05-24-06

Media Release

OSU's Hatfield Marine Science Center Offers Marine, Environmental Studies Program

NEWPORT, Ore. – Where better to study marine biology and ecology than the Oregon coast?

This summer, undergraduates, graduate students and professionals will be able to learn at the beach in the Marine and Environmental Studies Program offered through Oregon State University’s Hatfield Marine Science Center in Newport.

“These courses are designed to be inclusive, for science and non-science majors alike, and open to students in the early stages of their undergraduate career,” said Paul Sikkel, academic programs coordinator at HMSC. “And they are unique – we are trying to create an integrative, liberal arts environment by offering courses not normally found at other marine labs.”

Courses in the program are hands-on, intensive one- and two-week formats for three or four credits each; or two weekend workshops for one credit each. As part of OSU Summer Session, in-state tuition applies. Some courses may be taken as professional development workshops at a reduced cost.

Classes include: Behavior of Fish/Aquatic Organisms; Biology and Conservation of Marine Mammals; Integral Ecology; Aquatic Biological Invasions; Understanding Free-Choice Learning; Marine/Estuarine Invertebrates; Writing about Sea and Shore; and Making a Living on the Estuary (Native American Uses of Natural Resources). Internships and independent studies are also available.

The Hatfield Marine Science Center is a research and teaching facility on the Yaquina Bay estuary, one mile from the Pacific Ocean. Students can study marine and freshwater habitats on extensive intertidal mud flats and salt marsh areas.

This program offers students one-on-one collaboration with the scientists at the center.

Most courses in the program begin June 26. Some housing scholarships are available. Check the website for specific course dates and housing details: http://summer.oregonstate.edu/courses/hatfield/. For more information, contact Paul Sikkel at HMSC, 541-867-0380, Paul.Sikkel@oregonstate.edu or Summer Session at 800-375-9359, summer.session@oregonstate.edu.