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Whale University

Launching in 2024, Whale University encompasses the educational programs of the Orca Behavior Institute with the goal of providing adults continuing education opportunities with science-based classes rooted in a shared passion for cetaceans.

The first official program under the Whale University umbrella is Bigg’s 201, an intermediate level adult whale research experience running from January to May 2024. You can learn more about the class here and get on the early notification list for the next open registration.

Over time, we plan to expand our class offerings, starting with the two below. Please fill out this form to express your interest and be among the first to know when these classes will go live!

Fall 2025
Bigg's 201 - Virtual Version
Whale Book Club - Northern Residents
Drawing and Painting Orcas

Spring 2026 - Tentative Schedule
Bigg's 201
Bigg's 301
50 Shades of Gray Whale

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Bigg's 201 ~ Virtual

A fully virtual version of our flagship Bigg's 201 course
Registration Opens
MAY 2025

In this 4 month fully virtual course, you will work with whale biologist Monika Wieland Shields of the Orca Behavior Institute to improve your scientific literacy by doing a deep dive to learn more about Bigg’s killer whales of the Salish Sea. Regardless of your background, this class will help you practice reading and understanding scientific papers and let you explore real-world sightings data to create graphs and maps as you follow a specific Bigg’s family group. This class culminates with a virtual presentation where you can practice what you’ve learned about how to communicate science effectively.

Click here for more information

Whale Book Club: Northern Residents

Learn about NRKW and the unique threats they face
Registration Opens
MAY 2025

Through a progressive exploration of three books over the course of three months, participants will read and discuss a series of literary works, participate in “watch parties” of chosen films and movies, and join in author/guest speaker Q&As and presentations to learn more about Northern Resident killer whales and the unique threats they face.

Click here for more information

Bigg's 201

Improve your scientific literacy through the lens of whale research
Registration Opens
FALL 2025

In this 4.5 month course combining virtual lectures and in-person field trips, you will work with whale biologist Monika Wieland Shields of the Orca Behavior Institute to improve your scientific literacy by doing a deep dive to learn more about Bigg’s killer whales of the Salish Sea. Regardless of your background, this class will help you practice reading and understanding scientific papers, give you a chance to try collecting whale behavioral data in the field, and let you explore real-world sightings data to create graphs and maps as you follow a specific Bigg’s family group.

Click here for more information

Bigg's 301

An advanced research class for those who have completed Bigg's 201
Registration Opens
FALL 2025

Students have loved the Bigg's 201 experience so much that the class has left them wanting more! For those who have completed Bigg's 201 (or the Bigg's STaRS class), we will be offering an advanced science class that will delve even further into the world of whale research. Bigg's 301 will involve more scientific paper discussions giving a broader overview of research topics including acoustics, toxins, and predation and will also include an advanced ID workshop. Students will work either alone or in pairs to delve into sightings data for extended family groups, looking for similarities and differences in Salish Sea habitat usage of related matrilines. The class will culminate with back-to-back presentation days and boat trips.

Click here for more information