Module #1 Introduction to Marine Mammals Overview of marine mammal diversity, evolution, and adaptations
Module #2 Marine Mammal Senses Exploring the sensory adaptations of marine mammals, including vision, hearing, and echolocation
Module #3 Swimming and Diving Physiology Physiological adaptations for efficient swimming and diving in marine mammals
Module #4 Feeding Behaviors Variation in feeding strategies among marine mammals, including filter-feeding, predation, and scavenging
Module #5 Social Structure and Organization Overview of social structures in marine mammals, including solitary, group-living, and complex societies
Module #6 Mating and Reproduction Reproductive strategies and behaviors in marine mammals, including mating systems and parental care
Module #7 Communication Fundamentals Introduction to the principles of animal communication, including signal types and transmission mechanisms
Module #8 Vocalizations in Marine Mammals Characteristics and functions of vocalizations in different marine mammal species
Module #9 Whale Songs In-depth exploration of the complex vocalizations of humpback, minke, and other whale species
Module #10 Clicks and Whistles Click-based and whistle-based communication in dolphins, porpoises, and other toothed cetaceans
Module #11 Body Language and Visual Displays Non-vocal communication in marine mammals, including postures, facial expressions, and visual displays
Module #12 Olfactory Communication The role of scent marking and chemical cues in marine mammal social behavior and mating
Module #13 Electroreception and Magnetoreception The sensory mechanisms underlying electroreception and magnetoreception in marine mammals
Module #14 Social Learning and Culture Observational learning, cultural transmission, and social traditions in marine mammals
Module #15 Cooperation and Altruism Examples of cooperative behavior and altruism in marine mammals, including hunting, care-giving, and rescue behaviors
Module #16 Agonistic Behavior and Conflict Intra- and inter-specific aggression, dominance, and submission behaviors in marine mammals
Module #17 Human-Marine Mammal Interactions The impact of human activities on marine mammal behavior, including noise pollution, habitat disruption, and bycatch
Module #18 Conservation and Management Strategies Approaches to conserving and managing marine mammal populations, including regulation, research, and education
Module #19 Case Study:Humpback Whales In-depth examination of humpback whale behavior, ecology, and conservation
Module #20 Case Study:Orcas (Killer Whales) Exploration of orca behavior, social structure, and conservation challenges
Module #21 Case Study:Sea Otters The role of sea otters in marine ecosystems, their behavior, and conservation status
Module #22 Case Study:Manatees Behavioral and ecological adaptations of manatees, and conservation efforts for this species
Module #23 Research Methods in Marine Mammal Science Overview of techniques for studying marine mammal behavior, including observation, acoustic monitoring, and citizen science
Module #24 Course Wrap-Up & Conclusion Planning next steps in Marine Mammal Behavior and Communication career
