Shedd Aquarium
ACCA and the Shedd Aquarium will again sponsor a Freshwater Ecology course in Fall 2027 and a Marine Ecology course in Spring 2027.
- If you have questions, please contact Hilary Wind hwind@sheddaquarium.org
Details for Upcoming Spring 2026 Marine Ecology Course
- Course meets six Saturdays at Shedd Aquarium (March 14, March 21, March 28, April 11, April 18, and April 25)
- Florida field experience aboard the Coral Reef II is either May 9-15 OR May 15-21, 2026.
- Applications are due November 10, 2025. Late applicants will be accepted on a rolling basis.
Freshwater Ecology
Course Description
This class introduces students to freshwater ecology and human-environment interactions with a special focus on the Great Lakes and local waterways. In this class, students will investigate and research the roles that water, animals, plants, and humans play in freshwater ecosystems and explore conservation actions from a local to global scale. 4 credit hours.
Registration Fees
Tuition is paid to your university at the current rate. An additional laboratory fee of $150 covers all course materials, including all field trips.
Course instructor
Additional Information
https://www.sheddaquarium.org/programs-and-events/freshwater-ecology
Application Details & Deadline
Capacity is limited. Applications are due by May of the previous academic year.
Marine Ecology
Course Description
This course will introduce general ecological concepts pertaining to marine and island ecosystems as well as our relationship to these systems. Conservation management as it relates to island ecosystems will also be covered. The course will build on resources within Shedd Aquarium — including its collection and expert staff — along with guest speakers working in the field of marine conservation. Field research methods are introduced and applied during a week-long field research excursion to the Florida Keys aboard Shedd’s research vessel, the R/V Coral Reef II.
Registration Fees
Tuition is paid to your university at the current rate. An additional laboratory fee of $1,700 is due to Shedd Aquarium upon acceptance.
Course instructor
Additional Information
https://www.sheddaquarium.org/programs-and-events/marine-and-island-ecology
Application Details & Deadlines
Capacity is limited. Applications are due by November of each academic year.
Updated 9/27/2025