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Sea Change Semester (Bigelow Laboratory for Ocean Sciences) (Outgoing Program) Print  Save  Share
  • Locations: East Boothbay, United States
  • Program Terms: Fall
  • Homepage: Click to visit
  • Lafayette Engineering, interim, and summer programs have unique enrollment processes. Please read below for instructions. For affiliated programs, please contact studyabroad@lafayette.edu for application instructions.
Fact Sheet:
Fact Sheet:
Language(s) of Instruction: English Min GPA: None
Housing Options: Residence hall Academic Area: Biochemistry, Biology, Earth Science, Ecology, Environmental Studies, Geology, Marine Science, Sciences
Program Description:

Sea Change Semester Program: An Intensive Research Experience

Bigelow Laboratory for Ocean Sciences


Ocean science is in the middle of an incredible revolution. Climate change is rapidly reshaping life in the oceans, and new tools are being developed each day to reveal what it means for our planet. Bigelow Laboratory offers a transformative, 14-week experience that puts these cutting-edge tools in your hands and empowers you to answer critical questions about the future of the ocean.

Your Sea Change experience will give you exclusive access to Bigelow Laboratory’s state-of-the-art facilities, as well as the tools and mentorship you need to lead an independent investigation into questions that you want to answer. You will develop your foundational knowledge of ocean science through 16 credits of rigorous ocean science coursework while working alongside professional scientist mentors. You will also get to participate in six daylong research cruises in the Gulf of Maine, supplemented with regular sampling of local waters. While at sea, you’ll use a full range of physical, chemical, and biological oceanographic instruments to collect water samples and environmental data for analysis and synthesis in the lab.

This program provides training in lab and field science, and more importantly, lifelong connections that can lead to future career opportunities.

Sea Change Semester at a Glance

  • Four laboratory courses encompassing ocean science
  • Six one-day oceanographic cruises on the Gulf of Maine
  • Independent research under the mentorship of a senior research scientist
  • Sixteen academic credits, Colby College transcript

Eligibility

This program is designed for college juniors but is open to qualified sophomores, juniors, and seniors. Students from all disciplines with an interest in the ocean and that meet our eligibility criteria are encouraged to apply.
To be eligible for this program, you must have:
  • completed three lab science courses
  • completed a semester each of chemistry, biology, and precalculus/calculus

To Apply

There is no official deadline to apply to the Sea Change Semester. However, we limit the program to 16 students and applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. We recommend applying early!

There is a limited amount of financial aid available to students that need it. Please apply no later than December 15 for full financial aid consideration.

Interested in joining us? Applying is free and involves completing a short online application and submitting 2 references.

Questions?

Email seachange@bigelow.org or get in touch with the program director, Aislyn Keyes (akeyes@bigelow.org). 

Dates / Deadlines:

There are currently no active application cycles for this program.

Lafayette Engineering, interim, and summer programs have unique enrollment processes. Please read below for instructions. For affiliated programs, please contact studyabroad@lafayette.edu for application instructions.