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Programs : Brochure

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Locations: Auckland, New Zealand; Christchurch, New Zealand; Wellington, New Zealand
Program Terms: Fall, Spring
Homepage: Click to visit
Program Sponsor: SEA Semester

Dates / Deadlines:

There are currently no active application cycles for this program.

Fact Sheet:

Fact Sheet:
Click here for a definition of this term Eligibility:	1 First Year, 2 Sophomore, 3 Junior, 4 Senior, 5 Graduate Student	Click here for a definition of this term Language of Coursework Delivery:	English
Housing Options:	Dormitory, Other	Area of Study:	Anthropology, Biochemistry, Biology, Chemistry, Engineering, English, Environmental Studies, History, Humanities, International Studies, Literature, Physics, Sciences

Program Description:

Who Should Apply?

Ocean Exploration is the perfect program for any student interested in taking a firsthand look at the oceans. This program attracts students from all majors who are interested in gaining an in-depth understanding of our world's oceans: both science majors who are looking for field research opportunities, and non-science majors who are hoping to fulfill science requirements in a hands-on way.

Program Description

Understanding the oceans is an essential component of appreciating how the world works and how we relate to it as human beings. The sea is so complex that it is impossible to comprehend from the perspective of a single academic discipline. With that in mind, this interdisciplinary program combines insights from oceanography, the humanities, and the social sciences with practical skills in seamanship, allowing students to deepen their awareness of and appreciation for the ocean through hands-on research and personal experience. In this semester, students will address and answer some of the most pressing global questions related to the ocean environment.

During an initial 6-week shore component in Woods Hole, academic coursework will prepare students for their research voyage from New Zealand to Tahiti. With full access to SEA faculty, guest lecturers, and the world-renowned Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution/Marine Biological Laboratory Library, students will design original research projects to be completed at sea. Maritime Studies coursework will complement this research by offering a wider historical and social perspective on the impact of humans on the world’s oceans, and on the experience of going to sea. Finally, Nautical Science coursework will introduce practical seamanship skills and the theoretical background necessary to for students safely operate a tall ship at sea.

As full, working members of the scientific team and sailing crew aboard the SSV Robert C. Seamans, students will then spend the next six weeks at sea managing shipboard operations, navigating by the stars, analyzing oceanographic samples, while sailing in the South Pacific Ocean. Perhaps most importantly, students will learn to challenge themselves and will develop new skills in leadership, teamwork, and research.

Academic Coursework & Credit

SEA Semester: Ocean Exploration offers 17 credits from Boston University. Courses are as follows:

Oceanography (3 credits)
Explore how interconnected ocean characteristics (bathymetry, seawater chemistry, biological diversity) and processes (plate tectonics, surface and deep-water circulation, biological production) shape global patterns across multiple scales. Discuss destination-specific environmental issues and hot topics in marine research.

Maritime Studies (3 credits)
Relationship between humans and the sea. History, literature and art of our maritime heritage. Ships as agents of contact change. Political and economic challenges of contemporary marine affairs. Destination-specific focus.

Nautical Science (3 credits)
Learn the fundamentals of sailing ship operation, in preparation for direct application at sea. Navigation (piloting, celestial and electronic), weather, engineering systems, safety, and sail theory. Participate as an active member of the ship’s crew on an offshore voyage.

Oceanographic Field Methods (4 credits)
Exposure to basic oceanographic sampling methods. Participate in shipboard laboratory operations to gain experience with deployment of modern oceanographic equipment and collection of scientific data at sea. Emphasis on practicing consistent methods and ensuring data fidelity.

Choice of Research Courses (4 credits each)
Directed Oceanographic Research (300-level, 4 credits)
Design and conduct original oceanographic research. Collect data and analyze samples. Compile results in peer-reviewed manuscript format and share during oral or poster presentation session. Emphasis on development of research skills and written/oral communication abilities.

-- OR --

Practical Oceanographic Research (200-level, 4 credits)
Introduction to oceanographic research. Design a collaborative, hypothesis-driven project following the scientific process. Collect original data. Conduct analysis and interpretation, then prepare a written report and oral presentation.