The Summer Scholars Program (SSP) at the University of Miami provides a unique opportunity for high school students to study for three weeks and earn college credits in various marine science topics.
Marine Mammal Biology, Medicine and Conservation – 6 Credit Hours
Students enroll in MSC 106 and MSC 1XX.
MSC 106. Marine Mammal Biology and Conservation. 3 Credit Hours.The purpose of this class is to introduce students to the biology, taxonomy, physiology, natural history, behavior, and conservation and management of marine mammals. This class will be dynamic, involving lectures, discussions, review of primary literature, career guidance, guest lectures, and videos.
The class also entails exclusive opportunities for practical training in the field of marine mammal science in collaboration with Dolphins Plus Marine Mammal Responder, a non-profit marine mammal facility in Key Largo, including but not limited to: research sampling and design, bioacoustics, husbandry and clinical care, and applied behavior analyses.
Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science | Dept. of Marine Biology & Ecology | Instructor(s): Dr. Julia Zaias
MSC 1XX. Marine Mammal Health and Medicine . 3 Credit Hours.This course will cover the basics (theory and application) of marine mammal health, medicine, and disease. We will begin with a description of the basic mechanisms of disease, discuss the anatomy and physiology of marine mammal species highlighting the unique aspects of these species, examine what is known about marine mammal diseases in both captive and wild populations, and investigate the husbandry and preventative medicine plans in use for captive populations and how they relate to health of populations.
Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science | Dept. of Marine Biology & Ecology | Instructor(s): Dr. Julia Zaias
Maximum enrollment: 20
Prerequisites(s): Biology and one other lab science
Shark Research – Emerging Technologies and Field Studies – 6 Credit Hours
Students enroll in MSC 105 and MSC 11X.
MSC 105. Shark Behavioral Ecology and Conservation. 3 Credit Hours.Students will learn core concepts of shark behavioral ecology and key aspects of shark biology needed for the holistic understanding and study of shark behavioral ecology, including shark sensory, reproductive, physiological, movement and foraging ecology. These concepts will be used to link shark behavioral ecology to its consequences for conservation and management. Students will also be given the unique opportunity to interact with and be trained in advanced technologies used to study shark behavioral ecology, such as biotelemetry (acoustic and satellite tags). Through demonstrations and in-class exercises, students work with real shark biotelemetry data and be taught spatial analyses, such as home range analysis. Software students will use will include Geographic Information Systems (GIS).
Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science | Dept. of Marine Biology & Ecology | Instructor(s): Dr. Neil Hammerschlag
MSC 11X. Shark Research – Emerging Technologies and Field Studies. 3 Credit Hours.This class is a practical compliment to MSC105 Shark Behavioral Ecology and Conservation. This course will train students applying the scientific method to field data collection using both traditional and emerging tools/techniques to study core research questions in shark biology and ecology. In doing so, students will be exposed to collection, organization, analysis and reporting of real data sets. The course will have a strong field component, whereby students will join the University of Miami Shark Research and Conservation Program on boat-based survey to sample and tag sharks as part of data collection.
Field trips include a visit to the University of Miami Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science on Virginia Key and shark tagging research expeditions with UM Shark Research.
Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science | Dept. of Marine Biology & Ecology | Instructor(s): Dr. Neil Hammerschlag
Maximum enrollment: 20
Prerequisites(s): Biology and one other lab science.
Tropical Marine Biology – 6 Credit Hours
Study Florida's tropical marine ecosystems. Students enroll in MSC 107 and MSC 115.
MSC 107. Life in the Sea. 3 Credit Hours. Introduction to the oceans and their significance to mankind, encompassing geological, physical, chemical, and biological processes; man’s role in and on the sea, including fisheries, pollution, and ocean management.
Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science | Dept. of Marine Biology & Ecology | Instructor(s): Dr. Chris Langdon
MSC 115. Tropical Marine Environments. 3 Credit Hours. A field and lecture study of selected marine environments around South Florida, with emphasis on the interaction between organisms and the geological substrate. Field trips include a visit to the University of Miami Rosentiel School of Marine & Atmospheric Science on Virginia Key, local field excursions, an overnight in Key Largo, swimming with dolphins and shark tagging with the University of Miami Shark Research and Conservation Program.
Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science | Dept. of Marine Biology & Ecology | Instructor(s): Dr. Chris Langdon
Maximum enrollment: 20
Prerequisites(s): Biology and one other lab science.
