SUMMER FIELD COURSES
Diverse experiences possible and vary on resource availability
Updated Friday January 19, 2018
This field course opportunity is unique as it allows the participants the opportunity to get up close and personal with a number of marine mammal species and experience living physiology of these remarkable creatures. OERS will be offering this as a 1 week trip at the beginning of May that includes daily in the field (water!) interactions with dolphins, manatee and sea lions in a controlled yet natural environment.
You will experience applied physiology and see first-hand how their adaptations allow them to exist in their aquatic environment. You will have time in the water getting to feel and see for yourself their unique adaptations that make them survive so well. Through direct exposure to mothers and their young you will learn about reproduction and maternal physiology including witnessing live births if they occur.
You will also learn and get hands on experience regarding marine mammal nutritional requirements. Wrapping up the week is a thrill of a lifetime – an interactive in water session with you and a dolphin interacting one-on-one!! Not only is the unique in water experiences unbelievable but as part of the course fee you will be staying at an all inclusive resort in a safe and gated community.
After class activities include observing other marine life to compare to the marine mammals you were studying. This is an opportunity of a lifetime as there are few facilities where you get to interact so closely with these beautiful creatures in as natural a habitat as possible.
All course materials provided, space is limited to ensure hands on experience for all participants who wish it. The course fees will be $3,600 USD* everything included but airfare and tuition fees (if you want university credit). This course is a must for anyone who wants to finally get a chance to touch, interact and learn comparative marine mammal physiology in the field. Submitting the registration form with the non-refundable deposit of $500 (cash or bank draft payable to payable to OERS) ensures your space on this very popular and unusual experience. Registrations are now open, apply immediately if you really wish to be a part of this unique experience!
Note: minimum enrollment of 12 applies for course to be held; this has been achieved for 2018 so is running.
OERS-F500 (May 14-18, 2018)
Following on the heels of a series of enormously successful courses in the summers of 2007-2017.
OERS will be offering its eighth dissection/autopsy experience which will be 5 days in length and consist of a detailed hands on anatomical exploration of a marine mammal.
For the summer 2018 (May 14-18), it is a young adult pinniped (grey seal). The students will participate in the necropsy and dissection, getting a first-hand look at the wonders of pinniped adaptations.
As well they will learn the state of its health and general condition.
This knowledge will assist us in better understanding these amazing creatures and how our environment is impacting on them. Please be aware that if the participant so chooses, this is hands on and will be messy.
All course materials provided, space is limited to ensure hands on experience for all participants who wish it. Cost $2500. Submitting the registration form with the non-refundable deposit of $500 ensures your space on this very popular and unusual experience.
Registrations are now open, apply immediately if you really wish to be a part of this unique experience!
NOTE: If also enrolling in PSL378 (UofT) at the same time you get a discounted price of $1995 with confirmation of enrollment. Also note course is always subject to availability of specimen. For 2018 this has been confirmed.
UNDERGRADUATE DEGREE COURSES
If you are interested in university level education in Toronto with a marine mammal focus, there are a number of undergraduate degree level courses at the 2nd 3rd and 4th year levels, including filed courses available at the University of Toronto, through the department of Physiology. These courses are run as recognized and approved undergraduate courses at the University of Toronto. For more information, visit the Department of Physiology, University of Toronto website at http://www.physiology.utoronto.ca/undergraduate-courses.
In order to take these courses you must enroll through the University of Toronto.
OERS Professional Career Experiences
A number of opportunities have been created to allow individuals to experience marine mammal science, research and biomedical topics. Costs and time commitment vary depending on the program.
nterested candidates should fill in the program application form, attach required documents and non-refundable deposit* and submit to OERS at 12 Burton Ave, Barrie Ontario, L4N 2R2.
Unless otherwise specified, there are no specific deadlines as most experiences can be undertaken at any time of mutual convenience during the year. Please note that the costs listed are registration fees only and do not cover any other expenses which are the responsibility of the candidate. All candidates must be >18 years of age.
** $150 deposit goes toward registration fees, the balance of which is payable upon acceptance into the program. OERS is not responsible if the candidate does not complete the program as agreed to by all parties.
Further details on specific opportunities:
- Pre-Veterinary Career Experience (ongoing)
- Marine Mammal Research Skills (ongoing)
- Biomedical Research Skills (ongoing)
- Marine Biology Field Experience (ongoing)
