Published: 29 January 2009

Did you know that Ireland has 220million acres of land under the sea? Do you know how scientists produce maps of that area? Have you ever wondered how scientists investigate ocean currents and fish species? How do they find out what is living on the sea floor?

Following the highly successful initiative in October 2008, the Marine Institute's Integrated Marine Exploration Programme (IMEP), funded under the Strategy for Science, Technology and Innovation (SSTI), will give transition year students a further opportunity to go onboard the national research vessel the RV Celtic Voyager.

The Discover Science@Sea will give TY students hands on experience of the practical work that marine scientists and technicians carry out onboard a research vessel.  They will be able to explore the variety of career options available them on the ocean waves.

During the Discover Science@Sea, you will:

• Learn how geophysicists use the latest underwater sound technology to create 3D maps of the seabed
• Learn how ecologists use the animals that live there to determine how clean our seas really are
• Help oceanographers investigate the physical properties of water by measuring the temperature and salinity of the water at different depths
• See how small differences in temperature are responsible for vast global ocean currents

During the programme:

• Marine biologists will reveal the microscopic world of the animals and plants that live in a single drop of water and which form the base of the food chain
• Fisheries scientists will demonstrate how to measure and tell a fish's age by extracting and dissecting a small ear bone or otolith

How to apply

If you are a transition year student who is genuinely interested in a career in marine science or marine technology and would like the opportunity to discover more about what these careers involve, please download and complete the Discover Science@Sea application form and post it to:

IMEP, Marine Institute, Rinville, Oranmore, Co. Galway, Ireland.

Each application must be signed by a parent or guardian and accompanied by a Teacher’s reference form.

Places on this course are limited, so we would like budding marine scientists and engineers to tell us briefly why you should be chosen to join the RV Celtic Voyager in April.

Download the forms:

• Discover Science@Sea Student application form
• Discover Science@Sea teacher reference form

Comments from TY students.

“It was very interesting, very informative……. I really enjoyed the whole experience”

                   Laura Reardon, Mount Mercy College, Cork.

“Really enjoyable definitely considering a career in Marine Science after the experience”

                   Niamh Gunning, Mount Mercy College, Cork.

“Really interesting and useful, very informative.

Ciara Stanton, Mount Mercy College, Cork

“Really good fun, a great experience. I will definitely consider a career in Marine Science”

                   Hannah Davis, Mount Mercy College, Cork.

“I loved it!” Fatima Syed, Mount Mercy College, Cork.

“Everything was great!” Aoife Barron, St. Angel’s Convent, Waterford.

“Very helpful. Answered all my questions. A great day.” Seamus De Mordha, Meanscoil San Nioclais, Ring Co. Waterford.

“Interesting and informative” Cillian Murphy, Summerhill College, Sligo.

For more information, please click here