MARE 390–Biology of Marine Mammals/Lab

Spring 2014

Dr. Jason Turner

MSB 116

Ph. 933-3114

1. Objectives of the course

- To learn about evolution, systematics, & biogeographyof marine mammal groups

- To investigate musculoskeletal systems, locomotion, energetics, respiration, dive physiology

- To evaluate sensory systems, sound production, diet & foraging patterns, & reproductive strategies

- To consider the effects of exploitation &subsequent conservation on population structure

2. Textbook

Lecture:Marine Mammals: Evolutionary Biology

Annalisa Berta, James L. Sumich, & Kit Kovacs

Lab:Guide to Marine Mammals of the World

Brent Stewart, Phillip Clapham, James Powell, Randall Reeves

3. Grade allocations

Lecture

Assignments:25% (Research Paper)

Mid-term exam: 25%

Final exam: 35%

Participation/paper discussions/weekly critiques: 15%

Lab

Taxonomy Exam: 25%

Lab Practical Final: 25%

Participation: 25% (laboratory attendance)

Professionalism: 25% (cooperation, attitude, work ethic, etc)

4. Consultation hours

M&F 9-12

T&R - By appointment only please

5. Students with disabilities. Any student with a documented disability who would like to request accommodations should contact the University Disability Services Office at 933-0816 (V), 933-3334 (TTY), Campus Center Room 311, as soon as possible.

6. Academic dishonesty. Cheating and plagiarism will not be tolerated in any form by this Department or University. For specific definitions of such actions please familiarize yourselves with the UHH Student Conduct Code which can be found at: studentconductcode 001.doc.

7. Schedule

(Please note that specific lecture topics and overall schedule are subject to change)

Week / Lecture Topics / Text Reading / Lab / Papers
January 13th / Intro to Marine Mammalogy / Chapter 1 / Lab preparations for Field studies / Cassens et al. 2000
Springer et al. 2003
January 20th / Cladistics, Carnivore Evol. & Syst. Lecture / Chapt. 2, 3 / Lab preparations for Field studies / TBA
January 27th / Carnivore Evolution & Systematics / Chapter 3 / Humpback Cruise
Makani Aha / TBA
February3rd / Carnivore & Sirenian Evolution and Systematics / Chapter 5 / Humpback Cruise
Makani Aha / TBA
February 10th / Cetacean Evolution & Systematics / Chapter 4 / Humpback Cruise
Makani Aha / TBA
February 17th / Cetacean Evolution & Systematics / Chapter 5 / Humpback Cruise
Makani Aha / TBA
February 24th / Cetacean Evolution & Systematics / Chapter 4 / Humpback Cruise
Makani Aha / Paper Topic Due Friday
March3rd / Cetaceans of Hawaii
MIDTERM ASSIGNED / Chapter 4 / Humpback Cruise
Makani Aha / TBA
MIDTERM ASSIGNED
March 10th / Locomotion; MIDTERM DUE / Chapter 8 / Humpback Cruise
Makani Aha / TBAMIDTERM DUE
March 17th / Energetics / Chapter 9 / Taxonomy Exam / TBA
March 24th / Spring Break / Chapter 10 / Spring Break / TBA
March 31st / Respiration & Diving / Chapter 10 / TBD / TBA
April7th / Sensory & Sound / Ch. 7 & 11 / TBD / TBA
April 14th / Reproduction / Chapter 13 / Photo Analysis / TBA
April 21st / Foraging Strategies / Chapter 12 / Photo Analysis / TBA
April 28nd / Management, Exploitation & Conservation / Chapter 15 / Photo Analysis / TBA
May 5th / Marine Mammals & Culture / Lab Practical
May / FINAL / TBD UHH-Final Schedule