Verdugo Hills Senior High – Nhst Mar Mam A, Nhst Mar Mam B, Nhst Mar Mam A, Nhst Mar Mam B

Mar 2026 · 2nd Semester

The major purpose of this course is to expand the student’s knowledge of the ocean by pursuing an in-depth study of marine mammals, primarily seals and sea lions. The students will have the opportunity to observe animals brought into the Marine Mammal Care Center at Fort MacArthur. Students will compile statistics about on-going treatment and observe trained professionals and volunteers as they rehabilitate stranded mammals. The coursework builds on the academic concepts learned in Marine Biology and Physical Oceanography but in greater depth. Additionally, students are expected to form opinions that lead to scientific questions and hypotheses, and to accept or reject them based on research and investigation. Increased emphasis is placed on human exploitation of the ocean and the global impact of human activities, especially when those activities affect marine mammals. Students will discuss problems from a global perspective and integrate issues from economic and sociological standpoints as well as from an ecological basis. In doing so, they will formulate possible solutions to challenges facing the global ecology.