Course Syllabus
Biology of Marine Mammals Lab |
 |
| Semester & Location: |
Fall 2024 - DIS Copenhagen |
| Type & Credits: |
Elective Course - 1 credits |
| Major Disciplines: |
Biology, Sustainability & Environmental Science |
| Prerequisite: |
One year of biology at university level. |
| Corequisite: |
Biology of Marine Mammals |
| Faculty Members: |
PhD. Katja Vinding Petersen |
| Time & Place: |
Thursday, 13:15-14:35 (Check canvas for specific dates) Classroom: F24-402 |
Description of Course
The purpose of this course is to add a laboratory credit to the course ’Biology of Marine Mammals’. The experience you will get through this lab credit is a more hands-on experience in marine biology data collection and understanding of methodology in Marine Mammal Science.
Learning Objectives
In this laboratory course, you will study cranial morphology and anatomy and look at cranial asymmetry in different species of cetaceans, you will analyze photo-identification pictures of killer whales or other species of cetaceans, and listen to and analyze sound recordings. You will write small lab-reports and give oral presentations in groups. At the end of this course you will have a good understanding of some of the techniques used in marine mammal research as well as some of the challenges in studying species that are rarely seen and live most of the time underwater.
Faculty
Katja Vinding Petersen: Ph.D. (Distribution, habitat use, behavior, and sound communication), Zoology Dept., Whale Unit, University of Pretoria, 2016. M.S. (Biology and Didactics), University of Copenhagen, 2007. Research associate at Statens Serum Institute, Denmark (2012-2016). TV presenter at “Physics at sea”, Galathea 3 Expedition (2008). Has worked with marine mammals in the field in, Iceland, Northern Norway, Greenland, and South Africa. Local stranding responsible In the Overstrand Region, South Africa (2010-2012). Founder of the Danish Maine Mammal Society (2003). With DIS since 2019.
Readings
The reading for the lab course will be different articles and handouts. Students will also have readings from the listed below texts that are also connected with the Biology of Marine Mammals course. There is no textbook for this course.
Many readings are found in "Marine Mammals, Evolutionary biology", by
Encyclopedia of Marine Mammals", Third Edition 3rd Edition by
Field Studies
Dates:
Wednesday 28th of February 13:00-15:30: The Zoological Museum to study skull morphology in marine mammals.
Wednesday 24th of April 8:30-12:30: The Zoological Garden of Copenhagen to study behavior and to discuss the controversy of having marine mammals in captivity
Approach to Teaching
Teaching in the marine mammal lab course is based on dialogue and participation. Most of the work will be in small groups.
Expectations of the Students
I expect that you are well prepared before each class. Read the texts, watch the movies before classes and engage while in class and on field studies.
- Critically read the assigned readings before class. In the classroom we will not cover all the material in the assigned text, but will focus on key concepts, processes and subjects within the biology of marine mammals.
- Ask questions and answer when questions are asked in class
- Hand in your presentations and assignments on time.
Use of electronics in class:
- Laptops will be used in most classes.
- Laptop use is not allowed unless specified. Occasionally, I will ask you to search for something, and in these cases internet searches are allowed.
- The use of mobile phones is not allowed during class. Unless you are asked to use it.
- No recording of classes, unless approved by Faculty prior to class.
Evaluation
Evaluation is a combination of presentation, attendance and lab reports.
To be eligible for a passing grade in this class you must complete all of the assigned work.
Participation Covers the Following Areas:
- Attendance
- Completion of reading assignments
- Level of preparation and ability to answer questions asked in class
- Involvement in class and group discussions
- Active participation in field studies
- Level of individual research and contribution to discussions
- Being on time to all class meetings and handing in papers and assignments on time
- Asking questions when you don’t understand or want further explanation of a subject
Participation is evaluated after each class/field study and used to calculate the final participation at the end of the semester. Good participation equals a grade of A to B+, average participation equals a grade of B to B-, low participation equals a grade C+ or below.
Grading
| Assignment |
Percent |
| Participation |
15% |
|
ZOO behavior work - Marine Mammals in Captivity. Presentation |
25% |
|
Morphology Report |
20% |
|
Photo-ID. presentation |
20% |
|
Sound analysis. presentation |
20% |
Academic Regulations (Semester)
Please make sure to read the Academic Regulations on the DIS website. There you will find regulations on:
DIS - Study Abroad in Scandinavia - www.DISabroad.org
Course Summary:
| Date | Details | Due |
|---|---|---|