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.

Visit classes.oregonstate.edu for more information and to register.