This specialized course will compare and contrast the physiologic and anatomical adaptations experienced by the different species of marine mammals in contrast to humans. In order to accomplish this the following areas will be explored in depth using key published scientific articles: physiologic and anatomic adaptations of the skeleton/musculature that facilitates swimming, overview of diving and its effects in humans; diving and marine mammals — what makes them so special; overview of human vs marine mammal cardiac and vascular physiology; their structural adaptations to facilitate diving; comparative lung physiology adapted to diving; blood and tissue oxygen carrying capacity; feeding and reproduction; renal homeostasis during diving, role of the neuro-endocrine system, and comparative deep diving systemic effects. Where relevant the application of this knowledge to human health issues will also be discussed.