Marine Ecology is an innovative course that combines face-to-face learning, online discussion, and a research experience abroad.
Students delve deep into Earth’s oceans and study ocean geology, biology, ecology, zoology, chemistry, and how humans impact ocean ecosystems. Students investigate characteristics of marine food webs, distribution patterns of aquatic life, and threats to our precious underwater ecosystems.
The second half of the course centers around preparing for a July trip to Bermuda. In Bermuda, students will be intimately involved with marine research, collecting fish biodiversity data while snorkeling in coral reefs and other marine ecosystems.
This course is designed to inspire high school students to understand and care about the ocean via authentic activities, rich partnerships, and real contributions to scientific research and the marine conservation community.
Apply Now
Our class is full for the 2026 session, but we are accepting applications for our January – July 2027 course! Contact us with any questions.
More Information
Who
For 10th – 12th grade students.
Taught by Brian Slopey, high school biology teacher at U-32 for 35 years and instructor of this travel course for over 15. Course hosted by North Branch Nature Center.
When
In-person Thursday evenings January through early June. Three In-person full days in late June and July. See full schedule below for exact times and dates.
Where
Evening classes meet in-person at North Branch Nature Center in Montpelier. Students will need internet access to participate in written online discussions. The research trip is based out of the Bermuda Institute of Ocean Sciences.
Blog
Marine Ecology students keep a daily blog during their research trip to Bermuda, and in the lead-up to it. Check out their day-by-day experience here.
Costs & Fundraising
Cost is a sliding scale based on need. No student will be turned away for financial reasons. The full cost for the course plus 9-day trip (including flights) is $4,000. All students will be expected to participate in fundraising activities.
2026 Schedule
Bermuda Research Trip: July 5-12
Classes Alternating Thursdays, 6:30-8:30 pm:
Jan 8, Jan 22, Feb 5, Feb 19, Mar 5, Mar 19, April 2, April 16, April 30, May 14, May 28, June 11 | Full-day sessions June 24, June 25, July 19 (post-trip) |
Final Family Potluck July 26, 6:30 pm
About Brian
Brian Slopey
Marine Ecology Instructor
Brian Slopey
Marine Ecology Instructor
Brian taught Biology and Environmental Science at U32 High School for 35 years where he also served as chair of the science department. He has been teaching Marine Biology for over 15 years, and has brought students on international science trips to Russia, Lithuania, Latvia, Bermuda, Honduras, Bahamas, and little Cayman. Brian graduated with a BS in Biology and a minor in chemistry, and holds a MS in Environmental Science.
One of the main goals of Brian’s teaching has been to motivate students with authentic activities that are real contributions to the community and nature, and that involve students with organizations outside the school. Students have collaborated with Friends of the Winooski, the UVM Watershed Alliance, the Montpelier Conservation Commission, the Bermuda Institute of Ocean Science, and The Reef Environmental Educational Foundation, to name a few. Brian believes that students are motivated to learn more deeply when they know their work is real and available to the public.
Brian loves aquatic ecosystems and is very concerned about their health. Growing up on a lake, Brian was swimming before he was 3 years old, and started exploring the water with a mask, snorkel, and fins soon after. He became a certified SCUBA diver and currently is certified as a rescue SCUBA diver. When not underwater, Brian enjoys skiing, gardening, biking on back roads, kayaking, canoeing, and hiking.
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