BL5110 Principles of Marine Mammal Biology

Academic year

2025 to 2026 Semester 1

Further information on which modules are specific to your programme.

Key module information

SCOTCAT credits

30

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

To be arranged.

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

Module coordinator

Dr S Heinrich

Dr S Heinrich
This information is given as indicative. Staff involved in a module may change at short notice depending on availability and circumstances.

Module Staff

Team taught

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

Module description

This module is core to the MSc Marine Mammal Science and covers key concepts of marine mammal biology. The module introduces the zoogeography of marine mammals and the morphological, physiological and behavioural adaptations that have enabled this diverse group to successfully colonise all of the world's oceans and some freshwater systems. Lectures will focus on topical issues illustrating and contrasting some of the strategies shown by different marine mammal groups and the research techniques currently employed to study the diverse aspects of marine mammal biology and conservation. Student-led seminars and practical classes will complement the lecture series and will introduce some of the applied skills needed to investigate marine mammal ecology and behaviour, including the use of spatial analysis and acoustic tools.

Assessment pattern

Coursework = 100%

Re-assessment

Coursework = 100%

Learning and teaching methods and delivery

Weekly contact

TBC

Scheduled learning hours

80

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

Guided independent study hours

220

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