The New England coast is one of the most majestic and beautiful coastlines in the world. It is also one of the best-studied by marine biologists. We will travel throughout the New England coast, making an in-depth study of the biology that lives along its shores.
We will use the Darling Marine Center, located in Walpole, ME, as our home base. Students will visit rocky, sandy, and muddy shores to study the ecology of these systems in depth. The focus of this program will be on field research. Students will gain knowledge and experience in research methods in marine biology/ecology, and will participate in research projects directed by Dr. Griffen. The program will be ideal preparation for those considering graduate school in marine biology, but is open to all interested students with the required prerequisites.
DATES
Summer Term, 27 June – 30 July 2022 (approximately)
HOUSING
Students and faculty will stay at the dorms at the Darling Marine Center (https://dmc.umaine.edu/).
COURSES Offered
Students are required to enroll in 6 credit hours during the spring term program, including the following:
BIO 399 (3 credits) This course will focus on field methods for studying marine biology.
BIO 559R – Marine Ecology (3 credits) This course will focus on advanced topics in marine ecology.
Participants may not take any other courses on this program, including BYU Online courses, without approval by the program director and ISP.
COST
$2000-$2500
Includes Latter-day Saint undergraduate full tuition (increased cost for graduate and non-Latter-day Saint students), housing, travel during the trip for field studies.
Does not include airfare to and from Maine, food (a shared kitchen will be available in the dorms), or personal expenses.
TRAVEL
Students are responsible for purchasing their own airfare to and from the program in Maine. Airfare reservations must be made through BYU Travel. Students should contact a BYU Travel agent.
BYU Travel
801-422-6293 | travel@byu.edu | 280 HRCB
PREPARATION
Students are required to enroll in Marine Biology (BIO 452) during Winter semester 2022 prior to participating in this program. This course will provide the basic background required to undertake the in-depth study during the field program.
Students are required to participate in a second block prep class during of winter semester 2022 (IAS 201R) that will provide specifics of trip logistics.
Accompanying spouses on the program need to be credit-bearing participants on the study program. Spouses will also need to apply online and take the preparation course.
All participants are required to show proof of complete COVID-19 vaccination (including booster) at least two weeks prior to departure.
FUNDING SOURCES
University funding is available to help fund experiential learning. Contact Dr. Griffen for details.
Regular BYU tuition scholarships, Pell Grants, and Federal Insured Student Loans may be applied to this program.
Students who submit the financial aid section of the ISP application and who have a current FAFSA form on file at the Financial Aid Office (A-41 ASB) will be considered for a study abroad scholarship.
Academic departments and colleges may assist with scholarships and grants.
Private grants and scholarships outside of BYU may also assist (see http://kennedy.byu.edu/scholarships).
APPLICATION PROCESS
Students must be adults 18 years of age or older. Complete the online application at kennedy.byu.edu/apply.
The application requires a $35 fee.
Applicants will be interviewed once the application is complete.
Students will be notified via e-mail of their acceptance into the program.
The first payment is due upon acceptance. Please refer to the ISP Payment Information document for payment schedule (see kennedy.byu.edu/isp-forms/ISPpaymentInformation2022.pdf).
Application Deadline: 15 January 2022
FACULTY
Dr. Blaine Griffen, associate professor in the Department of Biology at Brigham Young University, will be the director of the program. Feel free to contact Dr. Griffen with any questions you have.
2121 LSB | blaine_griffen@byu.edu | (801) 422-5930
INTERESTED STUDENTS CAN ALSO CONTACT
International Study Programs
101 HRCB
isp@byu.edu
(801) 422-3686
PROGRAM ADJUSTMENTS
International Study Programs (ISP) reserves the right to cancel this program, revise its offerings, or make any adjustments to the preliminary cost. If it becomes necessary for ISP to cancel a program, all program payments made to BYU ISP will be refunded to the student’s BYU financial account. ISP is the only office authorized to cancel any of its programs.
