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 build population models in Excel and explore tracking data using R.

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.