Course code: BIO-3506

Top predators - theoretical

Se how you can apply

Apply between July 20 and August 9

Campus Tromsø

Semester / Year Autumn 2017

Credits 7

NOTE! This course belongs to a previous semester/year

About the 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.

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

Admission requirements

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

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.

Teaching methods

Lectures and seminars.

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

Language of instruction and examination

English.

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.

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.

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Previous years and semesters

Contact us

Responsible unit: Department of Arctic and Marine Biology

Ulf Ove Lindstrøm

Professor

u.lindstrom@uit.no

Siv Andreassen

Kontorsjef

siv.andreassen@uit.no