Marine Science

When Art Meets Science (Application closed)

Dates: April 3, 2024 - May 23, 2024 (8 weeks)
Course Delivery: Online
A supplies kit will be shipped that will include all materials needed for this course minus the organisms (plants, algae, animals, etc.) that will be used for pressings, prints, and preservations. Students will need to purchase or collect their own specimens.
Tuition: $2300
Grade Level: 9-12th grade
Instructor: Nicole Yen
Schedule:  

• Synchronous
  • Session: Wednesday; Thursdays 4:30-5:30 PM PST via Zoom; (2 weeks)  
  • Session: Thursdays 4:00-6:30 PM PST via Zoom; (6 weeks)
• Asynchronous - 1 to 2 hours of additional work/week

Art and science are often seen as disjointed and unrelated fields; however, they are both ways of exploring and understanding the incredible natural world around us. Scientists and artists need to embody creativity, use observation skills, practice experimentation, and be effective communicators. Using art even as scientists is often overlooked, but it can be used to help communicate scientific findings, raise awareness on marine issues, and foster collaboration across disciplines.  

In this course, we will explore how art and science are intricately tied through various art projects that may include:  

• Gyotaku printing: Learn how to make beautiful prints of fish and other aquatic animals using a traditional Japanese technique that dates back to the 1800s. You will use real organisms of your choice, ink, and paper to capture the details and textures of your specimens.  
• Algae pressing: Learn how to preserve and display algae specimens from different environments using a simple method of drying and pressing. You will use algae collected from local sources and mount them on paper or other supports.  
• Cyanotype printing: Learn how to make cyan-blue prints of flowers, leaves, and other objects using a photographic process that was invented in 1842. You will use light-sensitive chemicals, sunlight, and water to create unique images on paper or fabric. 
• Scientific illustration: Learn how to draw accurate and detailed illustrations of scientific subjects, such as animals, plants, or anatomical structures. You will use various techniques, such as pencil, ink, or watercolor, to convey information and aesthetics. 
• Diaphanization: Learn how to make transparent specimens of small fish using a method of clearing and staining that reveals their bones and cartilage. You will use enzymes, dyes, and glycerin to create striking artworks that showcase the anatomy and morphology of your subjects. 
• Resin preservation: Learn how to preserve dried flowers or other objects in resin, a liquid substance that hardens into a solid shape. You will use casting resin, molds, and additives, such as glitter or colorants, to create durable and decorative pieces that capture the beauty of nature. 

By the end of this course, you will have a portfolio of amazing artworks that demonstrate your skills and creativity! Additionally, you will also have a deeper understanding of the history, theory, and practice of art and science as complementary fields of inquiry. This course is suitable for students of all levels. No prior experience or knowledge is required. This course is available for 4 pre-college units.

Organismal Biology Lab (Application closed)

Dates: April 5th - May 25, 2024 (8 weeks)
Course Delivery: In-Person
Tuition: $2,500 
Grade Level: 9-12th grade
Instructor: Nicole Yen
Schedule:  

• Synchronous - Friday, April 5 (1 hour online); every Saturday April 6 - May 25 (9 AM - 12 PM PST @ SIO, Aburto Lab)
• Asynchronous - 1 lesson / week

Have you ever wondered what makes you related to the “immortal” jellyfish – what similarities and differences can be uncovered by zooming into our tissues under the microscope? The Organismal Biology Lab course is designed to expose students to the incredible and rich diversity of life in the oceans through engaging and fun in-depth lab practicals and dissections. Identify the invisible life in the oceans such as marine plankton under the microscope and even dissect a dogfish shark and lamprey in partnership with Aburto Lab at Scripps Institution of Oceanography! The major focus of this course is diversity through the lens of an evolutionary and functional biologist, since evolutionary processes enrich our understanding of how genes, genomes, and finally species evolve. Students will learn about the basic characteristics of major animal groups, amazing adaptations, and complex behaviors and interactions that drive speciation. Such knowledge is essential for understanding biology in general and provides the tools for our stewardship of the planet’s biota and the sustainability of the ecological services we take for granted. On the last day of the course, we will visit the Birch Aquarium at Scripps! This course is available for 4 pre-college units.

Topics Include

• Animal Diversity, Evolution, Systematics, and Phylogenetics
• System Evolution through Comparative Lab Practicals 

• • Using Dissecting and Compound Microscopes 
  • Classification by Symmetry and Developmental Pattern
  • Integument System 
  • Digestion and Excretory System
  • Respiratory and Circulatory System
  • Skeletal System 

• Invertebrate diversity with microscopy and/or dissections [Porifera, Cnidaria, Platyhelminthes, Nematoda, Annelida, Mollusca, Arthropoda, Echinodermata]
• Vertebrate diversity with fossils and with microscopy [Mammals, Reptiles, Birds] and dissections [Fish]

Molecular Biology of Marine Life (Application closed)

Dates:  April 22 - May 15, 2024
Course Delivery: Online
Tuition: $1,500 
Grade Level: 9-12th grade
Instructors: Marc Piercy
Schedule:  

• Mondays & Wednesdays from 4:30 - 5:50 PM PST. via Zoom (4 weeks, synchronous learning)

In this course students will be introduced to the fundamental principles of how life works at the level of individual molecules interacting together. There are 4 major classes of biological molecules: Nucleotides, Lipids, Proteins, and Carbohydrates. We will explain the roles of these molecules by investigating a few case studies in detail. We will explore how carbohydrates store energy and provide structure in algae and crustaceans. We will investigate the structure of DNA and how it is repaired and replicated and how this could govern life span. We will explain bioluminescence in terms of the chemical reactions of lipids. We will compare the structures of the proteins responsible for bioluminescence and predict how changes to their environment will effect their activity.

This course can be taken as a prerequisite to participate in Tier 2, "The Molecular Basis of Bioluminescence and the Environment" that will be offered in-person during Summer 2024.

This course is available for 2 pre-college units.

Topics Include: 

• DNA synthesis
• DNA replication
• DNA transcription
• RNA synthesis
• Protein Synthesis
• Bioluminescence
• Polymerase activity
• Enzyme Catalysis

Heat Spies: Using Infrared Cameras in Marine Ecology (Application closed)

Dates:  April 30 - May 23, 2024
Course Delivery: Online
Tuition: $1,500 
Grade Level: 9-12th grade
Instructors: Sonya Timko and Nicole Yen
Schedule: Updated on 4/29/24:

• Synchronous class dates: April 30-May 23 (TUESDAY ONLY) 4:00 pm - 5:20 pm PST
• Asynchronous class recordings: April 30-May 23 (THURDAYS ONLY) Posted 4:00 pm PST

Organisms need the sun for warmth and energy, but how hot can they get before it’s too much to handle? Thermal imaging cameras record infrared radiation (IR) and convert it to a visible image, even if it is too dark to see with your own eyes! The primary source of IR is heat or thermal radiation - the warmer something is, the more infrared radiation it emits. How will climate change impact these organisms that need to beat the heat? Students will get an introduction to how heat transfers between organisms and their environment and analyze various thermal images using FlirTools and Image J.  

This course is a prerequisite to participate in Tier 2, Advanced Life on the Edge that will be offered in-person during Summer 2024. 

This course is available for 2 pre-college units.      

Topics Include: 

• Thermal Processes 
• Scientific Method 
• FLIR Thermal Cameras and Equipment 
• Analyses Software (FlirTools, Image J) 
• Biostatistics Introduction (Using Excel) 

Introduction to Marine Science (Application available in late Spring 2024)

Dates:  September 24, 2024 - November 14, 2024 (8 weeks) 

Tuition: $2000 

Grade Level: 9-12th grade 

Instructor: Nicole Yen 

Schedule:  

• Synchronous – Tuesday, Thursday (4-5:20 PM PST) 
• Asynchronous - 2 lessons / week (2-3 hours/week of additional work) 
   

The Introduction to Marine Science course offers a deep dive into the vast and complex world of our oceans. It provides students with an immersive experience into the dynamic processes that govern the marine environment, from the microscopic plankton that form the base of the food web to the majestic blue whales that traverse the ocean basins. Students will explore the intricate chemical cycles that sustain life in the oceans, the physical forces that shape marine habitats, and the diverse biological communities that inhabit them.  

The course covers a wide range of topics, including:  

Students will also have opportunities to engage with current research and learn about the latest technological advancements in marine science. It prepares students for diverse careers in marine research, policy development, environmental stewardship, and other related fields. By exploring the intricate web of life and the physical dynamics that shape the marine environment, students will learn to appreciate the ocean’s significance to global ecosystems and humanity’s role in safeguarding its future. This course is designed to inspire a new generation of marine scientists, equipped with the knowledge and skills to contribute to the understanding and preservation of our oceanic world. 

This course is available for 4 pre-college units and can act as a prerequisite for any Tier 2 courses offered.  

Topics Include 

• Fundamentals of Oceanography 
• Introduction to Organismal Biology 
• Marine Ecosystem Diversity and Services 
• Marine Conservation and Marine Science Careers  

Seafood Sustainability: Practices and Perspectives (Application available in late Spring 2024) *Formally Seafood Fraud Detectives

Dates: (4 weeks) September 24, 2024 – October 17, 2024 

Tuition: $1500 

Instructor: Nicole Yen 

Advisors: Sarah Mesnick, Mar Mancha-Cisneros 

Grade Level: 9-12th grade 

Schedule:  

• Synchronous 
• Session: Tuesday and Thursdays (5:30-6:30 PM PST) 
• Asynchronous – 1-2 hours of additional work/ week 

This course offers a comprehensive exploration of sustainable practices in the seafood industry. Students will delve into the environmental and socio-economic impacts of seafood production and consumption, learning about the challenges and opportunities in aquaculture management and wild fisheries, which are crucial sources of food and livelihood for many communities. The curriculum covers:  

This course is for individuals aiming to become informed consumers, aspiring marine biology students, and students seeking expertise in environmental and fishing policy. This course will also feature guest lectures from esteemed experts, including professionals from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and leading figures in seafood sustainability and management. This course is available for 2 pre-college units. 

 
Topics Include 

• Marine Fish Systematics & Ecology 
• Fisheries and Management 
• Seafood Traceability 
• Sustainable seafood practices and consumer choices  

After this course it is highly recommended to participate in: 

1. Tier 2, Advanced Seafood Fraud Detectives (Hybrid) where students will examine seafood mislabeling and traceability in San Diego using molecular tools (Offered WINTER 2025) 
2. Tier 2, Advanced Sustainable Seafood Science (Online) where students will explore seafood sustainability and traceability in their own communities (Offered WINTER 2025)