Module #1 Introduction to Marine Mammalogy Overview of the field of marine mammalogy, importance of studying marine mammals, and course objectives
Module #2 Evolution and Diversity of Marine Mammals Phylogenetic history of marine mammals, adaptations to marine environment, and classification of species
Module #3 Physical Characteristics of Marine Mammals Body shape, size, and morphology of marine mammals, including skin, blubber, and fur
Module #4 Sensory Systems of Marine Mammals Echolocation, vision, hearing, and electroreception in marine mammals
Module #5 Feeding and Nutrition of Marine Mammals Diet, feeding strategies, and nutrient uptake in marine mammals
Module #6 Locomotion and Migration of Marine Mammals Swimming, diving, and migrating behaviors of marine mammals
Module #7 Social Structure and Behavior of Marine Mammals Social organization, mating systems, and communication in marine mammals
Module #8 Cognitive Abilities of Marine Mammals Intelligence, problem-solving, and complex behaviors in marine mammals
Module #9 Marine Mammal Habitats and Ecology Oceanography, marine ecosystems, and habitats of marine mammals
Module #10 Baleen Whales (Mysticeti) Biology, ecology, and conservation of baleen whales, including blue, humpback, and gray whales
Module #11 Toothed Whales (Odontoceti) Biology, ecology, and conservation of toothed whales, including orcas, sperm whales, and dolphins
Module #12 Pinnipeds (Seals, Sea Lions, and Walruses) Biology, ecology, and conservation of pinnipeds
Module #13 Sirenians (Manatees and Dugongs) Biology, ecology, and conservation of sirenians
Module #14 Marine Mammal Conservation and Management Threats to marine mammals, conservation strategies, and international agreements
Module #15 Human Impacts on Marine Mammals Bycatch, entanglement, pollution, and noise pollution affecting marine mammals
Module #16 Marine Mammal Research Methods and Techniques Acoustic monitoring, photogrammetry, and satellite tracking of marine mammals
Module #17 Marine Mammal Population Dynamics and Modeling Demography, population growth rates, and modeling of marine mammal populations
Module #18 Marine Mammal-Fisheries Interactions Interactions between marine mammals and fisheries, including competition and bycatch
Module #19 Marine Mammal Tourism and Ecotourism Responsible wildlife viewing, tourism impacts, and ecotourism benefits
Module #20 Marine Mammal Stranding and Rehabilitation Causes and response to marine mammal strandings, rehabilitation, and release
Module #21 Cultural and Indigenous Relationships with Marine Mammals Traditional knowledge, cultural significance, and indigenous perspectives on marine mammals
Module #22 Marine Mammal Policy and Legislation National and international laws and policies governing marine mammal conservation
Module #23 Emerging Issues in Marine Mammalogy Current topics and emerging research areas in marine mammalogy, including climate change and noise pollution
Module #24 Marine Mammal Case Studies and Applications Real-world examples and applications of marine mammal research and conservation
Module #25 Careers in Marine Mammalogy Professional development, career paths, and opportunities in marine mammalogy
Module #26 Research and Conservation Project Development Designing and implementing research and conservation projects in marine mammalogy
Module #27 Marine Mammal Science Communication and Outreach Science communication, public outreach, and education in marine mammalogy
Module #28 Marine Mammal Data Analysis and Statistics Statistical analysis and data visualization techniques in marine mammal research
Module #29 Marine Mammal Study Abroad and Fieldwork Hands-on experience and fieldwork opportunities in marine mammalogy
Module #30 Course Wrap-Up & Conclusion Planning next steps in Introduction to Marine Mammalogy career