Location:

Puerto Penasco, Mexico

Program Type:

Study Abroad

Degree Level:

Undergraduate

Term:

Summer

Program Overview

Program Description:

Ever want to be a marine biologist as a kid? Now is your chance to experience it at the Sea of Cortez which has one of the best intertidal expanses in the world! Join us during a week-long adventure as we explore the upper Sea of Cortez and bordering habitats around Puerto Peñasco during this introduction to Marine Biology field course. We’ll have many “hands-on” and “feet-in” experiences with marine organisms in their habitats, whether they be on sandy shores, rocky tidepools or swimming near local islands. Come immerse yourself in the wonders of the sea!

This 1-credit course BIO149AH-Field Biology: Marine Biology in Mexico will take you to the Sea of Cortez (Arizona's nearest ocean experience). At low tide, as much as 300 feet of what was once covered by the sea is exposed. There are no prereqs and no prior knowledge of Biology is necessary. This program is designed for non-majors, although Biology majors are welcome! Students will be studying the area between the tides and collecting both plant and animal specimens, which will be studied in aquariums and under the microscope. Participants will take part in an ongoing scientific survey of intertidal organisms in local habitats as well as sea lion and local bird populations. Students will also take part in a bird census of the endangered California least tern and their nesting colony near a local estuary.

Educational excursions include: bird-watching while kayaking through the Morua Estuary, a boat trip to Isla de San Jorge to view, snorkel or possibly scuba dive (for an additional cost) with a sea lion colony, a guided tour of the Trona salt mines, and a lecture on whales and other large animals of the Sea of Cortez (Gulf of California at the Center for the Study of Deserts and Oceans (CEDO). Accommodations are in the dormitories of CEDO, the base of operations for the trip.

Setting Description:

Puerto Peñasco, Mexico, known to many North Americans as Rocky Point, is a small fishing village located on the upper Sea of Cortez (Gulf of California). Being just over 60 miles from the US border, it is often called Arizona’s beach and is home to a sea lion breeding colony on Isla San Jorge where you will snorkel as part of the course.

Cost:

Please visit the Mesa Community College (Mesa, Arizona) study abroad website for annual dates and current pricing. Program fee includes: lodging, breakfast and lunch, field trips, round-trip transportation from Mesa, AZ, medical insurance and direct program fees.

Additional Program Information

Scholarships:

Yes

Scholarships Description:

See website for information.