Overview

This module will introduce students to the field of marine mammal science. Specific topics include: zoogeography, behavioural, physiological and morphological adaptations, population ecology, movement ecology, biologging and acoustics. Consideration will be given to how we use this knowledge to address conservation and management issues resulting from human-marine mammal interactions utilising both theory and case studies.

This module will involve two quantitative practicals on population and movement ecology where students will get the chance to develop their quantitative skills in Excel and R.

This module will introduce students to the field of marine mammal science. Specific topics include: zoogeography, behavioural, physiological and morphological adaptations, population ecology, movement ecology, biologging and acoustics. Consideration will be given to how we use this knowledge to address conservation and management issues resulting from human-marine mammal interactions utilising both theory and case studies.

This module will involve two quantitative practicals on population and movement ecology where students will get the chance to build population models in Excel and explore tracking data using R.

Assessment Strategy

-threshold -Threshold is typically equivalent to 40% to 50%Where appropriate and possible, assessment criteria will be set individually for each assignment in the form of an online Rubric using the Turnitinuk software. In general, the category of threshold pass for an assessment, or aspect of an assessment would require the work to show knowledge and basic understanding reliant entirely on the taught programme, with very little, if any, evidence of critical analysis of sources or of findings. There may be minor evidence of lack of knowledge or understanding in places, but overall, the majority of any assessment submission would be factually correct.

-good -Good is typically equivalent to a range between 50% and 70%Where appropriate and possible, assessment criteria will be set individually for each assignment in the form of an online Rubric using the Turnitinuk software. In general, the category of good for an assessment, or aspect of an assessment would require the work to show wide knowledge and comprehensive understanding based predominantly on the taught programme and main recommended text, but typically with only limited evidence of enquiry and critical thought beyond that.

-excellent -Excellent is typically equivalent to 70% to 100%Where appropriate and possible, assessment criteria will be set individually for each assignment in the form of an online Rubric using the Turnitinuk software. In general, the category of excellent for an assessment, or aspect of an assessment would require the work to show a very wide knowledge base extending well beyond the directly taught programme and main recommended texts, and show an in-depth understanding of the concepts presented and where the assessment allows, some clear and deep powers of critical analysis

Learning Outcomes

• Upon successful completion of this module the student should have demonstrated a comprehensive understanding of the principles of marine mammal biology via a variety of assessment types.

• Upon successful completion of this module the student should have demonstrated an ability to critically discuss the current conservation and management issues, drawing upon knowledge of the principles of marine mammal biology.

• Upon successful completion of this module the student should have demonstrated an understanding of the methodological challenges involved in studying marine mammals, and an ability to conduct relevant advanced quantitative analyses.