The International School of Marine Conservation Science (isMCS) is an intensive 10-day course focused on evidence-based conservation of marine systems from population to ecosystem levels, including human dimension and topical issues in marine conservation, organized jointly by the Department of Biodiversity, University of Primorska (Slovenia, EU) and the Deparment of Wildlife and Fisheries, Oregon State University (USA) in collaboration with the Blue World Institute of Marine Research and Conservation (Croatia, EU).

isMCS is primarily directed at MSc and PhD students with a basic degree in biology/ecology and related subjects. isMCS program includes in-class lectures, discussions and debates, problem solving exercises, computer labs, group projects, evening lectures given by invited speakers and field classes. The lecture portion of the isMCS is based out of the University of Primorska in the city of Koper, Slovenia, located on the northern coast of the Adriatic Sea, with field courses in Italy and Croatia.

isMCS is taught in English by an international team of instructors from USA and Europe, with expertise in the different fields of marine conservation science. The school is accredited by both U.S. (5 credits) and the European university credit systems (6 ECTS), by the Oregon State University and the University of Primorska, respectively. 

Our goal is to provide not only concept and content, but to also facilitate interactions between, and learning among students coming from different countries and geo-political systems of Europe, Americas, Asia and the Indo-Pacific, and Africa. Given that students in this class are developing professionals who aim to make their careers in the field of marine conservation, these international contacts may form the basis for long-term international collaborative opportunities.

More information on the student requirements, tuition fees, student grants and registration are available here.

isMCS overview