Application deadline

Type of course

Master course for biology students - principally aimed at MSc-students specializing in "Marine Ecology and Resource Biology¿. Also master course for fishery science (fishery biology). The course is available as a singular course for students with relevant background in biology.

The number of participating students may be limited, based on documented background.

Admission requirements

Admission requires a Bachelor`s degree (180 ECTS) in biology or equivalent qualification in biology.

The number of participating students may be limited, based on documented background.

Course content

Polar bears, seals, whales and seabirds are important components of marine ecosystems. BIO-3506 aims to give an overview of and insight into the biology, ecology, management and harvest of these top predators, primarily in Norwegian and adjacent waters. In addition, social structure, demography and reproduction of selected species will be reviewed.  

There will be particular emphasis on the feeding behavior and ecological importance of these marine top predators, both with examples from Norwegian and adjacent waters and from other ecosystems. Man-made influences (climate change, pollutants, fisheries, etc.) will also be discussed.

BIO- 3506 will be given in autumn 2015, starting with a boat-based excursion to Vesterålen (in June) , and with subsequent lectures (concentrated in September and November) in Tromsø. The subject ends with an oral examination in December. BIO-3506 is primarily designed for master students in biology or fishery science, fitted for inclusion in their degree. But other students (including PhD students) are also welcome to register and attend.

Excursion 29 June - 3 July

Using RV "Johan Ruud¿, BIO-3506 will start with an excursion to Vesterålen from Monday 29 June to Friday 3 July. The field course is divided in three different parts:

• One day at sea (in Bleiksegga) to observe whales
• One day at the Anda (or Bleiksøya) island to study seabird colonies
• One day at Stø to study a harbour seal colony during breeding

Excursion attendance (including production of a field report) is mandatory for further participation in BIO-3506.

Lectures will be given concentrated in two periods, 7-11 September and 3-6 November.

Objectives of the course

Language of instruction and examination

Teaching methods

Assessment

Oral exam. A graded scale of five marks from A to E for pass and F for fail.

Coursework requirement: Cruise report - the report needs to be approved in order to do the exam.

There will be a re-sit examination for students that did not pass the previous ordinary examination.
 

Recommended reading/syllabus