genomics and biodiversity. You’ll examine how these ecosystems are responding to climate change, and gain an understanding of how such research informs conservation policy.

This is the inaugural voyage of this cruise track for the MBC program and will establish what is planned as a long-term and much needed data set that can help shape conservation in the Pacific.

The program ends in Tahiti with a two-week second shore component and student-led symposium with local stakeholders, scientists, and conservationists.

The Marine Biodiversity & Conservation program is geared toward students interested in in ocean science as a career, as well as those interested in marine ecology and conservation, molecular biology, or environmental marine policy.

Prerequisites are one introductory science course and one 200-level science lab.

Further information about SEA Semester programs specific to Wheaton College students

Wheaton College is committed to providing students with opportunities to broaden their understanding and vision beyond the borders of this campus and this country. We work in collaboration with carefully selected partner institutions around the world to support our students as they prepare to study abroad and while they are overseas. Students must apply to Wheaton's Center for Global Education as well as the institution through which they plan to study abroad. The most up-to-date information can be found on the program provider's website above.       

Courses & Credits:
Each 12-week SEA Semester program offers 17-18 semester hour credits through Boston University, SEA's school of record, which earns each student 4 credits at Wheaton College. 

Housing & Meals:
Students live in student housing on the SEA campus in Woods Hole during the shore component and student rooms aboard the ships. While at sea, three meals per day are provided. Prepaid grocery cards are provided for use during the shore component.
 
Budget Information:
Students studying abroad will continue to pay Wheaton tuition. Students are not charged Wheaton room and board, or the Wheaton technology, laundry, or student activities fees while on a study abroad program. Wheaton will, in turn, pay the program for all tuition and academic fees and international insurance. Students will pay costs directly to SEA Semester. Please note that this may or may not include a meal plan. Students will book and pay for their own flights.

Fees billed by Wheaton will be charged to students on their regular Wheaton College student account during regular billing cycles (July/December). 

Federal, state, Wheaton need-based and merit scholarships will be applied to these charges for Wheaton-approved programs. Students must consult with the Office of Student Financial Services (SFS) for a comprehensive review of their aid. If a student receives aid beyond the cost of Wheaton tuition, they can request a refund through SFS. This can in turn be used to pay their program for room and board charges.

Please do your research as housing and meal costs vary greatly from program to program. This Budget Worksheet can help you estimate the total costs of your program. Refer to your program website for an overview of all additional expenses, which may include visas, international cell phones, and discretionary expenses.

 For Wheaton specific questions contact:                                    
 Center for Global Education
 5  Howard Street
 Wheaton College