COURSE DESCRIPTION
This course is a survey of the natural history, biology, behavior, threats, and conservation of dolphins. While the specific focus will be on the bottlenose dolphins that inhabit the coastal areas of Belize, we will also concentrate on other species that live all over the globe. Coursework will consist of both academic discussions and field work designed to introduce students to the methods and equipment that dolphin researchers commonly use. Students will be studying with the Oceanic Society and working alongside and studying with their marine researchers.
“The hands-on learning and observation combined with the academics and cultural experiences for such a positive outcome!” — Dr. and Mrs. Gary Asher, Lunenberg, MA
COURSE OBJECTIVES
- Survey of the natural history, biology, behavior, threats, and conservation of dolphins.
- Students will examine dolphins from an interdisciplinary perspective that will include biology, physiology, ecology, animal behavior, conservation, law, and related international relations/policy.
- They will also survey of the similarities and differences among dolphins species and what makes each unique.
- A particular focus on the distribution, abundance and behavior of the Belize bottlenose dolphin.
- Common research and data collection techniques that dolphin researchers commonly use.
LECTURE TOPICS
- Introduction to marine biology.
- Introduction to reef oceanography.
- Marine organisms
- Dolphin natural history.
- Guest lectures
- Dolphin research and data collection techniques.
- Dolphin biology.
- Dolphin behavior.
- Natural and man-made threats to dolphins.
- Data analysis
- Conservation
- Policy and law
FIELD STUDIES & EXERCISES
- Scuba diving training
- Identification and behavior surveys
- Environmental sampling
- Data analysis
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