1

Introduction to Marine Mammals

Description

Basic Biology & Conservation - Description: This day provides a foundation in marine mammal biology, covering key characteristics, diverse species, and their importance within marine ecosystems. Explore conservation challenges and the role of trainers. - Specific Resources/Activities: - Expected Outcomes: Understand basic marine mammal classifications, their physical adaptations, and their current conservation statuses. Identify potential threats to marine mammal populations.

Available

Learning Objectives

  • Understand the fundamentals
  • Apply practical knowledge
  • Complete hands-on exercises
2

Ethical Considerations & Animal Welfare in Training

  • Description: Learn about ethical principles in animal training, focusing on animal welfare, positive reinforcement, and responsible practices. This includes understanding the importance of enrichment and minimizing stress. - Specific Resources/Activities: - Expected Outcomes: Develop a strong understanding of the ethical responsibilities associated with marine mammal training and animal welfare. Learn how to identify and implement welfare practices.
Locked

Learning Objectives

  • Understand the fundamentals
  • Apply practical knowledge
  • Complete hands-on exercises
3

Understanding Positive Reinforcement and Operant Conditioning

  • Description: This day delves into the core principles of positive reinforcement and operant conditioning, the basis for most marine mammal training. Learn about different reinforcers, shaping, and how to effectively use them. - Specific Resources/Activities: - Expected Outcomes: Grasp the fundamental concepts of positive reinforcement, operant conditioning, and how they apply to marine mammal training.
Locked

Learning Objectives

  • Understand the fundamentals
  • Apply practical knowledge
  • Complete hands-on exercises
4

Basic Training Tools & Techniques: Target Training & Bridge Signals

  • Description: Focus on practical skills, introducing essential training tools (target sticks, clickers) and techniques like target training. Learn the importance and effective use of bridge signals (e.g., a clicker). - Specific Resources/Activities: - Expected Outcomes: Understand and demonstrate the basic application of target training and the appropriate use of bridge signals.
Locked

Learning Objectives

  • Understand the fundamentals
  • Apply practical knowledge
  • Complete hands-on exercises
5

Shaping, Chaining, and Behavior Modification

  • Description: Expand on operant conditioning, learning about shaping, chaining, and behavior modification techniques. This includes understanding how to break down complex behaviors into manageable steps and how to manage unwanted behaviors. - Specific Resources/Activities: - Expected Outcomes: Develop an understanding of shaping and chaining, and start to apply these techniques in hypothetical scenarios.
Locked

Learning Objectives

  • Understand the fundamentals
  • Apply practical knowledge
  • Complete hands-on exercises
6

Health, Nutrition, and Husbandry Basics

  • Description: Introduce the basics of marine mammal health, nutrition, and husbandry. Learn about recognizing signs of illness, the importance of a balanced diet, and the daily care of marine mammals. - Specific Resources/Activities: - Expected Outcomes: Develop basic knowledge of marine mammal health, nutrition, and husbandry practices. Understand the importance of these factors in animal welfare.
Locked

Learning Objectives

  • Understand the fundamentals
  • Apply practical knowledge
  • Complete hands-on exercises
7

Observation, Record Keeping, and Professional Conduct

  • Description: This day covers the importance of accurate observation, detailed record-keeping, and professional conduct in the field. Includes elements like communication with the team and public. - Specific Resources/Activities: - Expected Outcomes: Understand the importance of accurate observation, detailed record-keeping, and ethical behavior in the profession, preparing for continued learning.
Locked

Learning Objectives

  • Understand the fundamentals
  • Apply practical knowledge
  • Complete hands-on exercises

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