autumn 2015 BIO-3506 Top predators - theoretical - 7 ECTS

Application deadline

Applicants from Nordic countries: 1 June for the autumn semester and 1 December for the spring semester. Concerns only admission to singular courses.

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.

Admission requirements

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

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. Students that missed the boat-based excursion to Vesterålen, can do the theoretical (only lectures and seminars) part of BIO-3506, given 7 ECTS. 

The course 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.


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


Objectives of the course

The course aims to give an overview of and insight into the biology, ecology, management and harvest of top predators, primarily in Norwegian and adjacent waters. In addition, social structure, demography and reproduction of selected species will be reviewed.

Language of instruction and examination

English.

Teaching methods

Lectures and seminars

Assessment

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

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

Recommended reading/syllabus

Syllabus and reading list will be announced prior to course start.

Error rendering component

  • About the course
  • Campus: Tromsø |
  • ECTS: 7
  • Course code: BIO-3506