Marine Semester

What is the UNB Saint John Marine Fall Semester

An intensive, 12 week immersion semester offered on a biennial basis, in a marine setting and providing students with a "hands-on" study experience of diverse marine organisms, including mammals (whales and seals), algae, fish, and invertebrates. The semester consists of 5 courses worth a total of 19-20 credits. It is equivalent to a full-semester course load, and students are expected to take all 5 courses. Three courses run for 2-4 weeks each, and two run throughout the semester.
The semester involves lectures, research seminars, discussions, labs, field trips, and independent research projects. The semester is designed to promote critical thinking and expose students to innovate research in marine biology.

The UNB Saint John Marine Fall Semester will run out of the Huntsman Marine Science Centre (HMSC) in picturesque St. Andrews, New Brunswick.
Students will live in residence at HMSC throughout the duration of the semester.
The semester will start Tuesday, September 3 (after Labour Day) and will end Friday, November 22.

I loved being a part of the marine semester. It was an incredible experience.
Genevieve Bell, James Cook University, Australia, 2011

I had the opportunity to do real, meaningful science, instead of studying the work of others.
Jiselle Baker, UPEI, Marine Semester 2009

As an international student I chose UNBSJ solely because of the Marine Semester
Marthe Haar, UNB Saint John, Marine Semester 2007

The hands on approach was invaluable, giving me a broad perspective of different research methods used in marine biology
Mark Wilcox, UNB Saint John, Marine Semester 2006

The marine semester is intended for motivated University students with the necessary course prerequisites (see below). Priority will be given to UNB Saint John students majoring in Marine Biology, followed by UNB Fredericton Biology students, and remaining seats will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. Enrollment for the semester will be limited to 18-20 students.
Non-UNB students will have to apply and be accepted as a visiting student: please see UNB Prospective Students first.

You can register for the semester by emailing Dr. Rémy Rochette, who is the Coordinator of the Marine semester.
In your email, please provide the following information: your name, your home/university, and confirmation that you meet the course prerequisite requirements.
You will eventually be asked to provide a $400 deposit (non-refundable after August 1st, 2011) to reserve your seat in the semester. This deposit will go towards offsetting HMSC costs.

The cost of the Marine Semester will be approximately $4,800; it will be less if enrolment exceeds 15. This includes accommodations (room + food for 12 weeks), campus fees (to use Huntsman premises and labs), cost of all field trips (including 20 hours on the HMSC vessel), as well as all applicable taxes. It does not include UNB tuition fees.

Stat 2264 Statistics for Biology I (or equivalent)
An introductory course in statistics. Probability, Bayes' Theorem, applications of probability to genetics. Random variable, expectation. Binomial and Normal random variables. Confidence intervals for means and proportions. Prediction intervals. Tests of hypotheses. Paired data versus two independent samples. Brief introduction to analysis of variance. Regression, correlation. Contingency variables. Examples drawn from biology. Use of a statistical computer package.
BIOL 2585 Introductory Ecology (or equivalent)
Introduces concepts of ecology common to terrestrial, fresh water, and marine ecosystems. Provides a basis for further ecological or environmental studies. Introduces man's influence on ecosystems.
BIOL 2615 Introductory Zoology (or equivalent)
Classification, functional morphology, development and evolution of the major animal groups.

All three with a grade of "C" or better

Courses to be offered in 2011 have yet to be confirmed but will be similar to 2009 offerings, which are listed below:

There will be opportunities for remunerated work during the marine semester, involving participation in the research program of Marine Biologists from UNB and the St. Andrews Biological Station. A certain number of HMSC scholarships, valued at $300-$400, will also likely be available to students.