The Beam Reach curriculum lets you practice science as you learn about critical marine and environmental issues. It's designed to let you experience the scientific process and intensive field work.

The curriculum is divided into 2 courses:
Marine Field Research 10 quarter credits and
Practicing Sustainability Science 8 quarter credits

The upcoming programs will focus on the southern resident orcas and our shared ecosystem.  We emphasize the use of acoustic technologies to explore the underwater environment. We are expanding our passive listening capabilities and exploring active sonar and acoustic fish tagging.

Your individual project in Marine Field Research can be completely unique or can build upon previous work by local scientists and past Beam Reach students. Check out past student research topics:

fall 2005 | fall 2006 | fall 2007

Practicing research methods on land will prepare you for your research at sea. Field trips will help you develop the broad societal (vs. scientific) motivation for your main research project.

You’ll also get first-hand experience with real-world marine policy issues and the technologies that can help to mitigate marine environmental problems.  You'll meet local decision-makers and learn how they use scientific information to define and work toward marine sustainability.