FW 457x/557x: Biology, Ecology, and Conservation of Marine Mammals
Course Overview
This 9-credit course offers an in-depth exploration of marine mammals—a globally distributed and ecologically significant group of animals that shape marine ecosystems and maintain deep connections with human societies. Topics include social behavior and intelligence, feeding and migration, biogeography, bioacoustics, ecological roles, evolution, management, and conservation.
The course is team-taught, providing extensive interaction with OSU faculty and enhanced by guest lectures and lab sessions led by experts from the Marine Mammal Institute and visiting scholars from around the world.
Designed to be integrative and experiential, the course combines lectures, group discussions, debates on current issues, field trips, and hands-on laboratory work. Students will engage in the collection and analysis of real-world data using diverse research methods, applying theoretical knowledge to practical challenges.
Professional "lightning talks" from individuals working in government agencies, NGOs, industry, and academia offer valuable insights into the wide range of career pathways in marine mammalogy.
This course is ideal for students aspiring to pursue careers in marine mammalogy, conservation, or related fields.
For more information and how to register visit the 457x page or the 557x page on the OSU schedule of classes.
Additional Information
Classroom, field, and lab content taught at Hatfield Marine Science Center.
Recommended preparation 200-level biology courses; familiarity with marine fieldwork and R Studio computer programming.
This course fulfills 9-credits within the marine mammalogy requirements for the Marine Mammal Graduate Certificate.
Scholarship - Applications Close August 15
OSU Marine and Coastal Opportunities is offering ten $600 scholarships to support undergraduate and graduate students in this hands-on marine mammal field course. Students will work alongside leading experts, gain real-world research experience, explore career pathways, and build transferable skills in conservation science through fieldwork and lab activities.
Details:
- Opens May 21. Priority submission deadline is June 13, but applications will be accepted through August 15.
- Eligibility:
- Must be an undergraduate or graduate student currently enrolled in an Oregon State University program
- Undergraduates: Full-time OSU students from any campus will receive priority consideration.
- Part-time OSU students will also be considered
- Must be enrolled in the 5-week course Biology, Ecology, and Conservation of Marine Mammals (FW 457X or FW 557X)
- Must successfully complete the first week of the course to receive the award
- Application must clearly communicate academic goals related to the course and financial need
- We assess how effectively applicants respond to the ScholarDollars prompt questions to determine eligibility and ranking. Well-crafted applications will receive higher consideration during the review process.
- Students may also apply for MACO Coastal Field Housing Awards and can receive both awards if eligible and if funds are available.
- Must be an undergraduate or graduate student currently enrolled in an Oregon State University program
- Apply through OSU ScholarDollars by logging in and searching for "MACO Marine Mammal Field Studies."