Introduction to Marine Wildlife

University of Florida

Introduction to Marine Wildlife

Aquatic Animal Health

May 10-August 6, 2010 ● Gainesville, FL, USA

Site Index

● Course Introduction	● Course Outline & Schedule	● Registration Information
● Course Objectives	● Course Topics	● Course Questions
● Course Information	● Course Faculty

Course Introduction

Introduction to Marine Wildlife is an online course designed to introduce students (upper level undergraduate and graduate) and professionals with a Masters or higher degree to the natural history, anatomy, physiology and behavior of aquatic megavertebrates: whales and dolphins, seals and sea lions, manatees, sea turtles and crocodilians.

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Course Objectives

The course objectives:

Provide on-line reading material for each learning module, lectures through MediaSite

Opportunities for discussion on electronic message board

Homework assignments for establishing a baseline of information on marine mammals, sea turtles and crocodilians.

Graduate students are also expected with write a grant proposal and then review assigned proposals.

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Course Information

Undergraduate Level (Junior or Senior)
Course Number: VME 4906
Section 9328 for UF and 9326 for non-UF

Graduate Level
Course Number: VME 6934
Section 9163 for UF and 9169 for non-UF

Course Materials
Reading material will be provided on the E-learning site and needs to be reviewed before viewing the MediaSite lectures. From the background reading material provided, students will be asked to answer questions from a self test quiz. Students will need to correctly answer 90% before allowed access to the related MediaSite lectures.

After viewing EACH lecture, students are asked to post 5 questions/comments to the electronic message board on the given topic. Dr. Larkin or the person who gave the lecture would then be available to address questions posted during a window of time, to be indicated in each module.

Homework will include providing a 2 page review and critique of a scientific journal article.

Graduate students are also expected to write a 5 page grant proposal on an aquatic related topic, due towards the end of the semester. After grants are handed in, graduate students will then be given proposals (without names or other identifiers) and asked to participate as a “Reviewer” and to evaluate/rank the grants. Undergraduate students will not be asked to write and review a grant proposal.

Directions for assignments, lectures and due dates will be provided within each learning module. Due dates for assignments will also be available on the e-learning calendar

Access to the course material will be opened at the start of the semester: Monday, May 10th.

Evaluation/ Grading/ Testing

20%	Knowledge of Subject Area
	Ability to satisfactorily integrate reading material, discussions, and writing assignments as demonstrated
	10%	Participation in class message board discussions
	10%	Completion of self test quizzes and viewing lectures
60%	Performance
	10%	Journal article review – 5% review, 5% critique
	25%	Grant proposal
	25%	Review of grant proposal
20%	Personal Profile
	10%	On-line attendance & punctuality of due dates
	10%	Enthusiasm & attitude

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Course Outline & Schedule

Click here to view and print tentative outline (PDF format).

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Course Topics

Manatees
Natural History, Anatomy, Physiology, Behavior, Hair & Genetics

Pinnipeds
Natural History, Anatomy, Physiology, Behavior

Crocodilians
Natural History, Anatomy, Physiology, Behavior

Sea Turtles
Natural History, Anatomy, Physiology, Behavior

Conservation Issues

Cetaceans
Natural History, Anatomy, Physiology, Behavior, Large Whales, Conservation, Mortality

Regulations, Permits & Management
Manatees & Cetaceans, Health Assessments and Rehabilitation, UMEs

Research & Techniques
Necropsy, Molecular Techniques, Field Techniques

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Course Faculty

Bob Bonde
University of Florida
College of Veterinary Medicine and
U.S. Geological Survey, Sirenia Project

Alex Costidis
University of Florida
College of Veterinary Medicine

Katherine Garland
University of Florida

Elsa Haubold
Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation
Commission

Iske Larkin
University of Florida
College of Veterinary Medicine

Hendrik Nollens
University of Florida
College of Veterinary Medicine and
Hubbs-SeaWorld Research Institute

Tom Pitchford
Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation
Commission

Roger Reep
University of Florida
College of Veterinary Medicine

Alicia Reid
Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation
Commission

Andy Stamper
Disney's Animal Kingdom

Kent Vleit
University of Florida
College of Liberal Arts and Sciences

Randy Wells
University of Florida
College of Veterinary Medicine and
Mote Marine Laboratory

Graham Worthy
University of Central Florida

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Registration Information

What does the Registration Fee include? The Introduction to Marine Wildlife registration fee provides each participant the educational program, course handouts and upon completion, two-credit hours.

Registration will permit the students to have access to the course during the summer C semester and they will have access to numerous PDFs of faculty presentations and related reading material. Students will also be introduced to researchers who have an enormous amount of experience with the subjects covered.

Registration Fees for Non-UF Students

Undergraduate Registration Fee	$681.00
Graduate Registration Fee	$859.00

This is a two-credit class through the University of Florida.

HOW TO REGISTER?

UF Veterinary Students need to also register with Ms. Dot McCloskey at: mccolskeyd@ufl.edu

UF Students must register through normal ISIS and pay the current cost per credit hour. Undergraduates must be a junior or senior to enroll. Graduate students should be in good standing.

UF Student Handbook (online course information)

Non-UF Students will register through the web site link to DCE.
Undergraduate: Only those with a junior or senior status can register for this course. Regular rate per credit hour cost is $325 plus $31in additional fees. Proof of undergraduate student status required.
Graduate: Must be currently enrolled in a graduate or professional degree program. Proof of graduate student status required.
Post Graduate: If not currently a student, you must have a Masters or higher degree in hand.
Regular rate per credit hour cost is $400 plus $59 in additional fees. Proof of degree required.

Non-UF Students
Click Here to Register

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Course Questions

Course Information:

Dr. Iske Larkin, Course Director
University of Florida
College of Veterinary Medicine
PO Box 100136
Gainesville, FL 32610-0136
Phone: 352-294-4095
Email: IVLarkin@vetmed.ufl.edu
E-learning web mail: 8-5 M-F during the course

NOTE: If you send an email to Dr. Larkin and receive no response within two days, please call her phone number.

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