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

STADS: 408041

Level


Teaching period

Spring semester 2005.

Teacher responsible
Email: lee@biology.sdu.dk

Timetable
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Prerequisites:
None

Academic preconditions:
Bachelor degree in biology or completion of an introductory biology course is required. Knowledge of genetics, and animal physiology and behavior is recommended.

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.

Literature

• Tekst bog:Hoelzel, A. R. (2002).: Marine Mammal Biology: An Evolutionary Approach pp. 1-432, Oxford: Blackwell Publishing.
• Guide bog:Nowak, R.M. (2003): Walker’s Marine Mammals of the World. Pp. 1-264, The Johns Hopkins UP.
• Berta, JL Sumich (1999): Marine mammals, evolutionary biology, Academic Press, San Diego. ISBN 0-12-093225-3..
• Evans, P. G. H. and Raga, J. A. (2001). : Marine Mammals: biology and conservation. pp. 1-630., New York: Plenum Publishers.
• Reeves, R. R. et al. (2002). : Sea Mammals of the World. pp. 1-557, London: A&C Black..
• Riedman, M. L. (1990). : The pinnipeds - seals, sea lions, and walruses. pp. 1-439, Berkeley: University of California Press.

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.

Date of exam
The ordinary exam takes place on June 1, 2005

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. 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.
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.