BB75: Topics in the Biology of Marine Mammals (3 ECTS)

STADS: 408041

Level


Teaching period

Spring

Teacher responsible
Email: lee@biology.sdu.dk

Timetable
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Prerequisites:
None

Academic preconditions:
The content of BB08 or BB11, BB42 and BB16 must be known. The courses BB10 and BB14 must be followed simultaneously at the latest.

Course introduction
The goal of the course is to introduce the students to selected topics in the biology of marine mammals presented through lectures and guest lectures by experts in the field and by participating in a small practical project.

Expected learning outcome


Subject overview
The topics in this short course of marine mammal biology will vary from year to year. Some suggested topics are evolution and systematics; anatomy; mating systems, reproduction and behavior; feeding and energetics; respiration and diving; conservation; communication; echolocation and sound production; anatomy and physiology. Marine mammals available are harbor porpoises (Phocoena phocoena), harbor seals (Phoca vitulina), sea lions (Zalophus californianus) and West Indian manatees (Trichechus manatus). The topics will be limited to swimming, diving, acoustic behavior, echolocation, and prey capture using mostly video and audio equipment. Each group will present their results in a written report and an extended seminar.

Literature

• A. Berta, J.L. Sumich, K.M. Kovacs: Marine Mammals Evolutionary Biology, Academic Press, 2006, udg. 2.

Website
This course uses e-learn (blackboard).

Prerequisites for participating in the exam
None

Assessment and marking:
Active participation (min. 80%) during and after lectures, and in the discussion groups during the practicals. Approval of the written project report and oral presentation of the results and conclusions. Pass/fail. Internal evaluation by the teacher.

Expected working hours
The teaching method is based on three phase model.

The "theoretical" portion of the course (12-14 h) consists of lectures and guest lectures on special topics. A background article for each guest lecture will be distributed for reading before the lecture. There will be two guided field trips to facilities of interest to marine mammal biology. These would be to the Odense Zoo and the Fjord and Belt in Kerteminde (2-4 h). The practical (laboratory) portion of the course (14-16 h over three days) will be run in groups of two to four persons. The projects will take place at the Institutes Marine Biology Research Center, Kerteminde, in cooperation with Fjord and Belt and at Odense Zoo.
Educational activities

Language
This course is taught in English.

Remarks
Maximum number of participants: 16.

Course enrollment
See deadline of enrolment.

Tuition fees for single courses
See fees for single courses.