Diving deep: Highlights from the 2025 Young Biologist course

From Saturday, 4 October to Friday, 10 October 2025, the Two Oceans Aquarium came alive with the energy of 52 passionate students embarking on the Young Biologist Course, a week-long journey of discovery, teamwork, and transformation. By the end of the programme, 44 students proudly completed the course, ready to return in November for their volunteer induction and take the next step as volunteers at the Two Oceans Aquarium.

About the Young Biologist course:

Hosted at the Two Oceans Aquarium and Waters Edge accommodation in Simon’s Town, this immersive educational experience blended theory, fieldwork, and creativity. The course was designed to deepen understanding of marine ecosystems and biodiversity, inspiring interest in marine biology, conservation, and ocean careers. Not only would the learners build lasting friendships, but they would also be empowered to act as marine conservation ambassadors and even future volunteers at the Aquarium.

Students completed daily assessments, aiming for a 65% average to qualify to become a volunteer at the Two Oceans Aquarium. A pre-evaluation helped measure baseline knowledge, while a post-evaluation (conducted one month later) assessed retention and growth.

Day-by-day highlights:

Day 1: Orientation and foundations

The course began with a pre-assessment, and the first topic that was introduced to them was an introduction to the aquarium and its importance around our coast. The students received a guided tour of the Aquarium’s Indian and Atlantic Ocean galleries. Students also witnessed a shark feeding and explored topics like rocky shore zonation and scientific classification, setting the foundation for the week ahead.

Day 2: Marine invertebrates and presentation skills

Having observed the public shark feed on the previous day, the learners were briefed on a presentation assessment. Later, in preparation for their presentation assessment, the learners honed their presentation skills by reporting back to their classmates, learning to communicate scientific concepts confidently, an essential skill for any future volunteer working at the touch pool and microscope exhibit. Day 2’s topics were Sea Plants, Porifera, Cnidaria, Platyhelminthes, and Annelids. The learners got the opportunity to engage with seaweed and different live and dried specimens.

Day 3: Advanced marine biology

Students delivered their touch pool presentations and learned about Arthropods and Echinoderms. The day concluded with a kelp holdfast dissection, where learners observed tiny ecosystems through microscopes and presented their findings to peers. There was great integration of theory, live specimens, and exhibit exposure, which enhanced engagement.

Day 4: Dissection and career exploration

After completing part two of their presentations with the microscope presentations, students tackled one of the larger phyla and mollusca groups and wrapped up with a fish lesson and bony fish dissection. The afternoon’s highlight was career hour, a café-style chat with nine Aquarium and Foundation staff members who shared insights into marine science, education, and conservation careers. This session inspired many to pursue studies in marine biology and environmental science.

Day 5: Fieldwork and data analysis

Excitement built as students enjoyed a boat trip in the V&A Waterfront, followed by a beach clean-up at Muizenberg. After collecting and recording litter data, the group travelled to Simon’s Town for camp. The evening wrapped up with an environmental debate, sparking passionate discussions on sustainability and activism.

Day 6: Exploration and creativity

The morning began with sunrise stretches and a deep dive into environmental ethics. At Boulders Beach, the Aquarium Dive School guided the group through an exhilarating snorkelling session and a chance to observe marine life up close. Back at camp, students unleashed their creativity through logo design and environmental skits, showcasing their conservation messages with energy and humour.

Day 7: Reflection and farewell

The final morning offered one last sunrise reflection walk, students watching the sunrise on the final morning, a perfect end to an unforgettable week. On this walk, students sketched, wrote, and shared personal reflections on their journey. Before heading back to the Aquarium, they participated in a closing debrief and received details for their upcoming volunteer induction.

What we learned

The results of the program were inspiring and had a dramatic improvement, which demonstrated not only an increase in marine biology knowledge but also growth in confidence, teamwork, and environmental responsibility. By incorporating feedback from previous years, the 2025 course placed greater emphasis on active learning, collaboration, and real-world conservation action. This ensures that students are left ready to protect the ocean in meaningful ways.

Looking ahead

In November, graduates of the programme will return for their volunteer induction, officially joining the Two Oceans Aquarium’s community. The 2025 Young Biologist Course wasn’t just a programme; it was a celebration of curiosity, connection, and conservation. Each participant left with new knowledge, new friends, and a renewed sense of purpose.

Thank you

A huge thank-you to all Two Oceans Aquarium and Foundation staff, the Aquarium Dive School, and our dedicated facilitators who made this unforgettable week possible. Most importantly, thank you to the Young Biologists who reminded us why we do what we do to inspire the next generation of ocean guardians.