Studying online

There are now 2 possible online modes for units:

Units with modes Online timetabled and Online flexible are available for any student to self-enrol and study online.

Click on an offering mode for more details.

Unit Overview

Description

This unit introduces students to the biology and ecology of marine mammals, and students are given insight into the specialised research topic of marine mammal science.

The unit is delivered through a mix of online and face-to-face sessions, including a field trip in Albany where the UWA Albany campus is located on the south coast. The field trip is scheduled between semester one and semester two, during the winter break when baleen whales migrate along the south coast. This unit will equip students with i) essential background skills and knowledge for postgraduate research studies and careers in marine megafauna wildlife and conservation science, and ii) an appreciation for megafauna in the marine realm which can be applied to a range of jobs in marine engineering, policy, and research.

Credit
6 points
Offering
(see Timetable)
AvailabilityLocationMode
Non-standard teaching periodUWA (Perth)Face to face
Non-standard teaching periodAlbanyFace to face
Details for undergraduate courses
  • Honours option in Marine Biology [Bachelor of Science (Honours)]
Outcomes

Students are able to (1) differentiate the common marine mammals occurring in Australian waters, their distribution, and conservation status; (2) understand the biology, ecology and evolution of marine mammals; (3) recognise Australian First Nations knowledge and perspectives on marine mammals and the ocean, and importance of cross-cultural science; (4) present a main type of human impact on a marine mammal species and the management and legislation enacted for the species protection, and develop future recommendations for conservation managers; and (5) communicate and critique an innovative scientific method used in marine mammal research to a diverse audience in a popular science format.

Assessment

Indicative assessments in this unit are as follows: (1) quizzes; (2) poster presentation; and (3) popular science article. Further information is available in the unit outline.



Student may be offered supplementary assessment in this unit if they meet the eligibility criteria.

Unit Coordinator(s)
Dr Kate Sprogis
Unit rules
Incompatibility
Enrolment in
BIOL3000 Marine Mammal Science
Advisable prior study
BIOL1131 Plant and Animal Biology (ID 1244) BIOL2204 Marine Biology (ID 5501)
Approved quota: Dual-coded unit: 12 students for BIOL3000 and 18 students for BIOL4400 (30 students total). Units run simultaneously (with a joint field trip to Albany).—bIOL4400- Defined equity group (e.g., Indigenous), academic merit, students enrolled in Honours and Master of Marine Science, and Master of Ocean Leadership.
Incidental fees
Incidental student fees and charges are costs incurred by students as part of their studies at UWA that are in addition to their tuition fees (further information is available "
Participation in this unit will incur the following incidental fee(s):
Field trip: food and accommodation (estimated cost - 220).
Contact hours
Lectures/interactive discussions: 15 lectures, 3 interactive discussions on Teams.
Field trip: 5 days.
Note
Students are required to attend a field trip in residential-shared accommodation at a field site in Albany (5 days/4 nights).
Texts

Required readings will be listed prior to the beginning of classes. 

  • The availability of units in Semester 1, 2, etc. was correct at the time of publication but may be subject to change.
  • All students are responsible for identifying when they need assistance to improve their academic learning, research, English language and numeracy skills; seeking out the services and resources available to help them; and applying what they learn. Students are encouraged to register for free online support through GETSmart; to help themselves to the extensive range of resources on UWA's STUDYSmarter website; and to participate in WRITESmart and (ma+hs)Smart drop-ins and workshops.
  • Visit the Essential Textbooks website to see if any textbooks are required for this Unit. The website is updated regularly so content may change. Students are recommended to purchase Essential Textbooks, but a limited number of copies of all Essential Textbooks are held in the Library in print, and as an ebook where possible. Recommended readings for the unit can be accessed in Unit Readings directly through the Learning Management System (LMS).
  • Contact hours provide an indication of the type and extent of in-class activities this unit may contain. The total amount of student work (including contact hours, assessment time, and self-study) will approximate 150 hours per 6 credit points.