Handling and upkeep of marine mammals
These courses count as free-choice credits for the Universidad de Valencia. For other universities, consult your department.
University students and the general public. Basic course aimed at people interested in entering the field of marine biology.
| DURATION |
20 hours. |
| TIMETABLE: |
From Monday to Friday, 16.00 to 20.00 hours. |
| DATE: |
7th to 11th of may 2012 |
| PLACE: |
E+I Building, instalations and technical area of the Oceanogràfic.
|
| Nº OF PARTICIPANTS PER COURSE: |
40* persons |
| COORDINATION: |
Education Departament of the Oceanogràfic |
| COST OF THE COURSE: |
130 € students
150 € general public |
* A minimum of 20 persons registered for running the course
Requirements
Preferably university students and students on training modules related with the course subject who are interested in learning more about aspects of several mammals and their maintenance in a controlled environment.
Aims
- To remind students of the main biological characteristics of marine mammals.
- To gain further knowledge of odontocete cetaceans; behaviour, handling and training in a controlled environment of beluga whales (Delphinapterus leucas) and dolphins (Tursiops truncatus).
- To widen knowledge of pinnipeds; behaviour, handling and training in a controlled environment.
- To understand the technical principles involved in installation maintenance for marine mammals. Water quality and filtration.
- To raise awareness of the pathological principles and main procedures in preventive medicine for marine mammals.
- To learn about techniques of transporting marine mammals and the regulations in force (CITES).
- To discover several environmental enhancement techniques for marine mammals in a controlled environment.
- To learn about several conservation and research projects with marine animals.
Contents
- Biological characteristics of marine mammals:
- Classification
- Adaptations
- Special features of each group
- Handling in a controlled environment
- Installations and water quality
- Feeding
- Behaviour: Training and Environmental Enhancement
- Transport
- Veterinary medicine for marine mammals
- Reproduction
- Conservation and research
- CITES
- Research and Conservation Projects
Teaching Staff
Each session will be teaching by experts in the different fields of proposed themes.