SUMMER FIELD COURSES
Diverse experiences possible and vary on resource availability
Updated Monday March 29, 2021
OERS-F600 (April 24-May 1, 2022)
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 end of April 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. 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.
OERS-F500 (May 9-13, 2022)
Following on the heels of a series of enormously successful courses in the summers of 2007-2019 (cancelled in 2020-21 due to COVID).
OERS will be offering its tenth 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 2022 (May 9-13), it is a young adult pinniped (grey seal). Students will participate in the necropsy and dissection, getting a first-hand look at the wonders of pinniped adaptations.
As well you 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 $2400 with confirmation of enrollment. Also note course is always subject to availability of specimen. For 2022 this has been confirmed.
Carin Wittnich – Summer Studentship Award (Marine Environmental Education)
The Oceanographic Environmental Research Society (OERS) has established a scholarship to provide students with an educational experience in marine animal and environmental research for three summer months.
An educational scholarship will be provided annually for a student to experience the field of marine environmental issues during the summer months. The scholarship is valued at $2,000.00 for a period of three months full time. OERS also reserves the right to not award this Summer Studentship should no appropriate candidates be identified.
Students enrolled in their third or later years of a university undergraduate program and who have maintained passing grades, may apply. Preference will be given to students who have previous OERS Advanced Internship experience. The education project will be determined by OERS.
Applications for these awards (original plus one copy of the full application) should be made by the student, who agrees to undertake his/her work under the supervision of an OERS Director. Please contact OERS to indicate your interest, if appropriate an application form will be sent to you. The deadline is February 15th postmarked.
Please note: late or incomplete applications will not be considered.