COURSE DESCRIPTION: This is a unique hybrid course introducing students to the fundamental concepts of physiology in marine mammals and an overview of what health, threats and disease processes mean in the context of marine mammals. The course includes a general description of the key physiological systems, and the most common diseases and health threats to marine mammals as well as the role of marine mammal health in changing ocean ecosystems. Practical classes include an introduction to the incident command structure, marine mammal necropsy technique, sample collection and the role of necropsy investigation in marine mammal research and stranding response. These dissection classes also provide the material to review the link between structure and function in anatomy and physiology in the marine mammal context.

PREREQUISITES: Basic principles of animal biology, introductory anatomy and physiology, and a basic understanding of marine mammal taxonomy are assumed knowledge.

FORMAT: CWS participants will join COA students virtually for this hybrid course. A live lecture and lab will be delivered each Wednesday morning and afternoon, respectively. CWS participants will receive a supply kit in the mail to learn and demonstrate mastery of key practical skills learned in the course. Evening seminar sessions will be delivered virtually to all students by a slate of global expert guest lecturers. Lectures, labs, and evening seminars will be live-streamed for all students with recordings of each posted afterwards for those unable to attend.