The Partnership for Interdisciplinary Studies of Coastal Oceans (PISCO) offers students a unique opportunity to obtain cross-disciplinary training in the marine sciences and ecology. The four universities participating in PISCO provide educational programs at the undergraduate, graduate, and postdoctoral levels under the guidance of leading scientists from diverse fields in ocean science. To obtain information about graduate studies with PISCO, send a request to pisco@piscoweb.org.
PISCO provides three intensive graduate-level courses that immerse students in interdisciplinary science and ocean policy. Through a mix of classroom, field, and lab experiences, students learn the latest concepts and approaches from leading experts in interdisciplinary marine research. Follow links for each course for complete course information.
- Biomechanics, Ecological Physiology, and Genetics. Hopkins Marine Station, Stanford University. This month-long course is taught by PISCO scientists Mark Denny, Steve Palumbi, and George Somero. Students gain the conceptual background and skills to study environmental stresses in the ocean, physiological and molecular responses, and genetic variability. (offered 2007, 2009)
- Physical Oceanography and Marine Ecosystems. 23 June-12 July, 2008. Long Marine Laboratory, University of California, Santa Cruz. PISCO scientists Margaret McManus, Jack Barth, and Libe Washburn(offered 2006, 2008) teach this three-week course. Lectures, fieldwork, and computer laboratory sessions explore the critical role of oceanographic processes in the ecology of coastal waters.
- Marine Conservation Science And Policy. Hatfield Marine Science Center, Oregon State University. PISCO scientists Jane LubchencoSteve Gaines teach the course with experts in marine policy. The two-week course engages students in hands-on, interactive learning about the political and legal aspects of marine management, the role of science in marine policy, and the communication of science to wider audiences. (offered 2007, 2009)
