Bigg's 301

Scholarship available for this class:

Registration opens:

October 10th

SOLD OUT

Class Cost:

$1650

If you would like to be added to the wait list, please contact Monika at monika@orcabehaviorinstitute.org

This advanced whale research class is for students that have completed either our 2023 STaRS or 2024/2025 Bigg's 201 class

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 on an independent project delving 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 in-person presentations followed by a finale boat trip.

Pay in full up front or split into 4 payments ($412.50 every 2 months) which includes a 2.9% transaction fee per payment HERE (when available)

For those interested in joining from out of state: if you are interested in a hybrid version of the class that includes all the virtual components but only the final in-person boat trip, please contact monika@orcabehaviorinstitute.org

Bigg´s 301 class boat trip. Orca Behavior Institute

Biggs 301 - Final Boat Trip Compilation

Included in the class:

9 virtual Zoom sessions with Monika Wieland Shields and other OBI researchers

Access to extended OBI Bigg's killer whale sightings data

3 class boat trips (2 from Friday Harbor + 1 from Anacortes for you and a guest)

In-person presentation day in Anacortes

Access to a private Discord server to connect with instructors and build community with other participants

Exclusive class stickers

Completion of either our 2023 STaRS or 2024/2025 Bigg's 201 class

A desire to dive deeper into the science of Bigg's killer whales through reading and discussing scientific papers and exploring more extensive family data sets

Willingness to participate in class discussions and share progress with the group

Ability to dedicate ~4 hours every 2 weeks to class assignments

"Signing up for Bigg’s 301 changed my life in many ways that I wasn’t expecting. Not only are Monika and Amanda incredibly talented and inspiring mentors, but they have created a unique place for wonderful people to come together to build each other up. This class served as a space for me to create, to wonder, and to grow. I’m bursting at the seams with gratitude from this experience."

"Bigg’s 301 is the perfect next step from Bigg’s 201, expanding on what we learned and taking it to the next level— with bigger data sets and instructions on how to visualize the data in more advanced ways."
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"Taking the Biggs 301 course was truly a wonderful experience. The course offered a perfect balance of in-depth knowledge and light exciting discussions, keeping each class engaging. Monika and Amanda created an encouraging learning environment where questions were welcomed and discussions felt meaningful. Biggs 301 not only expanded my understanding of killer whales, but it also gave me a deeper appreciation for them! I highly recommend it to anyone looking to challenge themselves and grow."

Do you offer a payment plan and how do I sign up?

Splitting the class fee into 4 equal payments ($412.50 every 2 months) is also an option with an additional 2.9% per
payment added to cover transaction fees.

You can visit our payment plan page HERE (when available)

What is your cancellation policy?

Cancel by December 31, 2025 to receive a full refund minus a $100 administrative fee. No refunds for cancellations made in 2026.