Shari Snitovsky
Office: 7118
Phone: 650-738-4250
| Blue whale analysis completed Fall, 2004 Biology 675H is designed to introduce you to the world of marine mammal science by participating in seminars, designing and implementing educational activities, and conducting research. While this class is scheduled to meet from 1:10-2:00 on Fridays, you are expected to do much of the work for this class outside of that scheduled time. To successfully complete this course, you need to earn at least 100 points. Below is a list of activities which will earn you points. You may pick and choose how you would like to earn your points, but you must earn at least 10 points from each of the first 2 activities. Honors credit will be received in this and a concurrent 100 or 200 level biology course upon successful completion of this course. |
Spring Only: Gray Whale Census |
|
Activity |
Point Value |
Required? |
|
Attend presentation by marine mammal professional and write a summary. |
5 points each See schedule on next page. |
At least 10 points. 20 points max. Feel free to attend others for extra credit (beyond the 100 point minimum). |
|
Observe wild marine mammals. Write a description of what you observed, including any behaviors, interactions with humans, or your thoughts and impressions. |
Varies from 10-30 points, depending on length of observation. See ideas on last page. |
At least 10 points by observing wild marine mammals. 30 points max. Feel free to make further observations for extra credit (beyond the 100 point minimum). |
|
Project |
Varies from 50-80 points, depending on complexity and how it is implemented. See ideas on last page. |
Comprises
the bulk of your points. See project ideas on last page. |
See class schedule for in-class presentations
See American Cetacean Society site at www.acs-sfbay.org
for ACS Lecture Schedule
See www.farallones.org for Farallones
Marine Sanctuary Association Lecture Schedule
Whalewatching Resources:
American Cetacean Society
or Oceanic
Society Expeditions offers trips.
Monterey Bay Whalewatch: www.montereywhalewatch.com.
Hint: Blues and Humpbacks are feeding in these areas August through November! Great sightings! In the spring check out gray whales as they migrate along our coast.
San Francisco Sea Lions. Worth 10 points. You must
write up a report on your observations.
Make observations of California sea lions at Pier 39. Spend some time watching
them, and write up a report.
Shoreline Observations. Worth 10 points. You must write up
a report on your observations. Go find some marine mammals on your own. Go
to the beach, the Pacifica pier, or a rocky intertidal area and look with
binoculars. You may have to go several times before you can complete this
project.
Sea Safari. Worth 30 points. You must write up a report on your observations.
Take a trip to Moss Landing and view sea otters aboard the Sea Safari boat
tours. Pontoon boat offers stable ride in an area with no waves! Cost is $26
per person.
Call (831) 633-5555.
Monterey Bay Aquarium. Worth 30 points. You must write up a report on your
observations.
The Marine Mammal Center: Worth 10 points.
Tour a working marine mammal hospital.
Project Ideas:
Specimen
Preparation, The Marine Mammal Center
Prepare and Present Educational
Materials for American Cetacean Society
Staff an education booth for the American Cetacean Society
Evaluate
Whale Data in Monterey Bay
Evaluate Right Whale Data—Worldwide
In-depth report on a species or issue
Create educational posters to be used in public displays for the American
Cetacean Society.
Write an article on a marine mammal species for publication in a conservation
organization newsletter.
