Registration
pre-Registration
To pre-register for the Fall 2025 semester, please let us know that you intend to enroll in our fall in-person classes through this survey: Fall 2025 DUML Undergraduate.
Course Registration
The fall semester is an ideal time to be at the Duke Marine Lab in Beaufort. 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 Katie Wood (katie.wood@duke.edu). Residential Information will be provided after registration.
Information on the Fall 2025 Duke Immerse program will be coming soon! It will feature a travel component to the Galapagos as well as required courses. Students must register for each course to participate. These courses are also available to students enrolling in the fall semester outside of Duke Immerse. Students should apply to Duke Immerse by March 1, 2024. This Duke Immerse program is available to Duke and DKU students.
Questions? Contact Amanda Cole (amanda.cole@duke.edu)
Dates
August 25 - December 13, 2025
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 2025 Courses
Fall 2025 courses are tentative and will be confirmed soon.
- Download the Fall 2024 Schedule of Courses (PDF) - Fall 2025 schedules coming soon
- Download the Fall 2024 Weekly Schedule (PDF) - Fall 2025 schedules coming soon
- Download the Fall Research Independent Study Options (PDF)
AQUACULTURE AND THE ENVIRONMENT
- Instructor: Zackary Johnson
- Curriculum Code: NS, STS, W
- 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.
BIOLOGY 201LA. MOLECULAR BIOLOGY
- Instructor: Tom Schultz
- Curriculum Code: NS
- Credit: 1.0 course (4 credit/semester hours)
- Course Travel?: No
- Pre-requisite: Chemistry 21, 21L, 101DL, 110DL, or 201DL.
Introduces major concepts in biology through the lens of molecular biology. Molecular mechanisms that comprise the Central Dogma and variants. DNA structure and function, replication, transcription, and translation. Protein synthesis, folding, structure and function. Supporting topics related to the structure of cells, metabolism and energetics. Integration of physical and quantitative principles to molecular biology. Relevance to human diseases and the biotechnology industry. Laboratory includes an introduction to recombinant DNA technology. Not open to students who have taken or are currently enrolled in Biology 203L. Taught in Beaufort at Duke Marine Lab.
BIODIVERSITY OF MARINE INVERTEBRATES
- Instructor: Juliet Wong
- Curriculum Codes: NS, R
- 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.
COASTAL AND MARINE POLLUTION
- Instructor: Lee Ferguson
- Curriculum Codes: STS, NS
- Credit: 1.0 course (3 credit/semester hours)
- DukeHub Listing: MARSCI/ENVIRON 573A
Sources, fate, and effects of organic, inorganic, and particulate pollutants in the marine environment. Topics include oil spills, coastal eutrophication, marine debris, harmful algae, sewage contamination, dredging, and emerging contaminants. Methods for measuring pollution in the marine environment and consequences for human and ecological health will be discussed. Case studies of impacted marine environments will be highlighted. Short local field trips possible. Taught in Beaufort at Duke Marine Lab. Recommended prerequisite: introductory chemistry and biology, or consent of instructor.
INTEGRATIVE OCEANOGRAPHY
- Instructor: Jim Hench
- Curriculum Code: NS
- 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
- Credit: 1.0 course (4 credit/semester hours)
- Course Travel?: No – 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: Andrew J. Read
- Curriculum Code: NS, STS
- 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.
MARINE POLICY ANALYSIS
- Instructor: Grant Murray
- Curriculum Code: EI, SS, STS
- Credit: 1.0 course (3 credit/semester hours)
- Course Travel?: No
- DukeHub Listings: MARSCI 286A. /ENVIRON 286A. / PUBPOL 281A.
Policy and policy-making concerning the coastal marine environment. History of marine-related organizations, legislation, and issues and their effects on local, regional, national, and international arenas. Use of theoretical and methodological perspectives, including political science, sociology, and economics.
OCEANS IN HUMAN AND ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH
- Instructor: Dana Hunt
- Curriculum Code: NS, STS
- Credit: 1.0 course (3 credit/semester hours)
- Course Travel?: No
- DukeHub Listings: MARSCI / ENVIRON / GLHLTH / BIOLOGY 309A.
Focus on the concept of “One Health” 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
OFFSHORE RENEWABLE ENERGY & WILDLIFE CONSERVATION
- Instructor: Doug Nowacek
- Curriculum Code: NS, STS
- Credit: 1.0 course (3 credit/semester hours)
- Course Travel?: No
- DukeHub Listings: MARSCI 323A, ENVIRON 318A
Offshore renewable energy development requires unique considerations as an oceanic venture. Offshore renewable energy (wind and hydrokinetic) operation requires unique strategic preparation and considerations. This course will take a holistic approach to evaluating offshore renewable energy development: benefits and challenges of traditional vs. renewable offshore energy including concerns for wildlife (ocean noise generated by industrial activity, ship strikes, and a range of potential habitat changes); development of environmental impact statements; permitting processes; consultations with industry, government and other stakeholders; and legal implications. Taught in Beaufort.
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
- 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.