Time Schedule:
Glenn R. Vanblaricom
FISH 475
Seattle Campus
Evolution, taxonomy, physiology, life history, and behavior of marine mammals; the techniques of studying and the management and conservation of them. Recommended: 15 credits of biological science, vertebrate anatomy, and physiology, for laboratory sections.
Class description
Our goals in FISH 475 are to familiarize the student with the fascinating extremes of ecology and evolution that characterize marine mammals, and to bring the student in contact with the realities of contemporary marine mammal science and management.
Student learning goals
General method of instruction
Lecture presentations will be enhanced by guest speakers and video tapes of marine mammals in their natural habitats. Laboratories will include field trips, dissections, examination of research equipment and technology, and quantitative exercises on the computer. The course will include a writing exercise in research proposal development.
Recommended preparation
The course is intended for upper division undergraduate and graduate students in the natural sciences. There are no formal prerequisites; however, prior coursework in marine biology or oceanography is strongly recommended.
Class assignments and grading
Assigned readings in published texts. The writing assignment involves drafting and revising components of a research proposal.
Midterm (1) and final examinations and writing assignment.
