Spring 2026
The application period for this program has passed.
Marine Biology Lab
Falmouth, United StatesProgram At a Glance
Terms Offered
SpringLanguage
Classes In
Lodging
Dormitory
Department
Biological Sciences
About This Program
The Biological Sciences Department is pleased to sponsor a spring term program at the Marine Biology Lab (MBL) in Woods Hole, MA. The MBL's Semester of Biological Discovery (SBD) program provides a uniquely intensive and immersive research experience for undergraduates interested in studying biodiversity, neurophysiology, imaging, and oceanography using aquatic organisms and cutting-edge technology. Modeled on the MBL's world-renown Advanced Research Training Courses, this program has been described as "a graduate program for undergraduates" where students learn in hands-on, laboratory-based courses led by distinguished faculty and researchers.
Founded in Woods Hole, Massachusetts in 1888, the MBL is a private, nonprofit institution. The MBL draws a unique mix of researchers ranging from early-career scientists to Nobel Laureates, and students at levels from high school to postdoctoral. Their interactions have led to multiple, transformative breakthroughs in our understanding of biology. Well over 500 scientists and faculty are involved annually in research and educational programs – some based at MBL full-time, some coming to the MBL for portions of the year, and some leading or lecturing in their broad range of research courses.
Enrollment Information
Every year about 4 students are selected for this program. Students first apply through the Guarini Institute by the February 1st application deadline. After February 1st, faculty from the Department of Biological Sciences will review applications and make acceptance decisions. Students will be notified of their acceptance decisions on March 1st.
Successful applicants who are accepted and commit to the program will receive a nomination from the Guarini Institute. Applying for an exchange program involves two steps: if you receive a nomination from the Guarini Institute you will also need to complete the host institution's application, which is administered and reviewed by the host institution. The host institution makes the final acceptance decision. The Guarini Institute will provide further instructions on this second step to students after they are accepted and commit to a program.
For more information about applying for this program, see our webpage on How to Apply & our FAQs under section 2 (How to Apply: Application), or contact the Guarini Institute.
ACADEMIC PROGRAM
Faculty Director
Magdalena Bezanilla Professor of Biological Sciences Curriculum
The SBD is organized as a series of 4 three-week modules; students chose a single course in each module. However, Dartmouth participants on this program will participate in three modules, beginning with module 2. Students can transfer back courses to count towards their Dartmouth diploma.
Click here for information on modules 2, 3, and 4
Click here for transfer credit information
Prerequisites
Students may apply to participate in their sophomore and/or junior years.
Students should have taken at least one and preferably two from among the following foundational courses: Bio 12/19, 13, 14, or 15.
Financing Your Program
Student Life
The MBL is located in Woods Hole, a small village of Falmouth, MA. Woods Hole is a beautiful village located on the shores of Cape Cod and is home to a robust scientific community, including the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institute, the USGS Coastal and Marine Sciences Center, the SEA Education Association, and the Woodwell Climate Research Center, among other organizations.
Students live in dorms on MBL's campus with their own room and shared bathroom, and have access to a meal plan. Generally, students can easily navigate Woods Hole by foot and frequently obtain bikes to get around town and take bike paths to the slightly larger downtown of Falmouth. Students have access to the MBL beach which is about a 5 minute walk away from the campus. While students are encouraged to explore the local area independently, MBL also organizes some local, weekend excursions for students throughout the program.
Woods Hole has a ferry terminal for Martha's Vineyard and Nantucket islands which are a ~45 minute ferry ride away. Peter Pan bus lines run between the ferry terminals and Boston, this allows for students to get to and from Logan airport and South Station in a little under two hours.
Click here for more information on student life at MBL.
Tuition and Fees
Dartmouth students pay tuition and service fees to Dartmouth; room and board fees as well as transportation to and from the program site are the responsibility of the student. Because the exchange is an official program sponsored by the College, Dartmouth students do not need to pay the transfer term fee that the College charges to students who study on outside programs during leave terms.
Financial Aid
In order that all qualified Dartmouth undergraduate students may have the opportunity to take part in off-campus programs, the College endeavors to adjust its normal financial aid awards for students already receiving aid. Tuition and expected family contribution for Dartmouth's off-campus programs are the same as for an on-campus term.
All costs, including airfare and spending money, are considered when determining the cost of an off-campus program. Any costs in excess of a typical term in Hanover are met with additional Dartmouth Scholarship Funds. If you have a work expectation for the term, this will be replaced by scholarship funding.
Students are responsible for purchasing their own plane ticket and, in many cases, meals. Often this means that part of the expected family contribution is used towards these costs rather than for tuition. For help sorting out who pays what and how, contacting the Financial Aid office is often advisable.
Financing your program | Financial Aid | Scholarships | Budgeting & Costs
Program Resources
Department Contact
Sherry Finnemore Department Administrator Alumni Contact
TBD