NNMB15001U Marine Mammal Biology and Research
BSc Programme in Biology
Marine mammals (whales, seals, sea cows, polar bears and sea otters) comprise a diverse group of species characterized by living in and obtaining food from the sea. This course aims at providing the students with a broad introduction to marine mammal biology, including topics ranging from origin, evolution, taxonomy, distribution, abundance, anatomy, sensory system, ecology and behaviour, to diseases, human impacts, climate change, politics, management and conservation. Each topic will be covered at a general introductory level, as well as by multiple guest lectures presenting and discussing the background, methods and results of marine mammal research projects carried out at the Natural History Museum and other institutes. The course goal is to provide the students with an overview of marine mammal biology and research practices, forming a solid basis upon which to build their future study, research and career interests in marine mammals and wildlife in general.
Knowledge:
- Marine mammal origin, evolution and systematics
- Diversity, distribution and abundance patterns
- Anatomical and physiological adaptations
- Acoustics, diving and foraging in selected marine mammals
- Life history, reproduction, diseases and pathogens
- Human impacts and principles of management and conservation
- Knowledge of methods for studying marine mammals, including acoustics, DNA analyses, abundance estimation, diet determination and satellite tagging
- Structure and contents of scientific reports
- Introduction to marine mammal research institutes, research areas and career opportunities in Denmark and abroad
Skills:
- Apply the most common methods used in marine mammal research
- Obtain, analyse and evaluate information about marine mammals
- Reporting of scientific results
Competencies:
- Evaluate the appropriate use of methods used to study, manage, and conserve marine mammals and wildlife in general
- Explain how human activities may impact marine mammals
- Explain the evolution, ecology, anatomy and physiology of the main groups of marine mammals
- Category
- Hours
- Exam
- 1
- Excursions
- 6
- Exercises
- 32
- Lectures
- 32
- Preparation
- 135
- Total
- 206
As
an exchange, guest and credit student - click here!
Continuing Education - click here!
- Credit
- 7,5 ECTS
- Type of assessment
- Oral examination, 20 min. (and 20 min. preparation time)The oral exam weighs 100 pct. of the final grade.
- Aid
- Only certain aids allowed
The teacher will provide aids at the exam. No other aids are allowed.
- Marking scale
- 7-point grading scale
- Censorship form
- No external censorship
Several internal examiners
- Re-exam
As ordinary exam
Criteria for exam assesment
See learning outcomes
Course information
- Language
- English
- Course code
- NNMB15001U
- Credit
- 7,5 ECTS
- Level
- Bachelor
- Duration
- 1 block
- Placement
- Block 3
- Schedule
- C
- Course capacity
- 100
- Continuing and further education
- Study board
- Study Board of Biology and Animal Science
Contracting department
- The Natural History Museum of Denmark
Course responsibles
- Morten Tange Olsen (12-70727577687131726f7668714376787167316e7831676e)
Lecturers
SNM