BL5121 Current Issues in Marine Mammal Behaviour

Academic year

2025 to 2026 Semester 2

Further information on which modules are specific to your programme.

Key module information

SCOTCAT credits

15

The Scottish Credit Accumulation and Transfer (SCOTCAT) system allows credits gained in Scotland to be transferred between institutions. The number of credits associated with a module gives an indication of the amount of learning effort required by the learner. European Credit Transfer System (ECTS) credits are half the value of SCOTCAT credits.

SCQF level

SCQF level 11

The Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework (SCQF) provides an indication of the complexity of award qualifications and associated learning and operates on an ascending numeric scale from Levels 1-12 with SCQF Level 10 equating to a Scottish undergraduate Honours degree.

Planned timetable

Weeks 5 - 7

This information is given as indicative. Timetable may change at short notice depending on room availability.

Module coordinator

Prof V Janik

Prof V Janik
This information is given as indicative. Staff involved in a module may change at short notice depending on availability and circumstances.

Module description

Marine mammals are often seen as highly intelligent and complex in their behaviour. This module will investigate such claims by discussing current views and recent advances in the study of marine mammal social behaviour. Each student will present one topic to the class and lead the discussion on it. Topics covered will include brain evolution, dolphin signature whistles, referential communication, cetacean culture, equivalence classes, cooperation and concept formation.

Assessment pattern

1.5-hour Written Examination = 50%, Coursework = 50%

Re-assessment

100% exam

Learning and teaching methods and delivery

Weekly contact

1 lecture and 9 seminars spread over 3 weeks.

Scheduled learning hours

22

The number of compulsory student:staff contact hours over the period of the module.

Guided independent study hours

120

The number of hours that students are expected to invest in independent study over the period of the module.