CSU Marine Biology Semester:

Applications will be taken until all open spaces are filled. Qualified students are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis. For Fall 2010, after screening by the OSI faculty, registration will be through through the administrative campus of OSI, California State University Northridge (CSUN). CSUN students will register directly through that campus. Other CSU students will need to fill out the Intrasystem Visitor Enrollment form, which will enable registration through CSUN. Units may then be transferred to the appropriate campus. Non-CSU students will need to register through CSUN’s Extended Education Program.

• Completed Application Form, available here or by mail
• Official college or university transcripts
• The e-mail address of a faculty member you have asked to provide a letter of recommendation
• $50 application fee payable to USC/SCMI. This fee is credited toward the program cost and will be returned if applicant is not accepted

Overview

This semester-long program provides an intensive undergraduate exposure to marine biology, and is designed for students with a serious commitment to environmental and marine science. The program is based at the Wrigley Marine Science Center (WMSC), situated on Santa Catalina Island, 26 miles from Los Angeles, CA. This location provides access to beautiful, pristine marine habitats, diverse marine life and breathtaking island views. WMSC is owned and operated by the University of Southern California (USC), and the program is being offered through the California State Universities, affiliated with the Ocean Studies Institute (OSI) and the Southern California Marine Institute (SCMI).

“My time in Catalina was invaluable to my development as a student and as a person. I learned much more than information from a book, I learned how to think for myself and solve problems. The Catalina semester played a crucial role in my decision to attend graduate school, something that I’d never thought I could do. The memories and friendships I’ve made will always hold a special place in my heart. I recommend this trip to anyone looking for an amazing educational experience that will shape the outcome of your future.”
Mari Rosales 2003

Students will spend 15 weeks on Santa Catalina Island and will be based in the newly-renovated dormitory and laboratory facilities. Residency at this marine laboratory provides ready access to an invigorating educational environment that provides both state-of-the-art laboratory facilities and ready access to a diversity of marine habitats. Throughout the semester, students are introduced to a sequence of courses (Fall 2009: Ecology of Marine Fishes, Phycology, Invertebrate Zoology, Ecology of Marine Fishes) that prepare them to complete a directed research study in a topic of their choice. All courses provide a strong element of hands-on field experience, which provides the comprehensive training that can help in career choices and graduate decisions. A research diving certification course is planned for a two-week period before the semester begins from July 11 to July 25, at an additional cost for qualified students who wish to dive on SCUBA during the semester. However, only snorkeling skills are required for class participation. Please note: these courses will occupy daytime and in many cases, evening hours, including some weekends.

“Deciding to do the Catalina Semester was the best decision of my college career! It immerses you into the marine biology world - and it gave me research and field experience that helped me both get and do my job. It was an all-around amazing experience!”
Allysa Floyd 2005

Facilities
at the Wrigley Marine Science Center

Students live on a private and undeveloped portion of Santa Catalina Island, approximately 40-50 minutes’ walk from the Two Harbors settlement which provides access to the commercial ferry to Los Angeles. On-site accommodations are residential dormitory-style, and students receive three meals a day. The laboratory is a short walk from the dorms and includes teaching labs and a well-equipped lecture auditorium. Daily instruction consists of lectures, lab work, and field work in nearby marine habitats. SCUBA diving can be accommodated through the OSI Scientific Diving Program which operates within the framework of the AAUS diving program.

Projected Costs*