Registration

pre-Registration

To pre-register for the Fall 2026 semester, please let us know that you intend to enroll in our fall in-person classes through this survey: 

Course Registration

The fall semester is an ideal time to be at the Duke Marine Lab in Beaufort as a Duke student or visiting student from another institution. Duke students will register in DukeHub as they do for Duke courses in Durham. All undergraduate students live on campus in our dorms (cottages). If students have academic questions about Marine Lab courses, please contact Amanda Cole (amanda.cole@duke.edu). Residential Information will be provided via email after registration.

Fall 2026 advising resources

DUML Immerse

This program, which includes travel, is open to all undergraduate and MEM students who are enrolled full time for the fall semester at DUML 鈥 learn more on the DUML Immerse information page.

Dates

August 24 - December 12, 2026
The Marine Lab's fall semester start/end dates and residence hall move-in/move-out dates may differ from the Duke academic calendar. Please consult the Duke Marine Lab Academic Calendar for important fall semester dates.

Fall 2026 Courses

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AQUACULTURE AND THE ENVIRONMENT

  • Instructor: Zackary Johnson
  • Curriculum Code: NS, STS, W. 

  • A&S Curriculum (2025)  (NW) Investigating Natural World

  • Credit: 1.0 course (3 credit/semester hours)
  • DukeHub Listings: MARSCI / ENVIRON 319A.
  • Course Travel?: No

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.  Investigation of alternative approaches and potential future areas for aquaculture expansion as well as social, economic and technical barriers to implementation.

 BIODIVERSITY OF MARINE INVERTEBRATES

  • Instructor: Juliet Wong
  • Curriculum Codes: NS, R
  • A&S Curriculum (2025)  (NW) Investigating Natural World
  • Credit: 1.0 course (4 credit/semester hours) 
  • DukeHub Listing: MARSCI/BIOLOGY/ENVIRON 377LA

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.

INTEGRATIVE OCEANOGRAPHY

  • Instructor: Jim Hench 
  • Curriculum Code: NS
  • A&S Curriculum (2025)  (NW) Investigating Natural World
  • Course Travel: No 
  • Credit: 1.0 course  (3 credit/semester hours)
  • DukeHub Listing: MARSCI 204A 

The oceans and life within it form complex multidimensional systems. Understanding the dynamics of how marine systems work requires an integrative approach. This course will focus on using first principles, following the flow of energy, carbon, and nutrients, to reveal the mechanisms underlying the structure and function of marine ecosystems. The first half of the course will introduce foundational concepts from physical, chemical, and biological oceanography, while the second half will provide synthetic applications. Recommended prerequisites: Math 111L, Physics 141L, and Chemistry 101DL (or equivalent courses). 

MARINE ECOLOGY 

  • Instructor: Josh Osterberg
  • Curriculum Code: NS, R, W
  • A&S Curriculum (2025)  (NW) Investigating Natural World
  • Credit: 1.0 course (4 credit/semester hours)
  • Course Travel?: No 鈥 In the fall, this course is taught in Beaufort (i.e., not a travel course like the spring course)
  • DukeHub Listings: MARSCI / BIOLOGY 273LA. / ENVIRON 273LA. / ECS 374LA.
  • 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.

MARINE MAMMALS 

  • Instructor: TBD
  • Curriculum Code: NS, STS
  • A&S Curriculum (2025)  (NW) Investigating Natural World
  • Credit: 1.0 course (3 credit/semester hours)
  • Course Travel?: No
  • Cross Listing: BIOLOGY 376A. / ENVIRON 376A.
  • Prerequisites: AP Biology, introductory biology, or permission of instructor.

The biology of cetaceans, pinnipeds, sirenians, and sea otters. Topics covered include the diversity, evolution, ecology, and behavior of marine mammals and their interactions with humans. Detailed consideration given to the adaptations that allow these mammals to live in the sea. Evaluation of the scientific, ethical, and aesthetic factors influencing societal attitudes toward these animals and of their conservation management in light of domestic legislation and international treaties.

OCEANS IN HUMAN AND ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH

  • Instructor: Dana Hunt
  • Curriculum Code: NS, STS
  • A&S Curriculum (2025)  (NW) Investigating Natural World
  • Credit: 1.0 course (3 credit/semester hours)
  • DukeHub Listings: MARSCI / ENVIRON / GLHLTH / BIOLOGY  309A.

Focus on the concept of 鈥淥ne Health鈥 that the health of the environment and the people who live in it are linked.  The basis (from a biological perspective) of threats facing the marine environment and interactions between environmental and human health and their role in global health disparities.  For example, in discussing fisheries and aquaculture, the course will cover environmental impacts of these extractive industries and their importance in human and societal well-being.  This course will embrace immersive field experiences in North Carolina that will contextualize classroom learning and develop connections with practitioners and residents

RESEARCH INDEPENDENT STUDY

  • Instructor: Most DUML teaching faculty offer Research Independent Study course options
  • Curriculum Codes: Varies by Department
  • Course Credit: 1.0 course  (3 credit/semester hours) 
  • DukeHub Course Listing: BIOLOGY, ENVIRON, MARSCI, ECS 

SENSORY PHYSIOLOGY OF MARINE ANIMALS 

  • Instructor: Dan Rittschof
  • Curriculum Codes: R, W, NS
  • A&S Curriculum (2025)  (NW) Investigating Natural World
  • Course Credit: 1.0 course (4 credit/semester hours) 
  • DukeHub Course Listing: MARSCI/ENV/BIO 373LA/NEURO 381LA

Sensory physiological principles with emphasis on visual and chemical cues. Laboratories will use behavior to measure physiological processes. Taught in Beaufort at Duke Marine Lab. Prerequisite: AP Biology or introductory biology or consent of instructor and Chemistry 101DL. 

 

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Questions?

For help with undergraduate course registration, email gwendy.womble@duke.edu.