BB824: An Introduction to the Biology of Marine Mammals (5 ECTS)

STADS: 04006701

Level
Master's level course

Teaching period
The course is offered in the spring semester.

Teacher responsible
Email: magnus@biology.sdu.dk

Timetable
Show entire timetable
Show personal time table for this course.

Comment:
Ekskursion fredag, lørdag og søndag uge 10.

Prerequisites:
None

Academic preconditions:
The Bachelor degree in Biology or the equivalent should be passed.

Course introduction
The aim of the course is to introduce the students to selected topics in the biology of marine mammals with the main focus on anatomy of the animals, physiology, biology of the senses, and ecology.

Expected learning outcome
By the end of the course the student should be able to:

• Generally explain marine mammal evolution, physiology including thermoregulation and sensory physiology, orientation biology, distribution, reproductive biology, population biology and molecular genetics for this purpose, and by-catch problems.
• Work in a small group on a limited, practical project concerning marine mammal biology.
• Work in a small group when preparing a written report over the results of a practical project.
• Use modern scientific methods to study marine mammals.
• Discuss scientific articles and modern scientific results concerning marine mammals.
• Oral and written presentation techniques.

Subject overview
Systematics
Anatomy including dissection
Physiology
Sense physiology
Hearing and sound production, echolocation
Ecology
Population biology
Evolution
Visiting museums
Field trip: measuring of hearings, diving response, foragings behavior

Literature

• Hoelzel: Marine mammal biology, an evolutionary approach.

Website
This course uses e-learn (blackboard).

Prerequisites for participating in the exam
None

Assessment and marking:
Active participation (min. 80%) during 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 teacher.

Expected working hours
The teaching method is based on three phase model.
Intro phase: 10 hours
Skills training phase: 40 hours, hereof:
 - Excursion: 10 hours

Educational activities Study phase: 75 hours

Language
This course is taught in English.

Remarks
There is a minimum of 10 participants.

Course enrollment
See deadline of enrolment.

Tuition fees for single courses
See fees for single courses.