The Semester by the Sea (SBS) program is total immersion in the marine realm for undergraduate juniors and seniors. Students spend a fall semester in residence at the DMC taking hands-on, field-oriented courses that prepare them for careers or advanced degrees in marine science. You can expect to work hard, learn a lot about marine science, and have fun.
Hands-On Learning
SBS courses are unique. They meet one day a week, most for the whole day, with lectures, labs and field trips scheduled around the tides. Ready access to a myriad of marine environments and faculty mentors makes the DMC is the perfect venue for capstone and honors projects.
Outstanding Faculty
SBS courses are taught by faculty who are internationally recognized experts in their fields. They didn't just read the text books; they helped write them!
Excellent Facilities
The DMC is one of the leading marine research stations on the eastern seaboard of North America. We have research vessels, flowing seawater classrooms/laboratories, electron microscopes, marine library and dormitory/dining facilities.
The Students' Perspective - SBS '09 on YouTube!
Get the inside scoop from the students of SBS '08. Here, on the UM School of Marine Sciences website, they candidly discuss SBS academics and student life at the DMC.
Here's another movie. This time featuring the SBS class of 2004!
The April/May 2002 issue of UMaine Today features an article on the SBS program.
Take home message
Year after year, students give SBS rave reviews. Students work hard, learn lots and have fun at the DMC. Kick your academic career into high gear. Talk to your academic advisor today and plan to join us this fall for Semester by the Sea!
Prerequisites, Application & Contacts
To participate in Semester by the Sea you must have at least a junior year standing, or equivalent background, with one year of biology and one year of chemistry. Upon acceptance to the SBS program, students not currently enrolled at the University of Maine will be sent additional paperwork required by the University.
To apply download the SBS application (pdf) and return the completed form by March 15 to:
SBS/Undergraduate Coordinator
School of Marine Sciences
5706 Aubert Hall, Room 360
University of Maine
Orono, Maine 04469-5706
For academic information contact:
Dr. William Ellis
207-581-4360
wge@umit.maine.edu
For DMC information contact:
Linda Healy
207-563-3146, extension 200
lhealy@maine.edu
SBS Courses
- Marine Ecology
- Invertebrates of the Maine Coast
- Human Impacts on the Ocean
- Zooplankton and Ichthyoplankton in Marine Ecosystems
- Introduction to Research Diving
- Independent Study/Research
Some courses are offered every other year. Additionally, courses on special topics may be added to the offerings each fall. Please contact the School of Marine Sciences to confirm course offerings for each year.
Is SBS only available to marine science students at the University of Maine?
No. SBS is open to any student at the University of Maine, as well as students from other campuses of the University of Maine System or any other academic institution.
If your university is a member of the National Student Exchange program, you can work through your study away program and NSE to come to UM for the semester. This is the easiest route, because all of your financial aid would stay the same and stay with your home institution. The National Student Exchange program has their own website that may be helpful: http://www.nse.org.
Students from outside institutions should contact Dr. William Ellis by phone at 207-581-4360 or email at wge@umit.maine.edu for more information.
Do I have to take all of the SBS courses?
No. Though my must take at least 12 credits to be a full-time student in the SBS program, the only required course of all SBS participants is the undergraduate seminar.
Can I take just one SBS courses?
Yes. It is possible to take one course provided that space is available. Priority is given to students registering for the entire SBS program.
Where will I live?
SBS students live in Darling Marine Center housing adjacent to laboratories and classrooms. Requests to live off campus will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
Where is the Darling Marine Center?
The Center is 106 miles from the Orono campus. It is located on a large wooded property along the Damariscotta River Estuary in the small village of Walpole, Maine. The nearby town of Damariscotta offers shops, restaurants and a cinema.
How much will it cost?
SBS students pay the normal University of Maine tuition plus a $250 program fee. Reduction in other fees charged on campus more than offset the SBS program fee. Costs of room and board are based on those charged for double occupancy and full meal plan at the University of Maine.
What about recreation?
Outdoor recreation predominates at the Center’s rural location. Canoeing, kayaking, hiking, bicycling, picnicking, volleyball, and basketball are popular activities. The town of Damariscotta has a YMCA with fitness facilities. Portland, Maine's largest city is about an hour away.