Oceans and Climate is ideal for upper-level science students to help them develop their understanding of the ocean’s role in climate dynamics and to build their tool kit in research, data visualization, and science communication. Students interested in exploring the ocean’s role in the global carbon cycle and climate system, as well as investigating the history, challenges and uncertainties of climate-related policies from local to international are encouraged to apply.
Understanding climate change and its associated impacts is the critical scientific challenge of today, and the timely application of this knowledge to public policy is crucial to the future of our planet. Our oceans are at the forefront of these changes but remain some of the least understood parts of the global climate system.
This intensive semester invites upper-level science students to develop their understanding of the oceans’ role in climate dynamics and to build their tool-kit in research, data visualization, and science communication; skills all climate scientists must have in order to be effective advocates for our oceans.
You will conduct baseline climate research on this long sailing passage, and the potential projects open for investigation are diverse. Our voyage comprises an extended blue-water transect from Fiji to Aotearoa New Zealand, allowing you to explore a range of ecosystems each characterized by distinctive biological communities and complex and dynamic current systems. The transfer of carbon through the coupled ocean/atmosphere system is influenced by many attributes we can investigate, so our voyage track becomes an excellent natural laboratory for studying almost all aspects of oceanic carbon cycling. You’ll leave this program with skills that will put you ahead in the field of climate change research and communication.
Skills Gained
Primary literature analysis
Proposal development
Data interpretation and visualization
Communication of science for the general public
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
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