The new Marine and Coastal Science (MACS) program is offering unique opportunities to Western students interested in the Earth's oceans and preserving them for future generations. Students are admitted in cohorts and take courses in marine geological, chemical, ecological and physical processes throughout their time in MACS. Students start their MACS experience with a one-week, intensive, field-based program at Western's Shannon Point Marine Center where they have the opportunity to get their feet wet, literally, and be immersed in the field of marine science through boat-based water sampling, marsh sediment coring, intertidal zone exploration, and more.
While we are proud to offer these opportunities to students, some of whom have never been on a boat before they enter our program, we are conscious that the cost of participation, especially in the field-based courses that require significant lab fees to operate, can be prohibitive. For example, the student cost for their one-week residential experience is $350. We are raising funds to offset some of these costs through reduced course fees and scholarships so all students can follow their dreams of becoming marine scientists, no matter their socioeconomic status. We are also raising unrestricted funds to offer experiences that build the MACS community. Help us develop the next generation of marine scientists by contributing to these Marine and Coastal Science funds. 100% of all donations directly support MACS students.
