autumn 2019
BIO-3506 Top predators - 10 ECTS

Application deadline

Application deadline for the field cruise: 26 April. 

Apply for BIO-3506 -Excursion

External applicants also need to apply for singular courses.
Applicants from Nordic countries: 1 June for the autumn semester.


Type of course

BIO-3506 is a course primarily designed for master students in biology (marine ecology) or fishery science. However, other students with completed bachelor`s in biology and/or with relevant background in biology may also register and attend. BIO-3506 comprise two parts, an excursion and a theoretical part. The course will be given in autumn 2019, starting with a field cruise to Vesterålen (24 - 28 June), and with subsequent lectures (concentrated in two periods 9 -13 September and 4 - 8 and 11 November) in Tromsø.

Admission requirements

Admission requires a Bachelor`s degree (180 ECTS) or equivalent qualification, with a major in biology of minimum 80 ECTS.

Maximum number of students to the field cruise is 13 and, if the number of applicants exceeds the number of places available, master students in biology from UiT with highest number of biological credits will be prioritized.

It is not possible to only participate on the field cruise.


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.

Lectures will be given concentrated in two periods, 9 - 13 September and 4 - 8 and 11 November.

Field cruise 24 - 28 June

Using RV "Johan Ruud", BIO-3506 will start with an field cruise to Vesterålen from Monday 24 June to Friday 28 June. 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

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

Field cruise, writing of cruise report, lectures and seminars.

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 take the exam.

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


Recommended reading/syllabus

Pensumliste for Bio-3506 Top predators

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  • About the course
  • Campus: Tromsø |
  • ECTS: 10
  • Course code: BIO-3506
  • Tidligere år og semester for dette emnet