US Maine: Summer Field Study: Summer 2026

BIO 388F: Marine Biology Laboratory (2026)

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 rocky shores, mudflats, estuaries, and salt marshes. Highlights include a puffin-watching trip, Coastal Maine Botanical gardens, Pemaquid Point lighthouse, and a lobster dinner.

Application Deadline: TBD

Program Details

NOTE: This program is NOT running in 2025 but should be offered in summer 2026
Program Leaders: TBD
Program Location: Darling Marine Center, Damariscotta, Maine
Tentative Program Dates: Late July to early August 2026
Credit: 2 – Standard Letter
Prerequisites: BIO210 Introduction to Marine Science
Course Requirements: Attendance at pre-travel meetings, participation in all on-site activities, graded detailed field notebooks, scientific data analysis, fieldwork on-site, lab practical exam, and final lab report.
Anticipated Number of Students: 12
Estimated Undergraduate Program Fee: $2,250
Program Fee Includes: Tuition, housing, all meals, on-site activities, on-site transportation, lab fees, program administration, and emergency insurance.
Estimated Additional Costs: Airfare or other transportation to/from Portland, Maine $550, personal expenses $150, federal loan fees $0, books/course materials $0, and professional licensure/certification $0.
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.
Please Note: All dates are tentative and subject to change depending on the final number of students, final costs and other considerations.
Please Note: 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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