BIO-3506 Top predators - 10 stp

The subject is primarily for students aiming to take:

1. MSc in biology (marine ecology, fishery biology)

2. MSc in fishery science (fishery biology)

Other students at UiT (or other institutions) with completed bachelor in biology and/or with relevant background in biology can also apply for attendance.

There is limited number of places on the course and, if the number of applicants exceeds the number of places available, students with highest number of biological credits have priority.

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 2017, 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 26 - 30 June 2017

Using RV Johan Ruud, BIO-3506 will start with an excursion to Vesterålen from Monday 26 June to Friday 30 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

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

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

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

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

Lectures will be given concentrated in two periods, 11-15 September and 6-10 November.

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.