Course description for 2025/26
Marine Mammal Biology 1
BIO2022
Course description for 2025/26
Marine Mammal Biology 1
BIO2022
The course will cover topics of the biology of marine mammals including:
- Diversity and Zoogeography / Evolution of Marine Mammals
- Anatomy and Physiology: The Challenge of Aquatic Living
- Neural Morphology / Sensory Systems
- Vocal Anatomy, Acoustic Communication and Echolocation
- Population Genetics of Marine Mammals
- Patterns of Movement / Feeding Ecology
- Life History and Reproductive Strategies
- Ecology of Group Living and Social Behavior
- Social Intelligence, Culture in Animals
- Management & Conservation
- Stranding, Necropsy
Special emphasis will be on the biology and life cycles of the 15 locally abundant marine mammal species.
Course is suitable for 3rd year Bachelor's in biology and Master in biosciences.
Knowledge
- Gain broad knowledge of the biology of marine mammals.
- Be able to identify different locally abundant marine mammal species and give an account of the main lifecycles of each species.
- Know of research methods and issues in marine mammal biology.
Skills
- Be able to follow and understand the most up to date research and literature and present own topics.
- Be able to work in a team and develop interpersonal skills.
- Be able to update knowledge in the field of marine mammal biology.
General competence
- Have insight into the most relevant up to date knowledge and conservation issues concerning marine mammals worldwide.
- Have broad level of ecological insight into northern marine mammals species.
- Be able to communicate key subjects such as theories, issues, and solutions both in writing and verbally.
- Be able to exchange knowledge and viewpoints within team members and the expert community.
Semester registration fee
Theory elective course
Lectures and seminar with the student’s own project presented in an oral presentation. Written exams.
Evaluations using mid-term and final surveys. Students are also encouraged to participate in the national quality surveys.
Oral exam (MU): Pass/fail
None.