Course Syllabus (PDF)

Course Syllabus

Synopsis

This course provides an introduction to the ecology, ecotoxicology and pathology of marine mammals. Part I focuses on the biology, ecology and ecotoxicology of marine mammals, including their adaptations to the marine environment and the anthropogenic stressors they face. Part II addresses pathology and causes of mortality . Selected seminars are delivered by invited researchers.

Aims

The course aims to provide students with a scientific understanding of marine mammals, the pressures they face in a changing ocean, and the methods used to investigate health, mortality and pollution-related effects.

Objectives

  1. describe the main groups of marine mammals and their ecological adaptations;
  2. identify major anthropogenic threats affecting marine mammals at individual and population levels;
  3. understand the links between contamination, ecotoxicology and pathology in marine mammals;
  4. recognise principal causes of mortality and disease;
  5. critically analyse scientific literature in marine mammal biology and health;
  6. communicate scientific information effectively in a professional conference format.

Key Skills Acquired

Upon completion, students will be able to:

  1. interpret ecological and toxicological stressors affecting marine wildlife;
  2. synthesize complex scientific findings from peer-reviewed literature;
  3. prepare and deliver a scientific speed-talk;
  4. engage in scientific discussion and defend interpretations;
  5. appreciate interdisciplinary connections between ecology, toxicology, pathology and One Health.

Programme

Part I: Ecology & Ecotoxicology (Krishna Das)

  • Introduction to marine mammals
  • Adaptations to aquatic life
  • Marine mammal ecology and trophic interactions
  • Anthropogenic impacts and stressors
  • Pollutant exposure, bioaccumulation and biomagnification
  • Pollution-driven pathology and One Health considerations
  • Case studies through literature analysis

Part II: Pathology & Necropsies (Thierry Jauniaux)

  • Causes of mortality in marine mammals (global overview and North Sea focus)
  • Main infectious, toxicological and traumatic threats
  • Approaches used to investigate marine mammal health and mortality

For both parts: • Case-based seminars by invited researchers (ULiège and international partners)

Learning & Teaching (30 hr Th; 10 hr Pr)

  1. Lectures (ex cathedra) for theoretical concepts;
  2. Tutorials based on mandatory reading of selected scientific papers;
  3. Seminars delivered by invited researchers;
  4. Personal assignment on a selected topic;
  5. Attendance of necropsies performed by the veterinary pathologist (Dr. Thierry Jauniaux) at the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, ULiège

Teaching Staff     

Krishna Das and Thierry Jauniaux

Semester: 1

Timetable slot To be advised

ECTS: 6            

Level: Optional

Bibliography

Resources include:

  • lecture slides and teaching materials provided through the online platform;
  • a curated selection of scientific papers (PDF) for tutorials and seminars;
  • recommended textbooks in marine mammal ecology, pathology and toxicology;
  • supplementary online resources including videos and conference talks.

Assessment

Assessment is based on an individual scientific speed-talk followed by a structured scientific discussion with both professors (K. Das and T. Jauniaux).

Evaluation focuses on:

  • clarity and scientific quality of the presentation;
  • ability to communicate a complex scientific message;
  • critical thinking and ability to answer questions;
  • depth of understanding of the selected scientific article and its context.

Course Evaluation

Course evaluation through Evalens ULiège, the University’s online system for student feedback on teaching and learning.

Course Syllabus (PDF)