Independent Field-Based Assignments
Apply a field method repeatedly and learn how careful observations become a defensible dataset.
Photo: Tomáš Kotuč
What is IFBA?
IFBA gives university students a structured way to complete the practical field component of an assignment, capstone, internship project or similar coursework requirement in Sodwana Bay. The focus is on applying an agreed method carefully and repeatedly so that field observations become a structured dataset suitable for academic coursework.
Sharklife helps turn your university placement requirements into a practical field plan that can be completed within the time available. We provide field-method training, practical guidance, local logistics and support with field records and data quality, while your university remains responsible for academic supervision and assessment.
IFBA is intended for university coursework and undergraduate placement requirements. Thesis or dissertation research is handled through the separate Thesis Placement pathway.
Who is it for?
- University students completing a field assignment, capstone, internship project or similar placement requirement.
- Students whose coursework requires a practical field component.
- Students who can work independently once trained and provide their university requirements before arrival.
From Field Observations to a Defensible Dataset
Good field data is built through repetition, consistency and careful records.
During an IFBA, students move beyond simply learning a method. They apply an established field protocol repeatedly, maintain accurate records and learn how quality control turns many individual observations into a dataset that can be interpreted with confidence.
The emphasis is on the discipline behind reliable field science: following the same method carefully, recording the information that gives each observation context, checking the dataset for errors and understanding what the data can, and cannot, support.
Plan carefully. Follow the method. Record consistently. Check the data. Interpret what it can support.
How an IFBA Works
Each placement is adapted to the university requirements, but the process follows four clear stages from planning to a checked dataset and coursework output.
1. Plan Your Placement
Send us your university requirements, degree programme, area of interest and preferred dates. IFBA placements are normally around 12 weeks, although shorter or longer stays can be considered where the coursework allows.
Outcome: A workable placement plan matched to your university requirements. Ideally contact us at least 8 weeks before arrival.
2. Train & Pilot the Method
Complete station induction, learn the agreed field method and practise it before beginning the main field period. Where appropriate, an initial pilot helps identify practical problems and confirms that records can be collected consistently.
Outcome: A clear, repeatable field procedure and record structure that you can apply consistently.
3. Repeatable Fieldwork
Apply the agreed method repeatedly, keep accurate field records and metadata, and work within normal field and weather conditions. Consistency matters because each observation needs to be comparable with the next.
Outcome: A structured set of field observations with the records needed to understand where, when and how they were collected.
4. Check, Interpret & Complete
Review the dataset for missing information, inconsistencies and obvious errors. Then use the checked data to complete the coursework or other placement requirements set by your university.
Outcome: A checked dataset, your university deliverable and a brief placement summary.
IFBA is an education and coursework placement, not a formal research programme. Student-generated data and outputs are intended for academic assessment and portfolio development. Thesis, dissertation or publication-focused work follows the separate Thesis Placement pathway.
University Oversight & Field Support
Your university retains academic supervision and assessment. Sharklife provides the field training, methodological guidance and operational support needed to complete the practical component in Sodwana Bay.
Your University
- Defines the academic requirements and standard.
- Provides academic supervision.
- Approves the placement or assignment where required.
- Sets and assesses the final coursework.
Sharklife
- Helps shape a feasible field plan around the university requirements.
- Provides field-method training, practical guidance and support with consistent field records.
- Supports field logistics, practical problem-solving and basic data-quality checks.
- Can confirm participation or practical competencies where required by the university.
Quick IFBA Questions
A few practical questions students usually ask before contacting us.
Can IFBA support university credit?
Potentially, depending on your university. Share your university requirements before confirming a placement. Sharklife can provide participation and competency verification where needed, but your university decides whether the placement qualifies for credit.
Do I need scuba certification?
Not necessarily. It depends on the placement requirements. If scuba is needed and you do not already hold the appropriate certification, the necessary course can be built into your placement plan and quotation.
Can IFBA be used for a thesis or dissertation?
No. IFBA is intended for coursework and undergraduate placement requirements. Thesis, dissertation or publication-focused work should be discussed through the separate Thesis Placement pathway.
How far ahead should I contact Sharklife?
Ideally at least 8 weeks before your preferred start date. Send us your university requirements and preferred dates so we have time to confirm that the placement is workable and plan it properly.
Placement Planning & Costs
Placement length and field requirements vary, so we confirm costs once we understand the university requirements.
As a guide, placements are typically around US$450 per week.
Quotations normally include accommodation, local transport, field-station support and relevant field-method training. Where scuba certification is required, the appropriate course can be included in the placement plan.
Send us your university requirements and preferred dates. We will discuss what is workable and then provide a quotation for the proposed placement.
Just some of the universities we host students from:
Testimonials
“My time at Sharklife was truly a unique and unforgettable experience. I got to experience so many incredible moments, from diving and swimming with a wide variety of marine species to learning more about marine science and meeting so many wonderful people.”
Emma - 2026
“My time at Sharklife was amazing! The staff are so kind and I loved learning from them and seeing how what we’re doing contributed to real life research.”
Erin - 2026
“My six-month internship at Sharklife was a truly unique experience. I would like to thank the entire team for their dedication and passion. Sharing their knowledge and expertise about the marine environment allowed me to learn so much about a world that we still know so little about. The incredible biodiversity of the Sodwana reefs gave me the opportunity to carry out my personal project under the best possible conditions. This site is undoubtedly one of the most pristine and biodiverse in the world, and the encounters this environment offers are ones you will never forget.”
Jules - 2026
“Being part of Sharklife has been a great privilege. The opportunity to dive in Sodwana Bay, one of the healthiest and most biodiverse reefs I have visited, uniquely combines the joy of exploration with rigorous science. Exploring these ecosystems while learning sampling techniques—BRUV, RUV, acoustic monitoring, and underwater visual census—has provided me with invaluable experience and a solid foundation in marine research. Collaborating and becoming part of the Sharklife family has been an honour. This internship has meant growth—both professional and personal—that extends far beyond the academic.”
Pau - 2026
“My time at Sharklife was invaluable. As an inexperienced student, I was welcomed into a dedicated and enthusiastic team that introduced me to what conservation and marine science are all about. I’m sure I’ll be coming back for my Master’s thesis!”
Lola - 2026
“My time at Sharklife was completely transformative to how I approach everything now. My love for diving and science grew tenfold, and I got to experience that among friends for life. Sharklife was able to take me on extremely short notice and they accommodated me perfectly and I couldn’t be more grateful for it. I already know that I want to come back!”
Rio - 2026
Enquire about an IFBA Placement
Tell us what your university requires and when you would like to come to Sodwana Bay. If you already have a placement brief, handbook or assessment guide, include it with your enquiry. We will review the academic requirements, field-method needs and practical feasibility, then get back to you about a suitable placement.