Saltwater Semester: A Transformative Research Experience
Launched in Fall 2022, the Saltwater Semester has quickly become a highly successful and widely recognized program across the University. This immersive, research-based semester is designed to engage undergraduate students in meaningful, hands-on scientific exploration early in their academic careers.
By integrating classroom instruction with real-world field and laboratory experiences, the Saltwater Semester provides a strong foundation in physical and biological sciences, including genetics, physiology, and ecology. Through research-intensive courses, students gain a deeper understanding of scientific methodologies, natural systems, and how research can be applied to solving today’s environmental challenges.
Students work directly alongside faculty and research labs, contributing to active research projects that bridge theory with practical applications. Each course is structured as an intensive, immersive experience, meeting Monday through Friday for several weeks, allowing students to fully engage with the subject matter while conducting novel field and laboratory research. From collecting and analyzing data to discussing findings, students gain invaluable experience that prepares them for future research, careers, and graduate studies.
Program Tracks
Saltwater Semester students take four courses within a specialized track of their choice:
- Track 1: Coral and Invertebrate Ecology, Physiology, and Conservation
- Track 2: Experimental Neural Physiology and Genomics
Location & Experience
All courses are based at the Rosenstiel Campus, offering direct access to state-of-the-art research facilities, world-class faculty, and unparalleled fieldwork opportunities in South Florida’s unique marine ecosystems.
As the program continues to grow in impact and recognition, Saltwater Semester is shaping the next generation of marine and atmospheric scientists—one research experience at a time.
Explore full course descriptions here and take the first step toward an unforgettable, career-shaping experience. Don’t just study science, live it.
