NATR CE01 - Yukon Wildlife Sounds: An Introduction to Bioacoustics

Did you know that some animals use sound to communicate in ways humans cannot naturally hear? Have you ever wondered what the call of a moose, the grunt of a bear, the howl of a wolf, all sound like? Bats communicate using ultrasonic frequencies (> 20 kHz), while several whales produce and respond to infrasonic sound signals (< 20 Hz). Some bird songs and calls are so intricate and fast that we need to slow them down to fully appreciate them.

This is an introduction to the nature of sound. In this 2-day lecture, field, and course, we will focus on particular attention on animal sound data collection and analysis. This will include the practical use of some of the specialized equipment, like the parabolic microphone, as well as more generalized equipment, like your cellphone. The knowledge and skills that this course will introduce can be of use to you as a nature enthusiasts, in broadening your interaction with the natural world around you, or as a nature-based professional, in providing additional options for environmental monitoring.

Important Note for Participants:

This course includes field activities to practice sound data collection in outdoor environments. Please come prepared to spend time outside and dress appropriately for Yukon weather conditions.

Who should enroll

This course is perfect for:

  • Those who enjoy exploring the natural world and are curious about how animals communicate
  • Hikers, campers, and wilderness explorers who want to enhance their experience by recognizing and interpreting animal sounds in their environment.
  • Environmental consultants, wildlife biologists, ecologists, or park rangers looking to add bioacoustic techniques to their environmental monitoring toolkit.
  • Teachers or learners interested in wildlife studies, conservation, or ecology who want to gain hands-on experience with sound data collection.
  • Those who participate in or are interested in community-based research and environmental monitoring.

Whether you're new to the concept of bioacoustics or looking to expand your current knowledge, this 2-day course will introduce you to the fascinating world of animal communication and the practical skills to study it.

Learning outcomes

By the end of the course, participants will be able to:

  • Understand the basics of animal communication through sound
  • Identify and interpret animal sounds
  • Utilize sound collection equipment
  • Apply sound monitoring in environmental contexts
  • Enhance interaction with nature
Duration and format

Duration      12 hours

Format         In-person

Important Note for Participants:
This course includes field activities to practice sound data collection in outdoor environments. Please come prepared to spend time outside and dress appropriately for Yukon weather conditions. 

Withdrawals and refunds
NON-CREDIT COURSE REFUND POLICY


Withdrawal 7 days prior to course start time: Full Refund
Withdrawal after 7 days: No Refund

Please refer to the Tuition Refund policy.

This policy applies to all students taking credit courses at Yukon University and all noncredit students taking courses through the Continuing Studies division with Yukon University.

NATR CE01
This course has no upcoming sessions scheduled