Bigg's 301

If the class is Sold Out you can join the wait list emailing to monika@orcabehaviorinstitute.org

Scholarship available for this class:

Registration opens:

Sold Out

SOLD OUT

Class Cost:

$1650 per person

This advanced whale research class is for students that have completed either our 2023 STaRS or 2024 Bigg's 201 class

Students have loved the Bigg's 201 experience so much that the class has left them wanting more! For those who have completed Bigg's 201 (or the Bigg's STaRS class), we will be offering an advanced science class that will delve even further into the world of whale research. Bigg's 301 will involve more scientific paper discussions giving a broader overview of research topics including acoustics, toxins, and predation and will also include an advanced ID workshop. Students will work either alone or in pairs to delve into sightings data for extended family groups, looking for similarities and differences in Salish Sea habitat usage of related matrilines. The class will culminate with back-to-back presentation days and boat trips.

Pay in full up front or or split into 3 payments with a 2.9% transaction fee per payment
($567 per payment - 1 due now, 1 due in 2 months, 1 due in 4 months).

No items found.

Included in the class:

9 virtual Zoom sessions with Monika Wieland Shields and other OBI researchers

Access to extended OBI Bigg's killer whale sightings data

2 in-person presentation days in Anacortes (mornings)

2 four-hour whale watch excursions for you and a guest departing from Anacortes (afternoons)

Access to a private Discord server to connect with instructors and build community with other participants

Exclusive class stickers

Completion of either our 2023 STaRS or 2024 Bigg's 201 class

A desire to dive deeper into the science of Bigg's killer whales through reading and discussing scientific papers and exploring more extensive family data sets

Willingness to participate in class discussions and share progress with the group

Ability to dedicate ~4 hours every 2 weeks to class assignments

"Monika has a very gentle manner and knows her subject well. She welcomes all questions, answers them thoughtfully, and makes
every student in the class feel valued and relevant."

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"Biggs 201 was not only a phenomenal class, it was also a fantastic life experience. I learned a ton, and also met so many wonderful
like-minded people who I now call friends. THANK YOU to Monika and the Orca Behavior Institute for creating this opportunity for
non-scientists to learn more about and engage with the whales we have loved for decades. It is a truly remarkable thing you have
created and I'm so grateful to have been a part of it. I can't wait for the next one!"

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"Participating in the Biggs 201 Program made my childhood dream come true of being able to explore this field of marine research,
which has always felt out of reach. The entire program was so fascinating and fun!! I appreciated the flexibility available for
participants to learn at their own pace in a way that was not stressful. It was really incredible to encounter such inspiring humans
and cetaceans, while feeling a deep sense of belonging and connection. Monika and OBI put a lot of heart and soul into making this
an exceptional and truly life-changing experience that / will always cherish. I would wholeheartedly recommend making this happen
if you're considering taking a class!"

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Do you offer a payment plan and how do I sign up?

Splitting the class fee into 3 equal payments is also an option with an additional 2.9% per
payment added to cover transaction fees. ($567 per payment - 1 due now, 1 due in 2 months, 1 due in 4 months)

You can visit our payment plan page (when available)

What is your cancellation policy?

Cancel by December 31, 2024 to receive a full refund minus a $100 administrative fee. No refunds for cancellations made in 2025.