Students will investigate how different environmental stresses affect the growth of a variety of marine phytoplankton. Students will learn how to run continuous phytoplankton cultures, in tandem with independent research projects. Such stressor experiments might include higher temperatures (global warming), lower pH (ocean acidification), UV light (stratospheric ozone reduction), the impact of different types of anti-fouling paint or detergents ( “eco-friendly” vs. traditional), presence of caffeine in the water (non-trivial in Seattle!). The larger project is important because phytoplankton numbers and diversity dictate the size, health and diversity of the entire marine ecosystem. It also contributes to a larger study exploring the movement of a global tropical rain band with global warming.
Students live on-site. All courses involve fieldwork, boats, laboratory work, and research mentorship from award-winning faculty. Freshmen-seniors and post-bacs are encouraged to apply. Tuition is the same as the Seattle campus, financial aid applies, and more aid is available as needed. Application deadline is July 1.
Contact marbiol at uw.edu for information about how to uses these credits for your major and minor.
