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MAOK4145 Wildlife Population Health

    • Number of credits
      7,5
    • Teaching semester
      2023 Autumn
    • Language of instruction
      English
    • Campus
      Evenstad
    • Required prerequisite knowledge

      Sist revidert

      Krav til forkunnskaper

      Prerequisites. Finished a bachelors level study in Ecology, Biology, Environmental Sciences or a related field, or finished the first three years in a study program in Veterinary Medicine.

Course content
  • Factors influencing the health of wildlife on an individual and population level including responses to environmental factors, toxins, nutrition, climate, infectious agents, inherited and congenital defects and trauma/injury. 
  • Approach to investigation of outbreaks or population changes including designing the field investigation, collaboration with specialists, taking appropriate samples and communicating with media and the public.

Learning Outcome

 A candidate with fulfilled qualifications will have the following learning outcome:

Knowledge

     Students will gain

  • an advanced knowledge and understanding of the potential impact of disease on wildlife health and populations
  • a thorough knowledge of the relevant diseases and toxins in the Nordic ecosystems
  • a thorough knowledge of the animal health related factors that must be considered for evaluating population changes in Nordic ecosystems
  • ability to define and recognize an outbreak
  • an advanced knowledge of the basic principles of risk communication
Skills

Skills:

  • can deal critically with various methods for evaluating mortality and population alterations. 
  • are able to perform basic sample collection on dead animals using proper personal protective equipment
  • are able to analyze and critically discuss existing theories for declines of certain populations.
  • are able to explain the course of action required for responding to outbreaks or population declines
  • can design an outbreak investigation under supervision with applicable norms for research ethics
  • can communicate effectively with media and apply principles of risk communication in writing to a general audience
General competence

  Students

  • are able to safely participate in disease investigations
  • are able to make a list of possible causes for population declines together with specialists and relate this to societal interests
  • can analyze relevant academic professional and research ethical problems
  • will master language and terminology relevant to wildlife diseases in Nordic countries
Teaching and working methods

 Lectures, seminars and exercises. Seminars will include presentations and discussions by student groups. Active participation is expected.

 The practical exercises have required attendance (alternatives are possible if agreed on before the exercises).

Form of assessment
  • Written exam (50%)
  • Portfolio (20%)
  • Presentation of groupwork (30%)
Assessments
Form of assessmentGrading scaleGroupingDuration of assessmentSupport materialsProportionComment
Written examination with invigilation
ECTS - A-F
Individual
  • Approved calculator
50
Portfolio Assessment
ECTS - A-F
20
Oral examination
ECTS - A-F
Group
30

Reading list

Faculty
Faculty of Applied Ecology, Agricultural Sciences and Biotechnology
Department
Department of Forestry and Wildlife Management