Taking a Deep Dive into Marine Biology

Windsor Blue Ocean is an enriching interdisciplinary program that encourages ambitious, creative, and motivated students to become specialists in scientific research and conservation, and leaders in environmental education and protection.

Created in partnership with the Perry Institute for Marine Science (PIMS), Windsor Blue Ocean gives students the opportunity to learn alongside renowned marine scientists and conservation professionals working to protect endangered marine species and habitats. Students of the program immerse themselves into cutting-edge research, lab work and field excursions to enhance their marine biology knowledge. Students  will also become specialists in not only marine biology, but conservation, environmental management, science communication, and underwater photography.

Hands-On Learning

Students are exposed to a plethora of experiences designed to enhance their knowledge, develop their practical skills, and support their academic goals and passions. Through integrated project-based activities, students build a unique set of skills to allow them to better understand, investigate, and solve complex, real-world problems faced by the natural world.

Students will study tropical marine ecosystems and the diverse range of marine species that they support, including corals, grouper, sharks, rays, turtles, conch, lobsters, urchins, seagrass and mangroves. In addition to theory classes, students will complete recreational and scientific dive training, carry out scientific surveys from the Perry Institute for Marine Science (PIMS) Research Vessel, and participate in the Blue Influence Seminar Class, an interactive session that examines cutting edge research techniques and emerging science and fosters science communication through guest speakers, discussion panels, and webinars.

Program Topics

There are three key themes running through each academic year: the biology, ecology, and conservation of tropical marine ecosystems. Coral reefs, mangrove forests, and seagrass meadows cover less than one percent of the Earth's surface, yet are amongst the most diverse and productive ecosystems on Earth, providing us with food, coastal protection, tourism, and recreation. These interconnected ecosystems, together with the species they support, will be studied in increasing depth and complexity each year, with a focus on applied research, protection, and restoration.