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Unit description

Introduces students to the biology and ecology of marine mammals. Students will learn about key threats to marine mammal populations. They will also analyse management priorities to ensure the continued survival and recovery of marine mammal populations into the future.

Unit content

Marine mammal  taxonomy and evolution.

Biology and ecology of marine mammals, including reproductive biology, migrations, physiology and behaviour.

Human threats to marine mammals, including the history of whaling and current threats.

Global conservation status of marine mammals.

Management and conservation planning for marine mammals.

Learning outcomes

Unit Learning Outcomes express learning achievement in terms of what a student should know, understand and be able to do on completion of a unit. These outcomes are aligned with the graduate attributes. The unit learning outcomes and graduate attributes are also the basis of evaluating prior learning.

GA1: Intellectual rigour, GA2: Creativity, GA3: Ethical practice, GA4: Knowledge of a discipline, GA5: Lifelong learning, GA6: Communication and social skills, GA7: Cultural competence
On completion of this unit, students should be able to:GA1GA2GA3GA4GA5GA6GA7
1demonstrate understanding of the taxonomy, anatomy, biology and ecology of marine mammalsIntellectual rigourKnowledge of a disciplineLifelong learning
2identify the common marine mammals occurring in Australian territorial watersIntellectual rigourKnowledge of a disciplineLifelong learning
3describe the main types of human interactions with marine mammals and how they can be managedIntellectual rigourKnowledge of a discipline
4demonstrate understanding of how marine mammals are managed and the legislation governing their protectionIntellectual rigourKnowledge of a discipline
5analyse the risks posed to marine mammals by human activities including whaling, fisheries, habitat loss, shipping, pollution, tourism and climate change.Intellectual rigourKnowledge of a discipline

On completion of this unit, students should be able to:

  1. demonstrate understanding of the taxonomy, anatomy, biology and ecology of marine mammals
    • GA1: Intellectual rigour
    • GA4: Knowledge of a discipline
    • GA5: Lifelong learning
  2. identify the common marine mammals occurring in Australian territorial waters
    • GA1: Intellectual rigour
    • GA4: Knowledge of a discipline
    • GA5: Lifelong learning
  3. describe the main types of human interactions with marine mammals and how they can be managed
    • GA1: Intellectual rigour
    • GA4: Knowledge of a discipline
  4. demonstrate understanding of how marine mammals are managed and the legislation governing their protection
    • GA1: Intellectual rigour
    • GA4: Knowledge of a discipline
  5. analyse the risks posed to marine mammals by human activities including whaling, fisheries, habitat loss, shipping, pollution, tourism and climate change.
    • GA1: Intellectual rigour
    • GA4: Knowledge of a discipline

Teaching and assessment

Notice

Intensive offerings may or may not be scheduled in every session. Please refer to the timetable for further details.

Southern Cross University employs different teaching methods within units to provide students with the flexibility to choose the mode of learning that best suits them. SCU academics strive to use the latest approaches and, as a result, the learning modes and materials may change. The most current information regarding a unit will be provided to enrolled students at the beginning of the study session.

Fee information

Domestic

Commonwealth Supported courses
For information regarding Student Contribution Amounts please visit the Student Contribution Amounts.

Fee paying courses
For postgraduate or undergraduate full fee paying courses please check Domestic Postgraduate Fees OR Domestic Undergraduate Fees

International

Please check the international course and fee list to determine the relevant fees.

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