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Module OSX-3023:
Marine Mammal Science

Module Facts

Run by School of Ocean Sciences

20 Credits or 10 ECTS Credits

Semester 1

Organiser: Dr Line Cordes

Overall aims and purpose

Overall Aims and Purpose of the Module:

This module is aimed at students with an interest in the conservation, behaviour and ecology of marine mammals.

The module introduces students to the principles of marine mammal biology, including zoogeography, as well as the morphological, physiological, and behavioural adaptations that have allowed these species to occupy a diverse range of marine and some freshwater systems.

To make students aware of the conservation and management issues concerning marine mammals including case studies of human-marine mammal interactions.

To provide students with an understanding of the unique challenges facing marine mammal scientists including strong components of relevant quantitative techniques and research methods (using R), which are of vital importance for anyone with an interest in pursuing a career in this field.

Course content

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 Criteria

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

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.

Learning outcomes

  1. 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.

  2. 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.

  3. 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.

Assessment Methods

Type Name Description Weight
EXAM Research proposal

You will need to write a short research proposal for funding convincing a generous donor that you are the right scientist for the job. You get the option to chose between two topics for the proposal.

 50
COURSEWORK Animal movement

Create a scientific poster exploring inter- and intra-specific variation in harbour and grey seal movements.

 20
COURSEWORK Matrix population modelling

Write a short scientific report about whether culling of seals is an effective management strategy

 30

Teaching and Learning Strategy

Hours
Practical classes and workshops

For each of the two assessments an introductory lecture will be released ahead of the practical starting. Each practical will involve a two hour workshop where students will work in groups going through a handout. Staff/demonstrators will be on hand to answer questions.

 4
Study group

A one-hour drop in session will follow each of the workshops where students can get assistance on their assessments.

 2
Lecture

These time slots will be a mixture of lectures, discussion forums, quizzes, Q&A sessions.

 22
Private study

In-line with all SOS modules, there will be a variety of learning material made available to the students for private study. Much of the time will be devoted to preparing specific assignments. General learning about the subject area would typically facilitated by listening to condensed lectures and following up studying signposted material including papers, videos, and recordings.

 172

Transferable skills

  • Literacy - Proficiency in reading and writing through a variety of media
  • Numeracy - Proficiency in using numbers at appropriate levels of accuracy
  • Computer Literacy - Proficiency in using a varied range of computer software
  • Self-Management - Able to work unsupervised in an efficient, punctual and structured manner. To examine the outcomes of tasks and events, and judge levels of quality and importance
  • Exploring - Able to investigate, research and consider alternatives
  • Information retrieval - Able to access different and multiple sources of information
  • Inter-personal - Able to question, actively listen, examine given answers and interact sensitevely with others
  • Critical analysis & Problem Solving - Able to deconstruct and analyse problems or complex situations. To find solutions to problems through analyses and exploration of all possibilities using appropriate methods, rescources and creativity.
  • Safety-Consciousness - Having an awareness of your immediate environment, and confidence in adhering to health and safety regulations
  • Presentation - Able to clearly present information and explanations to an audience. Through the written or oral mode of communication accurately and concisely.
  • Mentoring - Able to support, help, guide, inspire and/or coach others
  • Argument - Able to put forward, debate and justify an opinion or a course of action, with an individual or in a wider group setting

Resources

Resource implications for students

None

Talis Reading list

http://readinglists.bangor.ac.uk/modules/osx-3023.html

Reading list

TALIS reading list

Pre- and Co-requisite Modules

Courses including this module

Compulsory in courses:

Optional in courses: