Overview

This module introduces a suite of conceptual, field, and analytical knowledge needed to perform multi-disciplinary research on marine top predator (seabirds and marine mammal) ecology in coastal and shelf-seas. Students will gain insights into the ecological roles of marine top predators, and the environmental processes governing marine top predator distribution and population dynamics in coastal and shelf-seas.

A series of lectures will include topics such as principles of marine top predator ecology, ecological roles, population ecology, and spatial ecology.

Fieldtrips will provide students with experience of photo identification surveys. Quantitative computer workshops conducted in R will introduce students to mark-recapture modelling, estimating accurate vital rates and the anthropogenic or environmental drivers thereof, as well as population modelling exploring different approaches for understanding the likely population responses to anthropogenic pressures, e.g. matrix modelling, PBR, iPCoD, and RLA.

Students will collect concurrent biological, oceanographical and meteorological data during ship surveys. This research cruise will also include an introduction to strip transect approaches and seabird identification skills. Computer workshops will apply advanced statistical models to these data, investigating relationships between physical conditions and seabird presence/abundance in this region.

Therefore, this module provides a comprehensive experience of some of the specialist skills relevant to the study of seabirds and marine mammals.

This module introduces a suite of conceptual, field, and analytical knowledge needed to perform multi-disciplinary research on marine top predators (elasmobranchs, marine mammals and seabirds) ecology in coastal and shelf-seas. Students will gain insights into the environmental processes governing marine top predator distribution and population dynamics in coastal and shelf-seas.

A series of lectures will include topics such as principles of marine top predator ecology, spatial ecology and data requirements.

Students will collect concurrent biological, oceanographical and meteorological data during ship surveys. This research cruise will also include an introduction to strip transects and marine mammal / seabird identification skills. Computer workshops in R will apply advanced statistical models to these data, investigating relationships between physical conditions and marine mammals / seabirds in this region. Students will also collect and analyse dietary data during computer and laboratory workshops.

Therefore, this module provides a comprehensive experience of some of the specialist skills relevant to the study of elasmobranchs, marine mammals and seabirds.

Assessment Strategy

Threshold (MSc Pass) 50% > A partial understanding of the principles of marine top predator ecology and of the marine scientific multidisciplinarity of the subject matter (within the scope of the curriculum, learning outcomes and skills outlined here) Basic ability to design, conduct and process dietary studies; and to ID marine mammals and seabirds in the field and perform strip-transect surveys with critical appraisal of the results. Only a base level ability to demonstrate the skills associated with collecting and synthesising parallel physical and biological data to solve ecological problems A low but acceptable ability to communicate findings of practical work and literature-based research through written and oral means.

Good (MSc Merit) 60%> A comprehensive understanding of the principles of marine top predator ecology and of the marine scientific multidisciplinarity of the subject matter (within the scope of the curriculum, learning outcomes and skills outlined here) A competent and clear ability to design, conduct and process dietary studies; and to ID marine mammals and seabirds in the field and perform strip-transect surveys with critical appraisal of the results. A competent and clear ability to demonstrate the skills associated with collecting and synthesising parallel physical and biological data to solve ecological problems A competent and clear ability to communicate findings of practical work and literature-based research through written and oral means.

Excellent (MSc Distinction) 70%+: A thorough understanding of the principles of marine top predator ecology and of the marine scientific multidisciplinarity of the subject matter (within the scope of the curriculum, learning outcomes and skills outlined here) A heightened ability to design, conduct and process dietary studies; and to ID marine mammals and seabirds in the field and perform strip-transect surveys with a pervasive degree of critical appraisal of the results. An ability to demonstrate high-level skills associated with collecting and synthesising parallel physical and biological data to solve ecological problems and to do so in innovative ways. An ability to communicate findings of practical work and literature-based research through written and oral means to a professional standard at all times.

Learning Outcomes

• Upon successful completion of this module, students will have demonstrated a capability to critically and creatively apply acquired knowledge to assess problems in marine top-predator research and to accurately and efficiently communicate research findings at a professional standard

• Upon successful completion of this module, students will have demonstrated an ability to conduct practical multi-disciplinary marine science via the collection and synthesis of zoological, oceanographic and meteorological data in the context of delineating associations between animals and the physical environment.

• Upon successful completion of this module, students will have demonstrated the ability to appraise advanced ecological concepts in the context of describing marine top-predator species and explaining their interaction with the biological and physical environment.

• Upon successful completion of this module, students will have demonstrated the ability to: (1) perform strip-transect surveys for marine mammals and seabirds, including species identification and assessing abundance of animals in-the-field, (2) appropriately manage and amalgamate disparate datasets, and (3) perform analysis of marine top-predator diet.