Scientific Writing through Marine Research

Develop scientific thinking and writing skills through hands-on marine research. This inquiry-based course guides students through the research process using Monterey Bay's coastal ecosystems as a living laboratory. Students will observe ecological patterns, review scientific literature, ask creative questions, design a study, collect field data, and interpret results. The course culminates in a scientific paper developed through iterative peer and instructor feedback, emphasizing critical thinking, hypothesis development, and clear argumentation from evidence. No prior experience required. This course fulfills the same laboratory requirement as BIO 47; satisfies WIM in Earth Systems.A limited travel stipend may be available for students traveling to Hopkins Marine Station - located approximately 80 miles south of Stanford's main campus in Pacific Grove, CA. For information about spending a quarter in residence at Hopkins Marine Station please see https://hopkinsmarinestation.stanford.edu/stanford-hopkins-residence.