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 environmental processes governing marine top predator movements and distribution in coastal and shelf-seas.

A series of lectures will include topics such as biologging, movement ecology, and the mechanics of movement, as well as spatial ecology , conservation and management.

Fieldtrips will provide students with experience of line-transect approaches and cetacean identification skills.

The subsequent quantitative computer workshops will explore mapping, distance sampling, density surface modelling, and species distribution modelling in R.

Additionally students will use biologgers and gain experience using various movement modelling approaches in R.

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 environmental processes governing marine top predator movements and distribution in coastal and shelf-seas.

A series of lectures will include topics such as biologging, movement ecology, and the mechanics of movement, as well as spatial ecology , conservation and management.

Fieldtrips will provide students with experience of line-transect approaches and cetacean identification skills.

The subsequent quantitative computer workshops will explore mapping, distance sampling, density surface modelling, and species distribution modelling in R.

Additionally students will use biologgers and gain experience using various movement modelling approaches in R.

Assessment Strategy

Threshold (MSc Pass) 50%> A partial understanding of the principles of movement ecology and survey design and performance as it applies to marine top predators; and a basic critical awareness of conservation and marine management requirements. Basic ability to acquire and process biologger data, to appreciate the drivers of top predator movement, to ID cetaceans in the field and to be able to use such data in analysis with due regard to critical analysis. A low but acceptable ability to communicate findings of practical work and literature-based research through written, figurative and oral means.

Good (MSc Merit) 60%> A comprehensive understanding of the principles of movement ecology and survey design and performance as it applies to marine top predators; featuring a consistently present critical awareness of conservation and marine management requirements. A competent ability to acquire and process biologger data, to fully appreciate the drivers of top predator movement, to ID cetaceans in the field with consistent accuracy and to be able to use such data in analysis with critical analysis being a pervasive part of the application of the data. A clear and consistent ability to communicate findings of practical work and literature-based research through written, figurative and oral means, typically with some degree of originality.

Excellent (MSc Distinction) 70%+ A thorough and deep understanding of the principles of movement ecology and survey design and performance as it applies to marine top predators; featuring a consistently present and heightened critical awareness of conservation and marine management requirements. An enhanced ability to acquire and process biologger data, to deeply appreciate the drivers of top predator movement, to ID cetaceans in the field with near-flawless accuracy and to be able to use such data in analysis with innovative critical analysis being a pervasive part of the application of the data. A clear and consistent ability to communicate findings of practical work and literature-based research through written, figurative and oral means, typically with substantial degree of originality and consistently to a professional standard.

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 conservation and marine management 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 marine science via the collection and analysis of zoological data in the context of assessing population risk and vulnerability.

• Upon successful completion of this module, the student will have demonstrated an ability to: (1) process and analyse biologger data for seabirds; (2) perform line-transect and vantage point surveys for marine mammals, including species identification and assessing abundances of animals in-the-field, (3) use distance sampling, species distribution models, and density surface models to estimate the abundance and distribution of marine mammals and seabirds; and (3) recognise and evaluate the reliability and uncertainty of these estimations.

• Upon successful completion of this module, the student will have demonstrated the ability to recognise current threats to marine mammal and seabird populations, summarise information needed to assess population risk, and design outputs that meet the conservation and marine management needs of stakeholders.