Certification in Beginning Marine Mammalogy requires the completion of two classes which focus on working with marine mammals in addition to a five day internship. This program provides education in both hands-on and classroom settings.

The two courses required for the completion of a Beginning Marine Mammalogy certification are:

Bio 347: Working With Marine Mammals: This 3 credit course (offered Jan 5-22, 2021) is designed to assist people who are interested in developing a career in marine mammalogy. It will provide practical information about marine mammals and careers working with them, drawing on the rich background of marine mammal work in the Monterey Bay area. The course will include many live experiences with the marine mammals at Moss Landing Marine Labs and in the surrounding areas.

This class will instruct students in captive marine mammal husbandry (care and maintenance), training, basic physiology, an overview of common research topics and techniques, as well as public display, education, and current issues in marine mammalogy. Students will experience a virtual intern day at the lab assisting in the care of research-trained California sea lions. They will also develop a resume, go through a mock job interview, and public presentation.

Psy 395: Introduction to Animal Training:  This 3 credit course (offered Dec 23, 2020 - Jan 22, 2021) provides students an in-depth understanding of the discipline of animal training across many different types of terrestrial and aquatic animals and techniques. It provides an exceptional background in relevant animal behavior and psychological principles related to the practical goal of modifying animal behavior.

These techniques are demonstrated using trained sea lions, horses, and other domestic and exotic animals. Students will intern a day at the lab assisting in the care and training of research-trained sea lions (or virtual internship during covid19). Topics covered will include: Captivity, Why Train? Communication, Motivation, Desensitization, Aggression, and Practical Training. (Also offered summer 2021 as Bio 148)

This class requirement may also be completed by taking Animal Training 101 online class, available any time.

These courses are provided through ATR Intl., in conjunction with California State University at Monterey Bay (CSUMB)

For more information on the five day intern portion of the Beginning Marine Mammalogy please visit our Intern page