Aquatic Wildlife Health Issues (Spring)

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 2026

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 and exams will reinforce establishing a baseline of information on marine mammals, sea turtles, crocodilians, fish and invertebrates.
• Students will cultivate and apply critical analysis of scientific writing through different literature reviews and critiques of scientific journal articles.

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.

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

UF Students:

• UF Tuition and Fee Rates
• University Registrars Office
• ONE.UF

Registration Deadlines

Note: This class has limited enrollment and may fill up prior to the end of drop/add so we suggest registering early

For More Information:

Distance Learning Critical Dates

Frequently Asked Questions