Sustainability Ecology Policy: Marine Field Ecology (TR1)

About SEP 2990 TR1

Special topics in natural resources beyond the scope of existing formal courses.

Notes

In-person Travel to Maine coast 6/15/26 - 6/21/26; Post-travel online work required 6/21/26 - 6/26/21; COURSE Fee: $984.00 minus $250 non-refundable deposti; Students must apply by 4/30/26 via this link: https://na.eventscloud.com/ereg/index.php?eventid=869911& Instructor: Dorothy.Horn@uvm.edu Special Topics courses cannot carry CC designations

Section Description

This immersive field course examines marine ecology through intensive study of coastal systems along the Maine coast. Students live and work at the University of Maine’s Darling Marine Center, using the Gulf of Maine as a living laboratory. The course emphasizes direct field investigation of rocky intertidal zones, estuaries, salt marshes, and nearshore waters. Students apply ecological theory—including community ecology, ecosystem dynamics, disturbance, trophic interactions, and physical forcing (tides, salinity gradients, and wave exposure)—through daily hands-on research. Methods include transects and quadrats, species surveys, benthic core sampling, plankton tows, and water quality measurements. The immersive coastal setting allows students to experience tidal cycles, weather variability, and habitat transitions in real time, reinforcing connections between physical processes, biological communities, and human coastal use. The course prioritizes extensive field experience, collaborative data collection, and applied ecological analysis.

Course goals and objectives include:

Apply core marine field methods to collect and interpret ecological data across multiple coastal habitats.

Explain how physical processes such as tides, circulation, and wave energy structure marine communities.

Compare community composition and ecosystem function among intertidal, estuarine, and marsh systems.

Evaluate human–coastal interactions within the Gulf of Maine context.

Synthesize field observations into clear scientific communication.

Section Expectation

This course is an intensive, immersive field experience that compresses the equivalent of a semester’s worth of coastal fieldwork into a single week on the Maine coast. Students live and work together at the Darling Marine Center, creating a collaborative learning environment where academic and field activities are closely integrated. Days are intentionally long and full, combining structured field investigations, travel to multiple coastal sites, group data collection, and evening synthesis sessions.

Students should expect full-day fieldwork that includes walking, hiking, and working on uneven, rocky, and tidal terrain. Because this is a residential field course, learning extends beyond formal instructional hours. Students will prepare meals together, share responsibilities for field equipment and data management, and engage in evening discussions and reflection. Approximately 1–2 hours of additional evening academic work (data entry, journaling, project development) should be anticipated.

There is no required textbook. All readings and reference materials will be provided electronically.

Students are required to complete a scientific poster based on their field research and present it at the Rubenstein School research session at the end of the semester. This poster represents a significant out-of-class commitment following the field week.

Required materials include appropriate field clothing and footwear suitable for variable coastal weather and active field conditions.

Evaluation

Grades in this course are based on full participation in all field activities, completion of assigned fieldwork and reflections, and the successful development and presentation of a rapid research assessment conducted during the Maine field week. There are no written exams.

This is an intensive, immersive field course in which the majority of learning occurs on site in dynamic coastal environments. Field time cannot be replicated or recreated. Because the course compresses a semester’s worth of field experience into one week, attendance and active participation in all scheduled activities are required. Absences or failure to engage fully in fieldwork will significantly impact a student’s ability to meet course objectives.

Students will design and conduct a rapid research assessment during the field week, culminating in an in-field presentation while in Maine and a scientific poster presented at the Rubenstein School research session later in the semester. To earn an A, students must demonstrate sustained engagement, meaningful contribution to data collection and analysis, and clear, professional communication of their findings.

Evaluation emphasizes applied field skills, scientific reasoning, collaboration, and professional presentation.

Because this course is built around a single, immersive field experience, there is no incomplete option and fieldwork cannot be recreated outside of the scheduled trip. In cases of serious illness or emergency, students must communicate with the instructor as soon as possible; any alternative arrangements will be considered only for documented, significant circumstances and at the instructor’s discretion.

This course requires independent mobility in outdoor coastal environments. Many field sites involve uneven terrain, rocky intertidal zones, and areas without ADA-compliant access. Students who have mobility limitations or other access needs must contact the instructor well in advance of the course to discuss whether reasonable accommodations are possible given the environmental constraints of the field locations.

Important Dates

Note: These dates may change before registration begins.

Courses may be cancelled due to low enrollment. Show your interest by enrolling.

Resources

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• PACE Course Pricing
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