MS 439. Marine Mammal Health

Credits: 2

This course will provide an overview of marine mammal stranding response, health assessments, forensic pathology, and common diseases of marine mammals, with a focus on species found in the Gulf of Mexico. This course requires participation in marine mammal necropsy, which includes hands-on (or virtual, depending on COVID-19 requirements) dissection of carcasses and internal organs, blood, and can have foul smells. Due to potential risk of zoonotic disease, you may not want to participate in necropsies if you are pregnant or immunocompromised. Personal protective equipment will be available and is required. An optional field trip to an aquarium will provide the opportunity to see marine mammal medical examinations, and participation in live and dead marine mammal stranding response will be available on a volunteer basis as opportunities present throughout the course. Prerequisites: 3rd or 4th year undergraduate - completion of Dolphins and Whales or Marine Mammals course; graduate student; or consent of the instructor.
Offered: Dauphin Island Sea Lab