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.
NOTE: Enrolment in this unit is subject to a quota. Please contact the Unit Coordinator for further details about the application process.
- Credit
- 6 points
- Offering
(see Timetable) Availability Location Mode Non-standard teaching period UWA (Perth) Face to face Non-standard teaching period Albany Face to face - Details for undergraduate courses
- Level 3 elective
- Outcomes
Students are able to (1) identify the common marine mammals occurring in Australian waters, their distribution, and conservation status; (2) demonstrate an understanding of the biology and ecology 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 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 blog. 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
- Prerequisites
- Successful completion of72 points in your chosen degree
- Incompatibility
- Enrolment inBIOL4400 Advanced 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).—defined equity group (e.g., Indigenous), academic merit, students enrolled in Bachelor of Marine Science. - 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: 11 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.
Face to face
Predominantly face-to-face. On campus attendance required to complete this unit. May have accompanying resources online.
Online flexible
100% Online Unit. NO campus face-to-face attendance is required to complete this unit. All study requirements are online only. Unit is asynchronous delivery, with NO requirement for students to participate online at specific times.
Online timetabled
100% Online Unit. NO campus face-to-face attendance is required to complete this unit. All study requirements are online only. Unit includes some synchronous components, with a requirement for students to participate online at specific times.
Online Restricted
Not available for self-enrolment. Students access this mode by contacting their student office through AskUWA. 100% Online Unit.
NO campus face-to-face attendance. All study and assessment requirements are online only. Unit includes some timetabled activities, with a requirement for students to participate online at specific times. In exceptional cases (noted in the Handbook) students may be required to participate in face-to-face laboratory classes when a return to UWA’s Crawley campus becomes possible in order to be awarded a final grade.
External
No attendance or regular contact is required, and all study requirements are completed either via correspondence and/or online submission.
Off-campus
Regular attendance is not required, but student attends the institution face to face on an agreed schedule for purposes of supervision and/or instruction.
Multi-mode
Multiple modes of delivery. Unit includes a mix of online and on-campus study requirements. On campus attendance for some activities is required to complete this unit.