Introduction to Marine Energy

A Marine Energy Short Course offered at the
Coastal Studies Institute

Coastal Studies Institute | ECU Outer Banks Campus 

Wanchese, NC 

May 31 to June 6, 2026

Course Overview 

Hosted by the Atlantic Marine Energy Center, Introduction to Marine Energy is a fully funded, week-long intensive course designed to introduce the fundamentals of marine energy. This course will be held from May 31-June 6, 2026 at the Coastal Studies Institute on East Carolina University’s Outer Banks Campus and will include immersive experiences across the Outer Banks, including the Jennette’s Pier Wave Energy Test Center.  Students will participate in lecture-style sessions as well as lab activities and simulations led by CSI and AMEC faculty and researchers. In addition to course work, students should expect to interact with marine energy industry professionals and gain a broader understanding of the current state of science and industry. A document outlining the full course details is to come. 

A tentative course plan includes: Lectures on Energy Overview, Transition to Renewable Energy, Energy Policy, Marine Energy (ME) Resources and Overview, ME intro: Tidal (Current), Wave, Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion, Offshore Wind, Powering the Blue Economy (PBE) Applications, ME & PBE Economics, Stakeholder Engagement, Environmental Considerations and Permitting, Microgrids and Storage,  Lab Experiments: Tidal Turbine, Wave Energy Conversion, AMEC research flash talks, student project and presentations. 

 Course Information

    • Understand the role of marine energy within the global energy transition, as well as the availability and feasibility of marine energy resources. 

    • Learn about the fundamentals of marine energy conversion and available technologies, including tidal and wave technologies. 

    • Gain hands-on experience through demonstrations, project-based learning, and lab simulations. 

    • Learn about environmental and regulatory considerations surrounding marine energy. 

    • Learn about how stakeholder engagement can advance the marine energy sector. 

    • Expand networks and engage with other students, industry experts, and academics. 

  • This course is designed for advanced undergraduate students (rising seniors and exemplary rising juniors) and beginning graduate students interested in marine energy. Applications are open to all U.S. students from all majors who meet the other application requirements. We cannot accept international students who do not already have a student visa and reside in the U.S. 

  • Completed application form  
    Required Documents from students: one page Personal Statement, Resume, Transcript (unofficial transcript acceptable) 
    Letter of Recommendation from Faculty or Advisor (in a separate email to course organizers )

  • Student overall preparation and coursework 

    Information provided in personal statement and letter of recommendation 

  • Full board and lodging on location in Wanchese, NC 
    Travel expenses 
    Other course fees 

  • In-person attendance and participation in all of the modules of the course 
    Willingness to board a research vessel  

  • Applications due by: January 31, 2026.
    Notification of acceptance or waitlist: February 28, 2026. 
    Commitment deadline: March 30, 2026. 

Submit an Application