Fall 2026 DUML Immerse: Natural to Engineered Marine ecOsystems (NEMO)
- Link also available under registration process
Purpose of DUML Immerse: The program offers a fundamentally different learning environment, bringing students and faculty together to explore a major theme, in the field and in the classroom, through a multidisciplinary lens.
Why DUML Immerse?
- Linking of (synergizing across) course work
- Meaningful field experience that ties together (and actualizes) course work
- Non-academic activities to create cohort
- Purposeful cross-class/experience dialog
Commitment to:
- Collective learning, collaboration, conversations outside of class
- Curious, resilient, adaptable, brave, adventurous, enthusiastic, flexible (compromise)
Undergraduate ÌÇÐÄ´«Ã½s:
Graduate ÌÇÐÄ´«Ã½s:
Locations: ÌÇÐÄ´«Ã½ Marine Lab, Faroe Islands (Denmark), and Iceland
Term: Fall
Info Session:
Priority Application Deadline: March 20
Program Fee: $3000 - In addition to semester tuition, students will be responsible for the program fee and airfare. Meals and lodging during the travel component are included in the program fee.
Eligibility: Open to all undergraduate and MEM students enrolled full time for the fall semester at the ÌÇÐÄ´«Ã½ Marine Lab.
Campus Activities:
- Non-academic activity - weekly
- Bi-weekly lunch - with faculty, TA, etc.
Course Requirements
- Core/Required Class:
Aquaculture and the Environment
- MARSCI / ENVIRON 319A. Undergraduate Registration.
- ENVIRON 719A. Graduate Registration.
- Instructor: Zackary Johnson
- Curriculum codes: NS, STS, W
- Credit: 1.0 course (3 credit/semester hours)
This course describes the major environmental, social and economic drivers of increasing global aquaculture, with a focus on marine systems. Quantitative evaluation and comparison of the range of species for aquaculture, locations where operations occur, operational aspects including environmental impacts and management considerations are all explored. Investigation of alternative approaches and potential future areas for aquaculture expansion as well as social, economic and technical barriers to implementation are also discussed. This is a writing-based course (W) and while students perform analyses in class, most of the graded work is in the form of short papers or other written discussion of topics enhancing communication skills
- Choose at least one:
Marine Ecology
- MARSCI/BIOLOGY/ENVIRON 273LA / ECS 374LA. Undergraduate Registration.
- ENVIRON/BIOLOGY 773LA. Graduate Registration.
- Instructor: Josh Osterberg
- Curriculum Code: NS, R, W
- Credit: 1.0 course (4 credit/semester hours)
- Prerequisites: AP biology, introductory biology or instructor consent
Factors that influence the distribution, abundance, and diversity of marine organisms. Course structure integrates lectures, field excursions, lab exercises and an independent project. Lecture topics include physical characteristics of marine systems, 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.
Biodiversity of Marine Invertebrates
- MARSCI/BIOLOGY/ENVIRON 377LA. Undergraduate Registration.
- ENVIRON 788LA / BIOLOGY 777LA. Graduate Registration.
- Instructor: Juliet Wong
- Curriculum Codes: NS, R
- Credit: 1.0 course (4 credit/semester hours)
An introduction to the biodiversity represented by major marine invertebrate groups, with emphasis on the diversity of body forms and behaviors and on anatomical structures and functions. Field trips primarily by boat allow students to explore invertebrates characteristic of a variety of coastal habitats in North Carolina, including mud flats, sandy beaches, salt marshes, oyster reefs, piers and docks, and the water column. Live invertebrates maintained in the laboratory serve as models for detailed study of form and function.
Marine Policy Analysis (Graduate students only)
- ENVIRON 786A, POLSCI 707A, PUBPOL 749A. Graduate Registration.
- Instructor: Grant Murray
- Credit: 3 credit hours
Formal study of policy and policy-making concerning the coastal marine environment. History of specific marine-related organizations, legislation, and issues and their effects on local, regional, national, and international arenas. Topics explored through use of theoretical and methodological perspectives, including political science, sociology, and economics.
Travel Schedule & Activities
October 9 – 18
- *All activities and dates tentative
- Dr. Zackary Johnson and 1 additional Duke instructor (TBD), both with extensive travel experience, will be leading the travel.
- Faroe Islands (October 9 -14)
- Salmon Aquaculture Facility
- Seaweed Aquaculture Facility
- Oceanographic Institute
- Iceland (October 14-18)
- Salmon Aquaculture Hatchery
- Whale habitat
- Engaging with conservation focused organizations
- Golden Circle
Note: Travel may result in students missing scheduled events (class periods) in non-Immerse classes. ÌÇÐÄ´«Ã½s are responsible for any missed material and should notify their instructor at the beginning of the semester to help minimize the impact.
Registration and Policies
Registration Process
- . This form will ask for your passport and health insurance information, so please have that info handy. You will be asked to acknowledge that you have read and understand the course expectations in the form, as well as submit a brief statement of purpose.
- Space is limited.
- Duke Marine Lab staff will work with students to ensure equitable distribution of slots for undergraduates and graduates.
- Email Gwendy Womble, gwendolyn.womble@duke.edu with questions.
Travel Requirements
- You will be required to research and apply for appropriate visas as needed.
- ÌÇÐÄ´«Ã½s must have a valid passport with at least six months of validity when traveling internationally. Most countries will not permit a traveler to enter their country unless the passport is set to expire at least six months after the final day of travel.
- All participants will be asked to complete a Participation Agreement, which includes a Travel Course Waiver & Release and a Medical Information Form, for each course. Participation agreements for undergraduates need to be signed by parents/guardians.
- Review for vaccination requirements and information.
Travel Course Refund Policy
Voluntary Withdrawal
In the case of withdrawal, any remaining paid tuition will be refunded in accordance with the ÌÇÐÄ´«Ã½ refund policy outlined in the ÌÇÐÄ´«Ã½ Bulletin of Undergraduate Instruction :
- Airline tickets will be identified no later than July 1 - withdrawal after purchase will receive no refund for airfare.
- Withdrawal before classes begin: Full program fee refunded. No refund on purchased airfare.
- Withdrawal after August 24: 50% of program fee refunded. No refund on purchased airfare.
- Withdrawal after September 4: No program fee refunded. No refund on purchased airfare.
If a student elects to withdraw from a travel course before classes begin, the program fee will be removed from the student’s bursar account. Airfare is nonrefundable; students are responsible for these costs if they withdraw from the course after the purchase has been made. If you have extenuating circumstances, please contact Gwendy Womble.
Refunds for Involuntary Withdrawal
Duke students asked to withdraw due to academic or disciplinary probation, suspension, or violation of the Duke Community Standard once a program is underway will not receive a refund.
View All Courses
For a full listing of courses offered at the ÌÇÐÄ´«Ã½ Marine Lab by term, visit the Courses page.