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Marine Science
Application for Winter and Spring 2025 available now!
A limited number of spots are available in each course in order to maintain a low student-instructor ratio. Please apply as soon as possible to receive consideration for a spot in your desired program(s). For inquiries, please email UCSD Pre-College Programs (precollege@ucsd.edu) and nyen@ucsd.edu.
The following programs are designed to empower high school students to share learning, network with peers, and become environmental advocates. The goal of this program is to develop problem solving, organization, creative thinking, communication, collaboration, and leadership skills that will support future career goals and aspirations.
Tier 1 courses offer students a foundation in ocean sciences, specifically marine biology and related disciplines. Students will explore the diversity of life and how biological, chemical and physical processes drive ecosystem dynamics in a marine environment. Each course is designed to target relevant, contemporary environmental issues while providing a pathway for students to participate in our Tier 2, research workshops. Tier 1 courses are also designed for students who are simply interested in learning more about the marine environment and associated marine science career pathways.
Tier 1 Courses are currently offered online and in-person. These 4 or 8 week courses are designed to acclimate students to a university summer and quarter systems, respectively. Each week, students will have 2 asynchronous, interactive and gamified lessons. Synchronous sessions are designed for student collaboration and discussion, guest speaker interactions, and guided virtual lab experiences. These courses are aimed to foster next generation critical thinkers, communicators, creators and stewards of the ocean environment.
Tier 2 courses offer students a multidisciplinary practical research experience in collaboration with Scripps Institution of Oceanography graduate students and other active marine science researchers in various industries. Students will partner with researchers and can participate in, design and run their own projects on California Coastal Ecology, Coral Reef Ecology and Restoration, Animal Physiology, Thermodynamics, Metabolics, and Fisheries Science to name a few. Field-based excursions to intertidal zones, salt marshes, and other marine ecosystems in San Diego are an integral part of this program; however, some projects are also adapted with an at-home lab component for non-local students.
Tier 3 courses offer students that have participated in one or more Tier 2 courses the opportunity to practice critical literacy skills specifically needed in scientific writing and publish studies in our Marine Science Research Scholars Journal. The purpose of Tier 2 and 3 workshops is to participate in scientific studies that generate data needed to advocate for the environment and the communities that rely on a healthy system.
Tier 1 Courses
Introduction to Marine Science (Fall 2024 - Online)
Introduction to Marine Science - Apply for course here (opens new page)
Dates: September 24, 2024 - November 14, 2024 (8 weeks)
Tuition: $2000
Grade Level: 9th - 12th, recent graduates welcome
Instructor: Nicole Yen
Format: Online
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:
Chemical Oceanography: Examining the chemical properties of seawater, biogeochemical cycles, and the role of the oceans in global chemical processes.
Physical Oceanography: Studying ocean currents, waves, tides, and the physical structure of the oceanic environment.
Biological Oceanography: Investigating the diversity of marine life, their ecosystems, and the biological processes that sustain them.
Marine Ecology: Investigating the relationships between marine organisms and their environments, including food webs, symbiotic relationships, and ecosystem dynamics.
Human Impact: Assessing the effects of human activities on marine ecosystems, including pollution, overfishing, and climate change.
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
Marine Biodiversity Coral Reef Ecology and Conservation (Winter 2025 - Online)
Marine Biodiversity Coral Reef Ecology and Conservation - Apply for course here (opens new page)
Dates: February 11, 2025 - March 6, 2025 (4 weeks)
Tuition: $1500
Grade Level: 9th - 12th, recent graduates welcome
Instructor: Nicole Yen
Format: Online
Schedule:
- Synchronous – Tuesday, Thursday (4:30-5:50 PM PST)
Coral reefs are one of the most biologically diverse and valuable ecosystems on Earth. In the Coral Reef Ecology and Conservation Course, students will learn how physical, chemical, and biological processes create incredible coral reef systems worldwide. The focus of this class is to understand the dynamic interactions of reef communities and their ever-changing environment, as well as the short- and long-term impacts of various stressors. Students will also learn various survey techniques used to monitor coral ecosystems and can participate in citizen science projects using Allen Coral Atlas and NOAA databases. Furthermore, students will gain practical skills in setting up and maintaining their own reef tanks, allowing them to apply their knowledge while promoting sustainable aquarium practices and appreciating the complexities of coral care in a controlled environment.
Learning Outcomes: By the end of the course, students will:
- Get a foundation in ocean sciences, specifically marine biology and related disciplines.
- Explore the diversity of life and how biological, chemical and physical processes drive ecosystem dynamics in a marine environment.
- Learn about the marine environment and associated marine science career pathways.
- Understand how to set up a reef tank and the essential requirements for coral care
This course is available for 4 pre-college units and can act as a prerequisite for any Tier 2 courses offered.
Organismal Biology Lab (Winter 2025 - In-Person)
Organismal Biology Lab - Apply for course here (opens new page)
Dates: (8 weeks) Saturdays, February 1, 2025 - March 22nd, 2025
Tuition: $2500
Grade Level: 9-12th grade, recent graduates welcome
Instructor: Nicole Yen
Format: In-Person
Schedule:
- Synchronous – Every Saturday (9 AM-12 PM PST @ SIO, Aburto Lab)
- Asynchronous - 1 lesson / week - TBA
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. This course is available for 4 pre-college units.
Topics Include
- Animal Diversity, Evolution, Systematics, and Phylogenetics
- System Evolution through Comparative Lab Practical
- Symmetry and Developmental Pattern
- Integument
- Skeleton and Muscles
- Digestion and Excretion
- Circulation and Respiration
- Invertebrate diversity with microscopy and/or dissections [Porifera, Cnidaria, Platyhelminthes, Nematoda, Annelida, Mollusca, Arthropoda, Echinodermata
- Vertebrate diversity with microscopy [Mammals, Reptiles, Birds] and dissections [Fish]
This course is available for 4 pre-college units and can act as a prerequisite for any Tier 2 courses offered.
Seafood Sustainability: Practices and Perspectives (Spring 2025 - Online)
Seafood Sustainability: Practices and Perspectives *formally Seafood Fraud Detectives - Apply for course here (opens new page)
Dates: (4 weeks) April 8, 2025 - May 1, 2025
Tuition: $1500
Grade Level: 9-12th grade, recent graduates welcome
Instructor: Nicole Yen
Advisors: Sarah Mesnick, Mar Mancha-Cisneros
Format: Online
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:
Environmental Impacts: Understanding how fisheries affect marine ecosystems and the innovative management practices that promote sustainability.
Wild Fisheries: Exploring the dynamics of natural bodies of water and free-ranging fish populations, their commercial value, and the reliance on the carrying capacity of local ecosystems.
Aquaculture Food Chain: Examining the growth of seafood demand, its production processes, and the consequences of unsustainable practices.
Sustainable Solutions: Evaluating the benefits and limitations of various aquaculture species on health and the environment and exploring solutions to improve management.
Consumer Awareness: Identifying ‘sustainable’ seafood products and applying knowledge to address the sustainability challenges of consuming living marine resources.
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:
- Tier 2, Advanced Seafood Fraud Detectives (Hybrid) where students will examine seafood mislabeling and traceability in San Diego using molecular tools.
- Tier 2, Advanced Sustainable Seafood Science (Online) where students will explore seafood sustainability and traceability in their own communities.
Tier 2 Courses
Tier 3 Courses
Introduction to Scientific Writing (Fall 2024 - Online)
Introduction to Scientific Writing - Apply for course here (opens new page)
Dates: September 23, 2024 - November 13, 2024
Tuition: $2000
Grade Level: 9-12th grade
Instructor: Nicole Yen and Sonya Timko
Format: Online
Schedule:
- Synchronous – Monday, Wednesday (4:30-5:50 PM PST)
- Asynchronous – 3-5 hours of additional work/ week
Introduction to Scientific Writing is a course tailored to students who have completed a Tier 2 course and are ready to transform their research into a manuscript. This course guides students through the process of writing and publishing their work, either as a preprint or as a manuscript, in esteemed Marine Science journals. It focuses on honing the students’ abilities to write with precision and clarity, making them adept technical writers and communicators. The curriculum includes practice in graduate-level science communication, particularly mastering the art of the 3-minute flash talk. This technique equips students to effectively distill and present their research findings to a broad audience, ensuring they can engage listeners from various backgrounds. This course will be available for 4 pre-college units.
Any prior Tier 2 students are welcome to apply.
Topics Include
- Principles of Effective Writing and Reading in Science
- Organization and Formatting Manuscripts
- Preparation of Figures and Citation Style
- Communicating Science to a Diverse Audience
Other Program Information
Marine Science Application
Students can access the application from the "Apply Now" tab.
Marine Science Acceptance
Students will be notified of acceptance within 10-14 days of submitting their application until the program is full.
Marine Science Cancellation/Refund Policies
CANCELLATION POLICY
Cancellation or withdrawal for any reason 2 weeks prior to the course start date.
Refunds for cancellation or withdrawal after the 2 weeks deadline be issued for serious illness (doctor's certificate is required) or extenuating circumstances only. Tuition is not refunded for students who are dismissed from the program.
HOW TO REQUEST A REFUND
All refund requests must be made in writing to Maysoon Dong, Associate Director for the Education & Community Outreach Department
COVID Policies - Hybrid Courses
- Masking on campus is optional. For latest updates on our policies, please follow this link to COVID policy page.
- If you are experiencing or have had COVID-19 symptoms within the past 14 days, please stay at home.
- If you believe that you have been in recent contact with someone who tested positive for COVID-19, please stay at home.
COVID-19 Policies - Residential Programs
Updated COVID-19 Guidelines for Academic Connections
The following replaces pp.11-12 of the Academic Connections Handbook
- Per University of California Policy, the following elements are NOT required of attendees of Academic Connections:
- COVID-19 vaccination
- Masking, UNLESS symptomatic OR a close contact
- Pre-arrival or upon-arrival COVID-19 testing
What is required:
Weekly Testing
Provider-observed weekly COVID-19 testing will be required for each attendee.
The provider-observed verification form that is emailed to the student after a test is observed must be submitted by the student to the Academic Connections office via a secure, HIPAA-compliant form between 9A Monday and 9A Tuesday of each week. A secure, HIPAA-compliant form will be e-mailed to the student each Sunday night from the Director of Residence Life and must be returned with the provider-observed verification form attached by 9A Tuesday of each week of the program.
Failure to submit the weekly provider-observed verification form will result in parental notification and may result in expulsion from the program with no opportunity for refund.
Symptomatic Testing
Each student must independently monitor for COVID-19 symptoms throughout the program. Symptoms include any of the following: cough, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, fatigued muscles or body aches, headache, loss of taste or smell, sore throat, congestion or runny nose, nausea or vomiting, or diarrhea. If any of these symptoms occur, the student must immediately test with a provider-observed COVID-19 testing kit. The provider-observed verification form that is emailed to the student after a test is observed will need to be submitted by the student to the Academic Connections office via a secure, HIPAA-compliant form right away. Failure to submit the provider-observed verification form will result in parental notification and may result in expulsion from the program with no opportunity for refund.
Exposure to COVID-19
If a student becomes exposed to a close-contact who has tested positive for COVID-19, they must take the following steps: Close contact is defined as sharing the same airspace with an infected person for more than 15 minutes in a 24-hour period.
Test immediately, and again 3-5 days post-exposure via a provider-observed COVID-19 test kit. The provider-observed verification form that is emailed to the student after a test is observed will need to be submitted by the student to the Academic Connections office via a secure, HIPAA-compliant form right away. Failure to submit the provider-observed verification form will result in parental notification and may result in expulsion from the program with no opportunity for refund.
Additionally, those exposed to a close-contact must:
Mask when around others for the next 10 days.
Self-monitor daily for symptoms for the next 10 days.
If symptoms develop, test at that time via the provider-observed testing kit and submit results using the secure, HIPAA-compliant form right away. Failure to submit the provider-observed verification form will result in parental notification and may result in expulsion from the program with no opportunity for refund.
Supplies
We recommend https://shop.emed.com/collections/all and the eMed Flu+Covid Telehealth Kit 6-pack that is $150 for the provider-observed test. It is HSA/FSA approved and is the most affordable option that we have found.
Parents or guardians must purchase or acquire at least 20 individually packaged KN95 or 10 N95 masks to send with their students to the program in case they become symptomatic during the program or if they come in close contact with someone who tests positive for COVID-19.
Parents or guardians will be notified by Academic Connections staff as soon as we know that a student tests positive for COVID-19 or influenza. Since there may be a gap in between your student’s test and submitting the results of that test to the Academic Connections staff, we strongly encourage parents/guardians to inquire frequently with their students about the results of any provider-observed test that they take, whether weekly, on a symptomatic basis, or as result of a close contact.
Students who test positive for COVID-19 or influenza must immediately mask and will be isolated until their guardians arrive to pick them up from the program, preferably within 8 hours of a positive test. However, a student must depart from the program with their guardian no more than 24 hours after testing positive for COVID-19 or influenza. During isolation, meals will be provided to students by program staff and they will be monitored. Should symptoms worsen before being picked up, students will be transported to UC San Diego Health for assessment and treatment.
Learn More
You can also learn more about the program by visiting our Research Scholars Marine Science website: