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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!

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Bigg's 201

Improve your scientific literacy through the lens of whale research
Registration Opens
October 15th, 2024

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 2024

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

Whale Book Club

Explore Early Perceptions of Orcinus Orca
Registration Opens
Fall 2024

This 9-week virtual course is designed to take participants back to a time before humans began any scientific inquiry on the orca populations that currently occupy the Salish Sea. Through a progressive exploration, 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 that define early attitudes and assumptions towards killer whales, along with the birth of orca research that began here in British Columbia and Washington State. This course concludes with a weekend excursion to both historic Penn Cove, along with a whale watch tour to experience the beauty of the Salish Sea and potentially encounter killer whales.

Click here for more information

The Art and Science of Southern Residents

A deeper understanding of the Southern Resident killer whales
Registration Opens
SOLD OUT - Join the wait list

This 2 month class will involve weekly virtual sessions focused on creating a deeper understanding of the Southern Resident killer whales by exploring their stories through both art and science. Students will read and discuss some of the key scientific publications documenting the plight of the Southern Residents and will learn about identification, individuality, and family connections through several art lessons. No need to be a scientist or an artist to apply! This class is for anyone who wants to build a stronger connection to the Southern Residents. The class will culminate with an optional in-person field trip to connect with one another face to face and explore the Salish Sea ecosystem the Southern Residents rely on.

Click here for more information