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Unit of Study BIO03202 - Marine Mammals: Biology and Conservation (2017)

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Unit Snapshot

  • Enrolment information

    Offered only at the National Marine Science Centre in a three-week intensive mode, which includes a compulsory one-week residential held outside normal residential weeks.. Please refer to http://scu.edu.au/timetables for further information on timetables. There is a small additional cost (<$100) associated with external activities (e.g., whale watching vessel and access to dolphins and seals).

Unit description

This unit encompasses the advanced study of the biology and ecology of marine mammals. It is based on cutting-edge international research, but includes critical evaluation of case studies from the local region. Students will obtain a high-level understanding of management priorities vital for the continued survival and recovery of marine mammal populations around the world.

Unit content

  1. Marine mammal taxonomy, anatomical adaptations and evolution
  2. Biology and ecology of marine mammals, including reproductive biology, migrations, physiology, acoustic communication, diet and behaviour
  3. A critical analysis of human threats to marine mammals, including the history of whaling and current threats
  4. A detailed synthesis of the global conservation status of marine mammals
  5. A critical evaluation of conservation planning for marine mammals

Availabilities

Location Domestic International
National Marine Science Centre Coffs Harbour Session 2 Session 2

Learning outcomes and graduate attributes

Unit Learning Outcomes express learning achievement in terms of what a student should know, understand and be able to do on completion of a unit. These outcomes are aligned with the graduate attributes. The unit learning outcomes and graduate attributes are also the basis of evaluating prior learning.

On completion of this unit, students should be able to:

GA1: Intellectual rigour, GA2: Creativity, GA3: Ethical practice, GA4: Knowledge of a discipline, GA5: Lifelong learning, GA6: Communication and social skills, GA7: Cultural competence
Learning outcome count Learning outcome description GA1 GA2 GA3 GA4 GA5 GA6 GA7
1 demonstrate an advanced understanding of the taxonomy, anatomy, biology and ecology of marine mammals
2 demonstrate accurate species identifications of the common marine mammal occurring in Australian territorial waters
3 critically evaluate the main types of human interactions with marine mammals and how they can be managed
4 demonstrate a high-level understanding of how marine mammals are managed and the legislation governing their protection
5 synthesise the risks posed to marine mammals by human activities such as whaling, fisheries, habitat loss, shipping, pollution, tourism and climate change
6 develop scientific communication skills to a professional level.

On completion of this unit, students should be able to:

  1. demonstrate an advanced understanding of the taxonomy, anatomy, biology and ecology of marine mammals
    • GA1:
    • GA4:
  2. demonstrate accurate species identifications of the common marine mammal occurring in Australian territorial waters
    • GA1:
    • GA4:
    • GA5:
  3. critically evaluate the main types of human interactions with marine mammals and how they can be managed
    • GA1:
    • GA4:
  4. demonstrate a high-level understanding of how marine mammals are managed and the legislation governing their protection
    • GA1:
    • GA4:
  5. synthesise the risks posed to marine mammals by human activities such as whaling, fisheries, habitat loss, shipping, pollution, tourism and climate change
    • GA1:
    • GA5:
  6. develop scientific communication skills to a professional level.
    • GA1:
    • GA4:
    • GA5:

Prescribed learning resources

Prescribed Texts
  • No prescribed texts.

Prescribed Learning Resources may change in future Teaching Periods.