2027 Course Offerings
ÌÇÐÄ´«Ã½s will select one course per block for a total of four courses. The course listings below reflect the Spring 2027 semester.
In addition, the full schedule of Marine Lab spring courses, including travel courses, is available to students in the Spring Engineering Semester who wish to further customize their block schedule. For a visual summary of all Marine Lab spring courses and travel courses by block, .
Block A
ECE 461A, ME 426A: Ocean Engineering
OCEAN ENGINEERING
ECE, ENVIRON 461A; ME 426A
A challenging Ocean Engineering project will be undertaken in this class. Past examples include participation in a national XPRIZE contest to build an Ocean Sensor. ÌÇÐÄ´«Ã½s define project scope and form task-oriented sub-teams to make significant progress toward overall class project goal. ÌÇÐÄ´«Ã½s are expected to spend several hours per week outside of class working on the team projects. ÌÇÐÄ´«Ã½s will need to be in teams that can all meet for at least couple of hours at the same time each week.
- Prerequisite: One of ECE 230L, ECE 250D, ECE 270DL, ECE 280L, Mechanical Engineering 221L, Engineering 244L, or Environment 102.
- Instructors: , Doug Nowacek
- Credit: 1.0 course (3 credit/semester hours)
- Block A
Social Science (SS) Course in Block A
INTERNATIONAL CONSERVATION AND DEVELOPMENT
ETHICS 551DA
Interrelated issues of conservation and development. Topics include the evolution of the two concepts and of theories regarding the relationship between them, the role of science, values, ethics, politics and other issues in informing beliefs about them, and strategies for resolving conflicts between them. While attention will be given to all scales of interaction (i.e. local, regional, national, international), the focus will be on international issues and the `north-south’ dimensions of the conservation and development dilemma. Examples from marine and coastal environments will be highlighted. Consent of instructor required.
- Instructor: Lisa Campbell
- Curriculum 2000 Codes: CCI, SS
- A&S Curriculum: IJ & WR
- Credit: 1.0 course (3 credit/semester hours)
- Block A
Natural Science Courses in Block A
DATA AND TIME SERIES ANALYSIS
ENVIRON, MARSCI 476A
This course is designed for students in marine and environmental science disciplines to learn data analysis skills, including analysis techniques and their implementation using MATLAB or R. Topics include: discrete sampling issues, data outlier and rejection tests, interpolation and gridding, error and propagation of uncertainty, coordinate rotations and principal axes, curve fits, regression, bootstrapping, filtering, spectral and harmonic analysis, spatial analyses. Other topics may be included or substituted depending on student interests. The course is structured as mix of weekly lectures and linked workshops applying methods to marine and environmental data sets. Taught in Beaufort at Duke Marine Lab. Instructor consent is required.
- Instructor: Jim Hench
- Curriculum 2000 Codes: NS, QS
- A&S Curriculum: NW
- Credit: 1.0 course (3 credit/semester hours)
- Block A
COMPARATIVE PHYSIOLOGY OF MARINE ANIMALS
MARSCI, BIOLOGY, ENVIRON 278LA
Physiology of marine animals with emphasis on comparisons between marine vertebrates and humans. Focus on physiological processes including gas exchange, circulation, osmoregulation, metabolism, thermoregulation, endocrine, neural control and sensory systems. Lectures and laboratories illustrate the methodology, analysis techniques, and written reporting of physiological research.) This course fulfills the structure/function requirement for Biology majors and the Organismal Structure/Function requirement for Environmental Science majors (BS) and the marine science section for Environmental Science and Policy Majors (AB). Taught at the Duke Marine Lab in Beaufort.
- Instructor: Josh Osterberg
- Curriculum 2000 Codes: NS, R, W
- A&S Curriculum: NW
- Credit: 1.0 course (4 credit/semester hours)
- Block A
- Recommended prerequisites: credit for AB biology, introductory biology or environmental science, or consent of instructor, and introductory chemistry.
COASTAL WATERSHED MANAGEMENT & RESTORATION
MARSCI, ENVIRON 321A; BIOLOGY 319A
This course will examine management of coastal watersheds and their biological function, focusing on the positive (restoration) and negative (degradation, eutrophication) ways that humans alter ecosystems. Local field trips are an integral part of this class to examine anthropogenic modifications to coastal ecosystems (e.g. farms, wetland restoration) as well as discussing these issues with stakeholders at NGOs, businesses and government. Taught at the Duke Marine Lab in Beaufort.
- Instructor: Dana Hunt
- Curriculum 2000 Code: STS, NS
- A&S Curriculum: NW
- Credit: 1.0 course (3 credit/semester hours)
- Block A
Block B
ECE 366A: Drones in Marine Biology Ecology & Conservation (NS, STS)
DRONES IN MARINE BIOLOGY ECOLOGY AND CONSERVATION
MARSCI, BIO, ENVIRON 335A; ECE 366A
Includes a full overview of past and emerging applications for ecology and biology of marine species and coastal habitats with in-depth discussion on future of drone applications in coastal biological and ecological research. Comprehensive exploration of current drone technologies, including detection limits of target species, payload selection, operational procedures aeronautical concepts, rules and regulations, safety, mission planning, aircraft design, maintenance, data collection, management and analysis. Biological and technical lab components tailored to student interests:
Active participation in megafaunal or environmental research and data analysis. Building, operating and maintaining aircraft, programming for manual and autonomous flight.
The use of unoccupied aircraft systems (UAS) is changing how marine scientists collect data on animals and the environments they inhabit. This course introduces students to the basics of using UAS in marine environments, presenting examples of existing and emerging applications, detailing the types of sensors used for marine applications, describes the sampling complexities of the marine environment, and provides and overview of typical workflows and data management. Details on regulatory and permitting requirements to fly UAS and legally and safely are also covered. The lab portion of the course will focus on basic aeronautics, flight planning and simulations, and the design, assembly, operation and maintenance of unoccupied aerial vehicles.
- Instructor: David Johnston
- Curriculum 2000 Codes: NS, STS
- A&S Curriculum: NW
- Credit: 1.0 course (3 credit/semester hours)
Block B
Natural Science Course in Block B
BIOLOGICAL OCEANOGRAPHY (BEAUFORT-BASED TRAVEL COURSE)
MARSCI, BIOLOGY, ENVIRON 369LA; ECS 273LA
Discusses patterns of abundance, diversity and activity of organisms in major ocean ecosystems. Identifies major physical, chemical and ecological processes that affect these patterns, and analyzes impact of biology on ecosystems. Uses a 'flipped' classroom for enhanced development of quantitative skills to measure these patterns, emphasizing hands-on data collection and analyses, multiple field trips aboard DUML research vessels, and participatory activities to demonstrate core concepts in biological oceanography. Taught at Duke Marine Lab. Recommended intro bio or AP Bio credit.
The spring Biological Oceanography course remains available as a travel course. It is based in Beaufort and includes several overnight local field excursions. Due to the local nature of the course, it does not have a course fee.
- Instructor: Zackary Johnson
- Curriculum 2000 Code: R, NS
- A&S Curriculum: NW
- Credit: 1.0 course (4 credit/semester hours)
Block B
Travel Course in Block B
MARINE ECOLOGY – TRAVEL COURSE (2027 location Belize)
MARSCI, BIOLOGY, ENVIRON 273LA; ECS 374LA
Distribution, abundance, and diversity of marine organisms, including a survey of the major flora and fauna in the marine environment, including physical characteristics, adaptation to environment, species interactions, biogeography, larval recruitment, and biodiversity and conservation of communities found in rocky shores, tidal flats, beaches, marshes, mangrove, coral reefs, and subtidal areas. Lectures, field excursions, lab exercises and an independent project.
- Instructor: Brian Silliman
- Curriculum 2000 Codes: NS, R, W
- A&S Curriculum: NW
- Credit: 1.0 course (4 credit/semester hours)
- Block B
- View linked Travel Course Page for Costs and Policies
- Instructor consent required. ÌÇÐÄ´«Ã½s interested in participating in this course will need to complete the course questionnaire via the to receive a permission number to enroll.
Block C
Projects in Electrical & Computer Engineering or Research Independent Study
ECE 392. Project arranged on a special topic by an instructor with related interests and expertise. For junior students. Consent of instructor and director of undergraduate studies required.
OR
Research Independent Study (registration through MARSCI, ENVIRON, or ECS)
Natural Science Courses in Block C
ECOLOGY AND PHYSIOLOGY OF EXTREME MARINE ECOSYSTEMS
MARSCI, ENVIRON, BIOLOGY 337A
An exploration of the ecology of extreme marine ecosystems and the physiology behind the adaptations that allow inhabitants to survive and often thrive there. Marine ecosystems with extreme temperature, pressure, salinity, oxygenation, light, nutrient load, natural chemicals, and anthropogenic pollution will be discussed including polar seas, multiple deep sea and chemosynthetic ecosystems, oligotrophic gyres, oil spills, and superfund sites. ÌÇÐÄ´«Ã½s will gain an understanding how these organisms and ecosystems function, their ecosystem services, threats by a changing ocean, and conservation challenges via lectures, discussions, videos, and primary literature. Taught in Beaufort at the Duke Marine Lab.
- Instructor: Josh Osterberg
- Duke Curriculum Codes: NS, STS
- A&S Curriculum: NW
- Credit: 1.0 course (3 credit/semester hours)
- Block C
MARINE MAMMAL GENOMICS
MARSCI 304SLA, BIOLOGY 306SLA
Current sequencing technologies have revolutionized the fields of molecular, evolutionary, and ecological genetics. The ability to generate an entire genome worth of sequence data in a single instrument run allows us to study whole genomes in a variety of non-model organisms. In this course, we will use the genomes of marine mammals to explore the field of genomics. The course will start out with basic genomics (ie. Genome-101), move on to sequencing technologies and bioinformatics, and then explore conservation, ecological and evolutionary genetics of marine mammals using the literature and publicly available datasets.
- Instructor: Tom Schultz
- Curriculum 2000 Codes: NS, STS
- A&S Curriculum: NW
- Credit: 1.0 course (4 credit/semester hours)
- Block C
Social Science (SS) Courses in Block C
MARINE PROTECTED AREAS
ETHICS 504A
An interdisciplinary course that addresses concepts, issues, and approaches relevant to marine protected area (MPA) management and their impacts on marine ecosystems and coastal people. Course will address key topics in MPA design, management, and how context and management shapes MPA design and outcomes. This course will focus on sensitive marine ecosystems (e.g. coral reefs, mangroves, seagrasses) and resource-dependent communities involved in fishing and tourism. Using real world case studies, students will apply introduced concepts and quantitative approaches to questions on MPA design and evaluating MPA social and ecological impacts. ÌÇÐÄ´«Ã½s will engage with the course material primarily through group discussions, problem sets and lectures.
- Instructor: David Gill
- Curriculum 2000 Codes: EI, NS, SS
- A&S Curriculum: IJ
- Credit: 1.0 course (3 credit/semester hours)
- Block C
Travel Course in Block C
SOCIAL IMPACT ANALYSIS & INDIGENOUS RESOURCE MGMT. - TRAVEL COURSE (BRITISH COLUMBIA)
MARSCI, ENVIRON 505A
This course will explore theoretical and methodological aspects of social impact analysis (SIA) and apply and deepen that learning through an immersive experience in an Indigenous context in British Columbia, Canada. By addressing the social and cultural impacts conservation and development initiatives SIAs can be a critical component in planning, implementing, and monitoring effective conservation actions. Accordingly, this course will first develop an understanding of some of the core concepts, methods and applicable sociological theory upon which the design of social impact analysis is built.
In all cases good SIAs should involve all potentially affected groups, should consider impact equity and differences by location and socio-economic status, and should consider a holistic and contextually grounded range of impacts. As such, this course will include an intensive field experience on the west coast of Vancouver Island. The course will based at the Clayoquot Campus within Tla-o-qui-aht Territory (Tofino, BC). The Tla-o-qui-aht are a Nuu-chah-nulth speaking people that are leaders in the development and implementation of Indigenous Protected and Conserved Areas (IPCAs).
During the time in Tla-o-qui-aht Ha’houlthee (traditional territory) the students will be hosted by, and meet, several Tla-o-qui-aht citizens and knowledge holders, including some who are former Chiefs or Council members. ÌÇÐÄ´«Ã½s will be engaged in a variety of practical and applied learning and field experiences relating to indigenous conservation. Course themes and components covered during this time will include the application of SIA concepts and understanding in this particular Indigenous context, as well as the background and history of territories and areas conserved by Indigenous Peoples and local communities (ICCAs), Indigenous knowledge systems, Indigenous environmental stewardship, human-environmental relationships, and alternative approaches to planning.
- Instructor: Grant Murray
- Curriculum 2000 Codes: CZ, CCI
- A&S Curriculum: IJ
- Credit: 1.0 course (3 credit/semester hours)
- Block C
- Instructor consent required. ÌÇÐÄ´«Ã½s interested in participating in this course will need to complete the course questionnaire via the to receive a permission number to enroll.
Block D
Projects in Electrical & Computer Engineering or Research Independent Study
ECE 392. Project arranged on a special topic by an instructor with related interests and expertise. For junior students. Consent of instructor and director of undergraduate studies required.
OR
Research Independent Study (registration through MARSCI, ENVIRON, or ECS)
Natural Science Course in Block C
WADING IN: FIELD SKILLS FOR MARINE SCIENTISTS
MARSCI 325LA
Field-based research is foundational for coastal marine science. This course guides students through the scientific process using coastal marine science as a model, starting with a research question, designing experiments, collecting/analyzing data, and communicating findings. ÌÇÐÄ´«Ã½s will obtain practical skills in environmental research through hands-on learning at the Duke Marine Lab. Emphasis is placed in evidence-based conclusions through exploration and interpretation of experimental data and effective communication of the results. ÌÇÐÄ´«Ã½s will gain valuable experience designing and conducting experiments both in the field and in the lab. Taught in Beaufort at the Duke Marine Lab.
- Instructors: Tom Schultz, Juliet Wong, Ty Roach
- Curriculum 2000 Codes: R, NW, NS
- A&S Curriculum: NW
- Credit: 1.0 Course (3 credit/semester hours)
- Block D
Social Science (SS) Course in Block D
MARINE FISHERIES POLICY
MARSCI, ENVIRON 533A
Principles, structure, and process of public policy-making for marine fisheries. Topics include local, regional, national, and international approaches to the management of marine fisheries. A social systems approach is used to analyze the biological, ecological, social, and economic aspects of the policy and management process.
- Instructor: Barbara Garrity-Blake
- Curriculum 2000 Codes: EI, SS
- Credit: 1.0 course (3 credit/semester hours)
- Block D
Travel Courses in Block D
BIOLOGY AND CONSERVATION OF SEA TURTLES – TRAVEL COURSE TO ST. CROIX & PUERTO RICO
MARSCI, BIOLOGY, ENVIRON 375A
Essential biology of sea turtles (evolution, anatomy, physiology, behavior, life history, population dynamics) and their conservation needs; emphasis on their role in marine ecosystem structure and function. Basic ecological concepts integrated with related topics including the conservation and management of endangered species, the contributions of technology to the management of migratory marine species, the role of research in national and international law and policy, and the veterinary aspects of conservation.
- Instructor: Matthew Godfrey
- Curriculum Codes: NS, STS
- A&S Curriculum: NW
- Credit: 1.0 course (3 credit/semester hours)
- Block D
- View linked Travel Course Page for Costs and Policies
- Instructor consent required. ÌÇÐÄ´«Ã½s interested in participating in this course will need to complete the course questionnaire via the to receive a permission number to enroll.
Any Block
ECE 392. PROJECTS IN ELECTRICAL AND COMPUTER ENGINEERING. Project arranged on a special topic by an instructor with related interests and expertise. For junior students. Consent of instructor and director of undergraduate studies required.
OR
Research Independent Study (registration through MARSCI, BIO, ENVIRON, or ECS)
How to Enroll
To enroll, please email Gwendy Womble (gwendolyn.womble@duke.edu) and specify that you are interested in enrolling in the Spring Engineering Semester.
All Duke students in good standing are able to study at the Duke Marine Lab at any point after completing the spring semester of the first year.
Duke students register for Marine Lab classes in Duke Hub during their assigned registration window. If permission numbers are required, please email Gwendy Womble, Marine Lab Registrar (gwendolyn.womble@duke.edu).
Life at the Duke Marine Lab
Check out these additional resources to learn about campus life and the undergraduate experience at the Duke Marine Lab:
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Take a Virtual Tour of the Duke Marine Lab
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A Day in the MaRRS Lab
Maia, a Nicholas School master's student, took over on Instagram to share a glimpse of a day in the life of the Marine Robotics and Remote Sensing (MaRRS) Laboratory. She shares more about the Durham and Beaufort facilities, how they work together, and a little more about her research, as well as undergraduate research happening in the MaRRS Lab.
Duke's year-round coastal campus
Why Duke Marine Lab?
Find out why students—from all majors, not just marine science—choose to study at the Duke Marine Lab Campus for a summer, fall or spring semester.