This course is for anyone 18 and older who wants to:

• Expand their knowledge of Bigg’s killer whales
• Improve their scientific literacy
• Learn what scientists do to take a research project from start to finish
• Be able to read and understand scientific papers
• Experience field research
• Communicate effectively about science
  

There are no specific prerequisites other than a willingness to learn, challenge yourself, and engage with others on throughout this educational experience. No specific scientific background is needed; in fact, we anticipate that everyone’s unique backgrounds will enrich the experience for everyone. The general expectation is that students will spend 1-2 hours on class assignments in between sessions.

While the class will begin with a review of basic orca biology and life history, this is considered a more advanced class for those with existing basic orca knowledge, rather than an introductory class for those just learning about orcas for the first time. The Salish Sea School is offering an alternative class that may be a better fit for those seeking an introductory level course.

Students will need to secure their own transportation to and from the in-person boat trips that depart from Anacortes and Friday Harbor, though instructors will assist in planning trip logistics.

• 11 two-hour virtual Zoom sessions with Monika Wieland Shields including lectures, group discussions, and plenty of time for Q&A
• 5 boat trips with your instructors (4 from Anacortes, 1 from Friday Harbor)
  • Including a highlight video of each excursion!
• Class binder mailed to you before the first session
• Access to 5 years of OBI’s real-world sightings data on a specific family group of Bigg’s killer whales
• Commemorative class T-shirt
• Community Discord server to connect with instructors and students between class sessions (and a tutorial on how to use Discord if it’s new to you!)
• The opportunity to practice everything you’ve learned through a final in-person presentation with your classmates

There are two options for this class: the full version and the 80% virtual version. The full version includes all 5 boat trips and costs $1850. The 80% virtual version includes all Zoom lectures but ONLY a final boat trip and costs $1200; this option is designed for those who may live further away but still want to fully participate in the virtual portion of the class.

The full version is currently SOLD OUT. You can sign up for the wait list for our full version here.

You can sign up for the virtual version of the class here.

Splitting the class fee into 2 or 3 equal payments is also an option, though a 2.9% transaction fee per payment will be assessed if paying online. Please contact monika@orcabehaviorinstitute.org to inquire about the payment plan.