Distance Learning - Delve Deeper

A distance learning course in Marine Biology. This six-month programme explains the biology and ecology of marine organisms.

Five monthly internet-based modules cover the coasts of the UK, open oceans, polar seas, tropical coral reefs, creatures of the deep and other topics.

Participants can download and work through content, and complete online assessments.

The sixth module is a five-day field course that will take place in Newcastle and surrounds.

"I was amazed at the level of access that we got to top professors in their fields, in online sessions."

Course details

This course runs every year, starting in March. It lasts a total of six months, with a new module released each month. You can progress through the materials at your own pace, and do not need to complete the module within any particular month. This format is to ensure the course is accessible to people with busy lives and careers.

‌You will have access to the materials and assessments until the end of October, with plenty of time to complete them.The cost of the course is £705, and includes all internet-delivered tuition and ongoing support, lunches during the field course, and transport during the field course week.

There will be some assessment, and a Certificate of Participation will be awarded to those successfully completing the assignments. The course is designed as a taster of more formal marine biology study leading to a degree.

If you have any queries, please e-mail: marinecourse@ncl.ac.uk

Your teaching on the Delve Deeper course will be delivered by marine biology professionals, all experts in their field.

"Inspirational teachers. Their commitment is obvious from the start."

Teaching

Your teachers wil be marine biology professionals and assistant teachers. The course materials for will be supplied by us over the internet. There are a range of recorded lectures, live lectures, and reading materials. Interactive quizzes bring your learning to life. 

The field course will show you at first hand the diversity of marine life on UK coasts and demonstrate the methods that marine biologists use to study marine environments.

You will develop a range of skills, and be supported throughout to increase your confidence in learning and in your ability to understand marine biological and scientific terms.

"It’s so enjoyable, you don’t realise you are actually learning at the same time."

Equipment

The only equipment you need for the course is for the internet based modules - a PC or Mac computer, with access to the internet.

There is no need to buy any books or materials. All your course materials will be supplied by us over the internet.

If, during the course, there is a particular area or topic that you wish to read about in more depth or are having trouble with - we can advise you further at the appropriate time.

If you have any queries, please email: marinecourse@ncl.ac.uk

Modules cover:

• tropical, polar and coastal seas
• the open ocean
• life cycles and behaviour of sea organisms
• the human impact on oceans

Participants can download and work through content, and complete online assessments.

Module one - our coastal seas

Examining the intertidal shores and coastal waters of the UK and introducing some basic concepts in marine biology.

Module two - the open ocean

Exploring life in the seas from the depths of the darkest oceanic trenches and abyssal plains to the fascinating cycles of plankton life in sunlit upper reaches.

Module three - tropical seas

Introducing marine life in warmer waters, coral reefs and mangroves.

Module four - polar seas

Describing the coldest seas on earth, perilously under threat from climate change, and the organisms that live there.

Module five - human seas

Drawing together knowledge from previous modules, and information on human interaction with the marine environment, to examine our enduring relationship with the oceans.

Our Field course will run in the north-east of England from Monday 26^th to Friday 30th May inclusive. It will include lectures and microscope practicals on the main Newcastle University campus, and at our coastal field station, the Dove Marine Laboratory. We will be visiting a range of local marine habitats, and undertaking surveys from our University boat, the R.V. Princess Royal. Transport to field sites during the week is included, as are lunches throughout the week. Cost of accommodation is not included in the price.

We reserve the right to cancel the field course should the public health situation require it, and the risk from Covid become too high.

If you have any queries, please email: marinecourse@ncl.ac.uk

Registration  for the 2025 course is now open. 

There are three easy steps:

Step 1: Ensure you are eligible.

• Will you be 18 years or older on 1 March 2025?
• Will you have regular access to the internet?
• If yes to both questions, you are eligible, and will be granted a place unless there is some extenuating reason that we cannot meet your needs.

Step 2: Please complete the online registration form available here and your place will be reserved for you.

Step 3: To complete your booking and secure your place, you can pay the course fee via the online payment portal. The cost of the course is £705.

Once you have completed all three steps, you will receive confirmation of your place.

Please email marinecourse@ncl.ac.uk if you require further clarification.