Att läsa biologi känns ibland som det lyxigaste man kan göra på universitetsnivå, iaf när man får möjlighet att läsa kurser som den här;

Field Studies of Marine Mammals

BIOL 3626.03/MARI 3626.03
August 16 - August 31
Lectures: Monday through Sunday, 0835 - 1125
Labs: Monday through Sunday, 1235 - 1625
Instructor: Debbie Austin

This class focuses on characteristics of marine mammals, their morphological and behavioural adaptations, the evolution of the different groups, their ecological roles in oceanic ecosystems, and principles of their population biology. Within this framework, issues of conservation and management of marine mammals, especially whales and seals, are explored. Field and laboratory activities are complemented by selected lectures. Fieldwork focuses on marin e mammals along and off the Atlantic coast of Nova Scotia. Species observed may include minke and fin whales, white-sided and white-beaked dolphins, and grey and harbour seals. The field component provides students an opportunity to conduct an independent study on these species and to summarize findings in journal-article format. The class takes a several day overnight field trip to Brier/Long Island, Nova Scotia, during the peak of the whale-watching season.

Lite roligt; de har sammanställt en mycket norgrann lista på vad man behöver på en fältkurs, något som man lärt sig efterhand under det senaste året ute i sol och rusk (jag gillar att bandana är obligatoriskt men kamera "optional").

WHAT TO BRING

• class handouts
• clipboard & paper OR field notebook (depending on class)
• pens & pencils (the latter work in the rain)
• backpack or shoulder bag (to carry books, clothes)
• plastic bag(s) to keep things dry
• field guides (if checked out from instructor)
• hand lens
• appropriate footwear (as instructed for particular trips): comfortable
• walking sneakers/sandals, or hiking boots, or knee-high rubber boots
• sweater or sweatshirt
• windproof jacket
• rain gear (at least a jacket; pants also if you have them)
• long pants (bring for walking in dense vegetation or when mosquitoes biting)
• lunch, snacks, drinking water
• sunscreen
• sunglasses
• hat with brim
• insect repellent
• aspirin or tylenol (in case you have a headache) & any other medication you migh need
• emergency contact phone numbers (parents and physician)
• gloves (if raining, your hands can get very cold!)
• hairtie for long hair
• bandana
• camera (optional)
• binoculars
• bathing suit and towel (optional)
  

Additional items needed for overnight trips, if planned (consult class descriptions):

• sleeping bag (warm down to freezing temperature)
• sleeping pad or inflatable mattress
• tent (usually students share tents, so only half of students need to bring a tent)
• plenty of warm clothes (hat, gloves, long underwear, extra sweater, etc.)
• change of clothes (socks, underwear, t-shirt, etc.) bug jacket or insect
• headnet (if possible)
• toiletries (toothbrush, toothpaste, soap, shampoo, towel, hairbrush)