Massey University, New Zealand is excited to offer a specialist 12 week (24 lecture) programme in Marine Mammalogy to a wider international audience this year. Enrolments
are now open with lectures commencing 23 Feb 2026.
This course is available online for cross credits to most international universities and best of all – you need not even be enrolled in a current degree programme to take
this course if you apply for a special exemption to study as a general interest paper (i.e., prerequisite exempt). Lectures and all materials are available on demand to suit all international time zones while live tutorials give everyone the opportunity to
interact with the lecturers and materials.
This course examines the zoogeography of marine mammals and the morphological, physiological and behavioural adaptations which have enabled this diverse group to successfully
colonise all of the world’s oceans and some freshwater systems. An understanding of the underlying ecological principles not only provides interesting insights into marine mammal biology but also yields consequences for marine mammal conservation and management.
Learning outcomes
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Discuss marine mammal biology via explanation of global diversity, distribution and abundance.
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Compare and contrast the anatomy, life history and diet within and between the various marine mammal groups and draw conclusions on what implications this has for the distinct groups.
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Provide an overview of the study of marine mammals by demonstrating the breadth of disciplines it embraces and range of techniques required in its study.
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Explore human-marine mammal interactions via critical evaluation of current conservation and management issues and discuss how sound science can contribute to alleviate existing and future conflicts.
Interested to learn more - https://www.massey.ac.nz/study/courses/marine-mammalogy-196327/ or
email Prof Karen Stockin (k.a.stockin@massey.ac.nz)
for more details