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. 

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.

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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? In this 4-week course, 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 can be a prerequsite to our summer residential program course – Tier 2, Advanced Life on the Edge and available for 2 pre-college units.

In this 4-week 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 a prerequesite to our summer residential program course – Tier 2 Molecular Basis for Bioluminescence and the Environment and available for 2 pre-college units.

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. 

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. Topics include:  

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.

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.

The rocky intertidal is one of the most accessible marine coastal environments teeming with an incredibly diverse living community. Because of this unique quality it has immense commercial, recreational, and educational value to communities worldwide. However, this quality also makes these habitats highly susceptible to changing ocean conditions such as sea-level rise, invasive species, and pollution.

Thermal imaging cameras record infrared radiation (IR) and convert it to a visible image. The primary source of IR is heat or thermal radiation – the warmer something is, the more infrared radiation it emits. Infrared thermography (IRT) is being increasingly utilized by ecologists and physiologists to observe and investigate small-scale thermal variability and thermal stress on the distribution and abundance of marine species.

Monitoring intertidal ecosystems becomes increasingly important as we continue to see global climate changes. In this Tier 2 course, students will be part of ongoing research in partnership with the National Park Service at Cabrillo National Monument. Students will explore how heat transfers between organisms and their environment using a FLIR thermal camera. We will relate our data to organismal anatomy, physiology, thermoregulation, species adaptability, ecology, and/or climate change.

Prerequisites

Option 1: Take our Tier 1 Heat Spies: Using Infrared Cameras in Marine Ecology 

Option 2: Have taken an advanced biology, environmental science, or marine science course prior to the start of our program.

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🦀 Research

As climate change and pollution drive changes to the chemical properties of the ocean, the activity of enzymes responsible for the functioning of countless cellular processes are being affected. In this brand new research experience, students will generate their own research question to investigate the impact of environmental changes on bioluminescence. To accomplish this we will focus specifically on the chemical and molecular mechanisms that govern bioluminescence. We will be isolating the genes associated with bioluminescence from Aliivibrio fischeri and transforming them into a model organism, Escherichia coli, to specifically study the enzyme luciferase and the supporting genes needed to express a functional enzyme.  Students will then generate their own hypothesis on how changes to the environments where host organisms of A. fischeri live could change the catalytic ability of luciferin. Some host organisms that students can explore include the Hawaiian bobtail squid, pinecone fish, and opossum shrimp that all have light organs that are colonized by A. fischeri.

Prerequisites 

Option 1: Take our Tier 1 Molecular Biology of Marine Life

Option 2: Have taken an advanced biology, environmental science, or marine science course prior to the start of our program.

From lobster rolls and New England clam chowder to beer-battered fish tacos, seafood dishes are beloved worldwide. Yet, the seafood industry faces challenges with fraudulent practices, including widespread mislabeling. This issue persists across both domestic and international markets, proving to be a complex problem to address. In Southern California, DNA barcoding studies have uncovered high mislabeling rates in species like halibut, red snapper, yellowfin tuna, and yellowtail. Mislabeling may partly stem from the vast amounts of seafood imported into the U.S., prompting the FDA to continuously update industry guidelines. This course involves students in an ongoing effort to monitor seafood fraud in San Diego, imparting essential skills in molecular biology. By the end of the course, students will create a research poster that will be shared on Research Scholars, Marine Science Website and potentially at Birch Aquarium during an informal poster session. Moreover, the course will offer unique opportunities to engage with local culinary experts who will share their cooking wisdom, as well as interactions with local fishermen and connections with NOAA scientists, enriching the learning experience with practical insights and real-world applications. This course is available for 4 pre-college units.  

Students that have participated in this course can also apply to be a Sustainable Seafood Intern with Research Scholars, Marine Science that begin at the start of every quarter.

Course Requirements: 

1. Able to attend in-person meetings at Scripps Institution of Oceanography.
2. Take a Tier 1 course, Seafood Sustainability: Practices and Perspectives (Recommended) 
3. Taken an advanced marine science, environmental science, or AP biology course.

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.  

Course Articles: Bravo, M., C.B. Cracamontes, S. Foss, N. Gottlieb, L. Kelly, E. Li, M. Liskov, L. Maschler, P. Randolf, A. Ringler, S. Timko., and N.K. Yen. 2023. Climate Change and its Implications on the Heat Flux of Rocky Intertidal Organisms.  Research Scholars Marine Science Journal, 1(1).