Application Information
Stanford@SEA is now accepting applications for the 2022 expedition! Click here to apply.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. What is Stanford@SEA?
A. Stanford@SEA is an exciting biological and oceanographic 16-unit course offered through Biological or Earth Sciences. Half the course occurs at Stanford University’s Hopkins Marine Station in Pacific Grove; the other half aboard the R/V Robert C. Seamans, which the Sea Education Association (SEA) operates in the Pacific Ocean with the support of the National Science Foundation.
Stanford@SEA follows the traditional model of the SEA program at Woods Hole, Massachusetts -- shore-side classes followed by an intensive open sea component. At Stanford, the shore component comprises five weeks of daily morning classes in three subject areas followed by afternoon labs each day. It is followed by the sea component -- five weeks aboard the research vessel sailing the Pacific Ocean.
The unusually effective learning environment of Stanford@Sea is academically rigorous and develops leadership and teamwork skills. The shipboard component, with its emphasis on student research projects, creates a highly focused learning environment with few distractions. The interdependence of the students, who rely upon each other to collect data and to sail the boat safely, enhances the sense of responsibility they feel toward all aspects of the learning experience.
Q. How many students can participate?
A. We plan to take approximately 20-21 students in 2022. In addition, 3 Stanford graduate students or former Stanford@SEA Alumni teaching assistants will be aboard the ship. We’re looking for new students who are independent and motivated self-starters, and are ready for an educational adventure like no other. Experience at sea is not required.
Q. What does the semester entail?
A. You will spend 5 weeks at Hopkins Marine Station where you will immerse yourself in learning about the ocean environment from some of the world’s top marine biologists and oceanographers.
While ashore, students take courses and develop a detailed plan for an independent research project, which they carry out at sea. You will also learn the history of Polynesia and study the sailing route, learn about Pacific voyaging cultures. Weekend field activities will help generate group bonds that help facilitate strong bonds for the shipboard passage to come.
The courses include:
Introduction to Oceanography I (8 units including shipboard portion): This survey course covers biological, geological and chemical oceanography with attention to general principles of ocean circulation and coral reefs. This is a basic oceanography course intended for students without an advanced background in oceans or marine sciences. Topical subjects relevant to the area of the ocean where the sea component will take place are emphasized such as open ocean oceanography and coral reef biology. Stanford and SEA faculty teach this course. If you want to learn how the biosphere works this class will essentially teach you oceans and earth history along with marine science in 10 weeks on land and at sea. All students conduct a research project at sea with up to 2 others shipboard.
Problems in Oceanography II (8 units). For advanced Earth Sciences, Marine Biology or civil engineering students of the Stanford@SEA 2022 class, we teach a problem-based learning course emphasizing more recent topics in oceanography. The students begin the week on a set of papers that provide the opportunity for discussion of key concepts in modern ocean science. Five topics throughout the quarter are introduced in this forum and student projects result from the immersion approach to the subject matter. Stanford faculty teach this course.
At sea we carry out the Oceanographic Research Techniques portion of both oceanography courses as one class together. For this students conduct the research projects developed during the shore component. They learn how to deploy a variety of advanced oceanographic equipment at sea. They collect oceanographic data for their projects, analyze the data obtained, and present their findings orally and in writing before a shipboard team of scientists, staff and other students.
Maritime Studies (3 units): This multi-disciplinary course puts the students’ sea experience into the context of humans’ relationship to the ocean. It includes literature, history, legal and political aspects of current marine conservation and management issues. Stanford and SEA faculty teach this course.
Nautical Science (5 units, including sea time): This practical course covers principles of physics, astronomy, meteorology and oceanography that comprise navigation and ship handling. The course prepares students for the assuming sailing responsibilities on the ship. The captain of the Robert C. Seamans teaches this course.
Marine Conservation (2 optional units). Professor Block leads a conservation seminar and class on shore which then continues at sea with weekly lectures. You can enroll for the course or audit it and get 2 additional credits. Five extraordinary marine conservationists will come visit the class and one visitor will join with us on the sail portion of the trip.
During the five weeks at sea, students continue with Nautical Science II and take increasing responsibility for running the R/V Robert C. Seamans.
Q. Do I need to be a science major to apply?
A. No. We’re interested in students with a diversity of majors. We’ve had participants whose majors include earth systems, anthropology, history, English and engineering, international relations and biology. We believe that everyone can benefit from learning about our planet’s oceans, and our integral relationship with them. We explore science, art, literature, philosophy and political elements of the oceans.
Q. How do I apply?
A. Just click here to get started!
Q. Do I need sailing experience?
A. No we are going to teach you how to sail and be an ocean sciences student.