US Maine: Summer Field Study: Summer 2026

BIO 388F: Maine - Marine Biology Lab

Study of North Atlantic marine life at the marine sciences laboratory of the Darling Marine Centre in Maine. Investigates the ecology, diversity, biogeography and oceanography of coastal marine ecosystems with particular emphasis on the study of rocky shores, mudflats, estuaries and saltmarshes. Highlights include a puffin-watching trip, visits to the Maine State Aquarium, Coastal Maine Botanical gardens, sea kayaking, as well a lobster dinner. The course is physically demanding.

Application Deadline: February 2, 2026

Program Details

Program Leaders: Fiona Harper and Paul Stephenson
Program Location: Darling Marine Center, Damariscotta, Maine
Tentative Travel Dates: Arrive July 13, 2026; Depart July 24, 2026
Credit: 2 – Letter Grade
Prerequisites: BIO210
Course Requirements: On-site exams, field notebooks, data analysis, research paper, reading and discussing primary literature, class participation
Anticipated Number of Students: 12
Estimated Undergraduate Program Fee: $2,740
Program Fee Includes: Tuition, housing, all meals/food, program administration, on-site activities, on-site transportation, use of lab facilities.
Estimated Additional Costs: Roundtrip airfare from Orlando International Airport (MCO) $250, personal expenses $125, federal loan fees $0, books/course materials $0, and professional licensure/certification $0.
Visa: Not required for U.S. Citizens
Special Notifications: This course is physically demanding with substantial walking, walking on uneven ground or pavement, use of stairs, and strenuous activities such as one sampling trip on a boat and one field excursion using kayaks. There will also be locations with no air conditioning. All meals will be provided by Darling Marine lab's on site cafeteria which caters for vegetarians, however students with food allergies may have limited food options. Finally, this program has a zero-tolerance alcohol policy for all students.
* All dates are tentative and subject to change depending on the final number of students, final costs and other considerations.
** Estimated costs for all programs are based on anticipated numbers of students, current exchange rates, and commercial airfares. Costs are subject to change. Final prices will always be communicated to accepted students before they commit to the program.

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