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Marine Undergraduate Soundwaters Experience (MUSE)

Biology

Undergraduates engaged in upper-level studies of marine science, biology, environmental studies and/or education, have the unique opportunity to enroll in MUSE (Marine Undergraduate SoundWaters Experience), an integrated program that combines coursework, research, independent study projects, and opportunities to teach younger students using the resources of Fairfield University and SoundWaters, a nonprofit organization dedicated to the protection of Long Island Sound and its watershed. Students use the Sound as a living laboratory and sail aboard the 80-foot schooner SoundWaters, which serves as a floating classroom for a variety of environmental education programs. By working in this program, students increase their understanding of many environmental issues and their ability to lead and promote responsible efforts to preserve marine life in and around the Sound.

The Program

Coursework

Students take two courses in marine science at Fairfield (six to seven credits), comlete BI 393 MUSE Internship during the fll semester or BI 394 MUSE Internship during the spring semester at SoundWaters (six credits) and complete BI 391 MUSE Research during the fall semester or BI 392 Muse Research during the spring semester (three credits) at SoundWaters.

The course offerings at Fairfield include one required course:

  • Introduction to Marine Science (BI 78)

If you have already taken this course or the equivalent, you may choose among:

  • Tropical Marine Biology (BI 80)
  • Marine Biology (BI 100) - offered during summer only
  • Marine Invertebrate Zoology (BI 362)
  • Principles of Aquaculture Seminar/Lab (BI 382)
  • Coral Reef Ecology Seminar (BI 383)
  • Ecology of the North Atlantic Coast (BI 388)
  • Pollution in the Environment (PS 220)

Internship

As an intern at SoundWaters Community Center for Environmental Education you will assist educators teaching ecology to urban elementary, middle and high school students involved in the SoundWaters after-school programs. You will also have the opportunity to teach aboard the schooner, SoundWaters, and participate in overnight educational programs offered aboard the vessel.

Research

With faculty assistance and approval you will design and carry out your own research project. The project may involve scientific observation, testing and recording, such as a study of water quality in a stream or the Sound. It may call for practical environmental work, such as restoring degraded habitats in Cove Island Park or it could be primarily educational, such as preparing exhibits or environmental lesson plans for SoundWaters. Long Island Sound and its watershed offers a great variety of subjects for study.

The Personnel

The principal teachers and supervisors you will encounter in the MUSE program are:

Diane J. Brousseau (Director of Marine Science, Fairfield University)
Carla Schneider (MUSE Coordinator)
Frank Cantelmo (Board of Directors, SoundWaters)
Anne Harper (Executive Director, SoundWaters)

Depending on your choices of courses and activities, you may encounter other faculty at Fairfield or members of the instructional staff at SoundWaters.