Course Information
Aquatic Wildlife Health Issues is an online course designed to introduce students (upper level undergraduate and graduate) and professionals (with an AA or higher degree) to the natural history, anatomy, physiology, behavior, and common health issues of aquatic wildlife such as: whales and dolphins, seals and sea lions, manatees, sea turtles, crocodilians, fish and invertebrates. Students will practice scientific writing skills with a term paper requirement.
Course Syllabus 2025
Course Objectives

- Students will become familiar in identifying healthy and unhealthy characteristics of the species covered through on-line reading material for each learning module and lectures through MediaSite
- Opportunities for discussion and student interaction of topics will occur on electronic message board
- Homework assignments will reinforce establishing a baseline of information on marine mammals, sea turtles, crocodilians, fish and invertebrates.
- Students will enhance their writing skills through a term paper requirement:
- Graduate students are expected to write a grant proposal and then review assigned proposals.
- Undergraduate students are asked to write a 5 page review paper on an aquatic related topic and review assigned proposals.
Course Topics
- Manatees: Natural History, Anatomy, Physiology, Behavior, Senses, Genetics, Metabolism & Thermoregulation, Care & Health Issues
- Pinnipeds: Natural History, Anatomy, Physiology, Behavior and Health Issues
- Crocodilians: Natural History, Anatomy, Physiology, Behavior and Health
- Sea Turtles: Natural History, Anatomy, Physiology, Behavior and Diseases
- Invertebrates: Taxonomy, Anatomy, Physiology, and Disease Ecology
- Fish: Taxonomy, Anatomy, Physiology and Diseases
- Amphibians: Natural History, Health and Conservation
- Conservation Issues
- Mortality & Management: Cetaceans and Manatee
- Cetaceans: Natural History, Anatomy, Physiology, Behavior, Large Whales, Conservation, Mortality
- Regulations, Permits, & Management: Manatees & Cetaceans, Health Assessments and Rehabilitation, UMEs
- Research and Techniques: Necropsy, Molecular Techniques, Field Techniques


Registration Information
How to Register
There are multiple ways to register for each course. Please review the Non-UF Student, Continuing Education and UF Student descriptions below in order to decide which method is most appropriate for you. You may also want to review our FAQ page or Contact Us to help differentiate between these options.
Student Enrollment Options:
Please note steps for application depend on current education level and University of Florida affiliation. Please see below for details to determine your application steps.
UF Students:
Course Number: VME4013
Undergraduate: UF Student
Students must be a junior or senior and/or have completed pre-requisites(see syllabus). Students should register through Student Self Service (SOC) or Dept. Coordinator. Section is listed in SOC. UF tuition and fee rates apply.
Course Number: VME6011
Graduate (NOT in College of Vet Med): UF Student
Students not in the UF College of Veterinary Medicine will need to register through Student Self Service or Dept. Coordinator. Section is listed in SOC. UF tuition and fee rates apply.
Course Number: VME6011
Graduate (In College of Vet Med): UF Student
Students in the UF College of Veterinary Medicine will need to contact Jimmy Pastrano in order to register for the course.
Course Number: VEM5372
Veterinary: UF Student
Veterinary students in the UF College of Veterinary Medicine will need to contact Sabrina Barot in order to register for the course.
Non-UF Students:
- If you are interested in learning more about the courses offered by the UF Aquatic Animal Health Program, or the Care and Conservation Certificate, please complete a Course Interest Form
- Non-degree students pay the Capital Improvement and Technology fee.
COurse Number: VME4013
Undergraduate: Non-UF Student
Applicants must be a junior or senior and/or have completed pre-requisites (see syllabus). Interested applicants must first apply as a non-degree student. Credits for this course may be transferable to your current institution. If admitted, additional instructions for registration will be provided.
Cost: $325/credit ($975 total) plus fees.
Course Number: VME6011
Graduate: Non-UF Student
Interested applicants must first apply as a non-degree student. Credits for this course may be transferable to your current institution. If admitted, additional instructions for registration will be provided.
Cost: $550/credit ($1,650 total) plus fees.
Students interested in CONTINUING EDUCATION can request to audit the course to receive their CE certificate.
Registration Deadline
Note: This class has limited enrollment and may fill up prior to the end of drop/add so we suggest registering early.
Spring 2026
Application Deadline | January 2nd, 2026 |
Registration Closes | January 16th, 2026 |
Classes Begin | January 12th, 2026 |
Cancel with FULL Refund | January 16th, 2026 |
Tuition Deadline | January 23rd, 2026 (3:30 pm EST) |
Classes End | April 22nd, 2026 |