Course code: BIO-3506
Top predators
Campus
Semester / Year
Autumn 2013
Credits
10
NOTE! This course belongs to a previous semester/year
About the course
Practical and theoretical subject.
Important information
Polar bears, seals, whales and seabirds are important components in marine ecosystems. Emphasis will be put on their diet and their role in the ecosystem, with examples from the Norwegian and Barents Seas (coast - pelagic - ice-edge) and comparisons with other ecosystems (e.g. the Antarctic). Anthropogenic effects (climate change, contaminants, fisheries, etc.) will also be covered.
The course starts with a five-day field trip to Vesterålen where visits will be made to a seabird colony (Bleiksøya or Anda), a seal colony (Stø), and to a whale-watching area (east of Andøya where sperm and minke whales are common, also killer whales, finn whales and dolphins).
Important information
Registration for excursion in BIO-3506
Registration deadline for excursion: April 15th.
Objectives of the course
To give an overview of the biology, ecology (especially their interaction with other marine organisms), harvest and management, social structure, demography and reproduction of marine mammals and seabirds (with emphasis on species in the Norwegian and Barents Seas). Requirement for participation: Bachelor degree in biology included BIO-2501 Aquatic biodiversity and BIO-2514 Marine ecology, or a completed Bachelor of marine science (Bachelor of fishery).
Teaching methods
Field cruise, writing of cruise report, lectures and seminars
Language of instruction and examination
English - oral exam in Norwegian for Norwegian speaking studentsRecommended reading/syllabus
Available in Fronter.Assessment
Oral exam and cruise report
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