Marine Studies

Florence | Elba

Fall Semester 2026

A Semester of Science, Research and Academic Excellence

This unique program offers students a semester of science, research, and discovery in Florence and the Mediterranean. Combining coursework in environmental marine biology, biostatistics, and scientific communication, this 15-credit program includes intensive fieldwork on Elba Island where students conduct hands-on marine research, collect and analyze data, and engage with leading experts in sustainability and ecology. Through snorkeling-based field assessments, visits to marine reserves and research centers, and real-world conservation projects, students gain pre-professional experience and technical proficiency while exploring the intersection of marine science, culture, and communication in one of Europe’s most biodiverse environments.

Interdisciplinary Marine Studies Program: where Marine Science meets Mediterranean discovery

This program offers an immersive and comprehensive pathway into marine science, blending academic rigor with dynamic field experiences and professional preparation that include:

Hands-on marine research and fieldwork in the Mediterranean, including snorkeling-based data collection on Elba Island.
Interdisciplinary scientific training, combining marine biology, biostatistics, and science communication.

Real-world collaboration with research centers, conservation groups, and environmental organizations.
Professional skill-building through research design, data analysis, and presenting scientific findings.

The aim of the field-work components is:

Equip students with practical research experience in marine ecosystems through direct observation, data collection, and ecological assessment.

Strengthen scientific skills by applying classroom knowledge to real environments, collaborating with experts, and contributing to ongoing conservation efforts.

Course Goals:

Develop foundational knowledge in marine biology, sustainability, and ecological processes.
Build proficiency in scientific research methods, data analysis, and field techniques.

Enhance the ability to communicate scientific concepts across academic, professional, and public audiences.
Foster critical thinking and problem-solving skills for understanding and addressing marine environmental challenges.

Program Philosophy

The Interdisciplinary Marine Studies program is grounded in the idea that scientific understanding grows through the integration of knowledge, experience, and curiosity. By combining biology, sustainability, data science, and communication, the course encourages students to view the marine environment as a connected system shaped by both natural and human forces.

Equally important is the belief that learning deepens through active engagement with real-world environments. Through fieldwork, research, and collaboration with experts, students explore the Mediterranean as a living laboratory while building adaptability, responsibility, and confidence as emerging scientists and environmental stewards.

Highlights of academic excellence and pre-professional experiences

Training in a swimming pool

Preliminary pool session to review general snorkeling techniques and learn specific methodologies for
marine data collection (scientific snorkeling).

Data collection in the field

Preliminary field assessment focusing substrate rougosity measurements, benthic composition analysis,
and coral size estimation.

Ginevro mine on Elba Island

Academic site visit to analyze the environmental impact of human activities on Elba Island and their effects on aquatic ecosystems.

Wetland visit & ecological assessment

A visit to the protected Mola wetland to assess the
arthropod community associated with tamarisk trees – an ecological edge between marine and terrestrial environments.

Cetaceans monitoring

Students observe dolphins using binoculars and cameras, and listen to their vocalizations via hydrophones.
The session includes an introduction to local species and monitoring techniques.

Visit to turtle rescue & beach clean-up

A visit to the Turtle Rescue Center in Riccione to learn about Mediterranean
sea turtles and the threats to their survival. They observe rehabilitation practices, including physiotherapy for injured turtles. Additionally,
students participate in a beach clean-up, collecting and cataloging litter.

Visit to the aquarium on Elba Island & Livorno

Lab activity at the Aquarium on Elba Island and in Livorno. The students identify the Mediterranean species,
observe their behavior and learn different methodologies to collect data on field.

Visit to Pianosa Island & CNR

Data collection activity within the Marine Protected Area of Pianosa and visit to the CNR (National Research Council) base. The head of the center presents the main research projects
carried out on the island, explaining their objectives, methods, and results.

NATLAB visit

In partnership with the World Biodiversity Association, students explore the entomological
collection of the Tuscan Archipelago, prepare specimens under the microscope, and handle live invertebrates.
The activity highlights island endemism resulting from geographic isolation provided by the sea.

Final symposium

Final presentation of the research projects conducted during the course at the PNAT conference center.

What are my courses?

An intensive, full-immersion course combining lectures and hands-on fieldwork to explore Mediterranean marine ecology, the impacts of human activities, and sustainability strategies. Students engage in scientific snorkeling, data collection, and field research across the Tuscan Archipelago, culminating in an original research project presented at a final symposium.

4 credits

This course offers an accessible introduction to statistics with a focus on applications in the biological and life sciences. Students learn core concepts of data visualization and statistical inference while gaining hands-on experience with the R programming language. Through real-world biological datasets and a final marine-focused analytical project, the course prepares students to critically interpret scientific data and conduct basic statistical analyses independently.

4 credits

This course combines marine biology with visual storytelling to help students communicate ocean science clearly and creatively. In addition to producing visual narratives such as slide decks, infographics, posters, photo exhibitions, videos, and alternative formats, students learn the fundamentals of scientific writing by completing both a scientific report and an academic scientific paper. The course builds both scientific understanding and effective communication skills.

3 credits

The Florence Experience I is an interdisciplinary introductory course that builds basic Italian language skills (speaking, listening, reading, and writing) through real-world cultural immersion. Students learn essential grammar and vocabulary while exploring contemporary Florentine and Italian culture. Florence itself becomes a “living classroom” through on-site activities such as interviews with locals, visits to markets, field trips, treasure hunts, and exchanges with University of Florence students. Classroom learning is supported by interactive sessions, making language acquisition dynamic and experiential.

4 credits

Prerequisites

One semester of basic concepts in biology, ecology, and zoology.
Students must complete an official swimming test (detailed below).
CPR and First Aid: – mandatory training and certificate. Please note all CPR/First Aid courses must be issued in person and must have a practical component. Online certifications are not accepted in Italy.
Certificates and Documents to be completed and uploaded 90 days prior the official beginning of the program:
• Certification of the swim test.
• Certification of CPR and First Aid training.
• Medical statement signed by a physician.
• Liability waiver form provided by ISI Florence.

Swimming Test

Jump or dive into the deep end of the pool.
Swim underwater for a distance of 15 feet.
Demonstrate rhythmic breathing (freestyle or breaststroke) continuously for four lengths of the pool (or at least 100 yards).
Tread water for two minutes.
Survival float face down (while taking breaths) for one minute.
Each skill needs to be performed for the entire time/distance without stopping.
Swim 200 yards without swim aids (or 300 yards with aids such as fins, mask, and snorkel).
Float without the assistance of a flotation device for 15 minutes.

Feedback from former students

Yes, this program met all my expectations! It was very immersive and a once in a lifetime opportunity […]. It also helped me learn more about researching and projects since that is what I want to do for a career.
T. Williams

I feel like this taught me that I can do whatever I put my mind to. We all really improved in our data taking and swimming abilities and got to step out of our comfort zones in all aspects. I loved the people on this trip so whoever picked us definitely did it right!
P. Costeau

I really liked being able to practice field methods in the actual field. Being able to dive and snorkel in the Mediterranean was a once in a lifetime opportunity and I am so glad that I was able to be a part of it.
L. Hellman

The program exceeded my expectations. I learned so much that will benefit me in graduate school and in my future career. It was truly an incredible, one-of-a-kind experience, and I would never have gained these opportunities or pushed myself this far without it.
S. Snyder

My time on Elba with Professor Branconi was truly the best experience. I can’t say enough good things about her—she cares deeply about the research and makes sure we fully understand everything we’re doing. I learned more from her in four weeks than I have from any other professor. I also appreciated having a TA to support us with all the small things we didn’t want to overwhelm the professor with.
A. Wellington

This program has been the best thing I’ve ever been apart of. At times it was really hard emotionally just adjusting to being abroad for the first time or being with the same people all the time, but overall this is an experience I will forever cherish and I will miss dearly.
I. Santoro