Last modified: 11 Aug 2026 14:46
Marine mammals are among the most charismatic and threatened vertebrates on Earth. This course explores their evolution, physiology, ecology, and conservation through a combination of lectures, practicals, and student-led presentations. Students investigate how marine mammals have adapted to life in the ocean, how they interact with marine ecosystems, and how human activities affect their populations.
Using real datasets and conservation case studies, students develop skills in scientific analysis, communication, and evidence-based decision-making. The course culminates in forecasting the future of marine mammal taxa under environmental change and evaluating how conservation actions may shape these trajectories.
| Study Type | Undergraduate | Level | 4 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Term | Second Term | Credit Points | 15 credits (7.5 ECTS credits) |
| Campus | Aberdeen | Sustained Study | No |
| Co-ordinators |
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This course explores the physiological adaptations, ecology, and conservation of marine mammals, integrating evolutionary and ecological perspectives to understand how these animals function and respond to a rapidly changing ocean.
Through museum-based and data-driven practicals, students investigate the anatomical and physiological mechanisms that underpin life in the marine environment and examine how anthropogenic pressures influence marine mammal populations and conservation management.
Practical sessions emphasise the analysis and interpretation of real-world datasets, including life history databases, contaminant and food web data, and population consequences of disturbance (PCoD) models.
Assignments are designed to develop confidence in communicating scientific information to both specialist and non-specialist audiences, while encouraging critical thinking, data interpretation, and evidence-based predictions of future environmental change. Emphasis is placed on applying concepts and analytical skills to contemporary conservation challenges rather than factual recall.
Information on contact teaching time is available from the course guide.
| Assessment Type | Summative | Weighting | 40 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Assessment Weeks | 34,39 | Feedback Weeks | 35,40 | |
| Feedback |
Two presentations, worth 20% each. Students will be given detailed guidance, grading criteria and opportunities to ask questions. Students will receive oral feedback during the class session. Students will receive group written feedback on the presentation with the grade one week later. Presentations will last 5-10 min and the group mark will be adjusted for efforts based on peer-review so that each student receives an individual mark.
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| Knowledge Level | Thinking Skill | Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| Conceptual | Analyse | Communicate scientific information effectively through collaborative presentations & other scientific communications including synthesis of evidence from multiple sources and constructive peer review. |
| Conceptual | Analyse | Analyse real biological data to understand the biological and ecological principles underlying marine mammal life histories, physiological adaptations, and trophic ecology. |
| Conceptual | Evaluate | Evaluate the impacts of natural and anthropogenic disturbances on marine mammal populations and discuss the implications for conservation and management. |
| Assessment Type | Summative | Weighting | 30 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Assessment Weeks | 40 | Feedback Weeks | 43 | |
| Feedback |
Individualised written feedback will be provided, along with the grade, 3 weeks after submission. |
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| Knowledge Level | Thinking Skill | Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| Conceptual | Analyse | Integrate evolutionary, physiology, ecological & conservation concepts to predict how marine mammal taxa may respond to future environmental change & justify predictions using scientific evidence |
| Assessment Type | Summative | Weighting | 30 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Assessment Weeks | 33 | Feedback Weeks | 34 | |
| Feedback |
This open book test will be time-limited and delivered online. Feedback on each question will be released to all students once the test is graded. |
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| Knowledge Level | Thinking Skill | Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| Factual | Understand | Explain the evolutionary relationships and anatomical adaptations of marine mammals. |
There are no assessments for this course.
| Assessment Type | Summative | Weighting | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Assessment Weeks | Feedback Weeks | |||
| Feedback |
Weighting: 20-40% depending on if one or two presentations are failed. The grades from the other passed elements will be carried forward. |
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| Knowledge Level | Thinking Skill | Outcome |
|---|---|---|
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| Knowledge Level | Thinking Skill | Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| Factual | Understand | Explain the evolutionary relationships and anatomical adaptations of marine mammals. |
| Conceptual | Analyse | Analyse real biological data to understand the biological and ecological principles underlying marine mammal life histories, physiological adaptations, and trophic ecology. |
| Conceptual | Evaluate | Evaluate the impacts of natural and anthropogenic disturbances on marine mammal populations and discuss the implications for conservation and management. |
| Conceptual | Analyse | Communicate scientific information effectively through collaborative presentations & other scientific communications including synthesis of evidence from multiple sources and constructive peer review. |
| Conceptual | Analyse | Integrate evolutionary, physiology, ecological & conservation concepts to predict how marine mammal taxa may respond to future environmental change & justify predictions using scientific evidence |
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