| Course ID: | BBL/BŚ-SE>TERIOL |
| Course title: | MAMMALOGY |
| Semester: | 2 / Spring |
| ECTS: | 2 |
| Lectures/Classes: | 15 / 15 hours |
| Field of study: | Biology |
| Study cycle: | 2nd cycle |
| Type of course: | optional |
| Prerequisites: | Vertebrate Zoology, Ecology |
| Contact person: | dr Tomasz Kokurewicz tomasz.kokurewicz@upwr.edu.pl |
| Short description: | The course contains the characteristics of the mammalian orders, with particular emphasis of orders found in Poland, along with their conservation status, the role in ecosystems and the procedures for obtaining licenses to conduct research. The study methods of particular mammalian orders, including methods for their capture and marking are also presented. The practical part of the course contains radio-telemetry, programming and practical use of temeprature/humidity loggers. The field part of the classes containes practical course of radio-tracking and determination of selected species of mammals. |
| Full description: | The first part of the course contains information about study methods i.e. - trapping, preserving and maintaining the mammalian collection, marking, radio-tracking and using data loggers. During its second part the protection status of mammals in Europe is revealed and the procedures of applying for licenses are described. The next part contains the information about taxonomy, species diversity and role in ecosystems of particular mammalian orders. The last part is composed of the field trip including the practical course of radio-tracking. |
| Bibliography: | 1. Corbet, G. B., J. E. Hill. 1991. A world list of mammalian species, Oxford Univ. Press, London. 2. Mitchell-Jones, i in. 1999. Atlas of European Mammals. Academic Press, London. 3. Nowak, R. M. 1999. Walkers Mammals of the World. Vol. 1-2. 1. Kunz, Thomas H., M. Brock Fenton (red.). 2003. Bat Ecology. 2. Nowak, R. M. 1994. Walkers Bats of the World. |
| Learning outcomes: | Knowledge: The student has the knowledge to interpret natural phenomena and processes in research and practical work. Knows the research methodology applicable in the natural sciences. Formulates hypotheses and solve basic scientific problems. Knows how to create an interesting multimedia presentation. Student knows the physiological background of animal behavior. Explains the strategies involved in collecting food, strategies of reproduction and parental care. Understands the evolution of the defense mechanisms and interactions at the inter and intra specific level. Student knows the organization of ecological systems and organism-environment relatinship. Clarifies the functioning of ecosystems and the ecological and evolutionary basis of biodiversity. Explains the evolutionary changes in the structure of organisms in the context of changing environment. Skills: Under the guidance of a tutor student plans and performs both laboratory and field study or expertise in the field of biology. Is able to take the appropriate decisions on the selection of research techniques and can apply them in practice. Properly documents undertaken studies. Is able to identify selected mammalian species into the generic or species level by use of morphological features using identification keys. Is able to assess and measure the impact of human activities on ecosystems. Can propose and plan a simple tasks and conservation measures for the protection of endangered species of mammals. Social competences: Students can schedule research activities adapting them to the conditions, their equipment and capabilities, while specifying the priorities. Demonstrates creativity in solving problems, acting in a systematic and enterprising manner. Student shows creativity and is able to determine the priorities for the task, including teamwork. It is open to solving research problems using the latest technology used in biology, such as radio-tracking, the use of temperature and humidity loggers and ultrasound bat detectors. |
| Assessment methods and assessment criteria: | (1) the current assessment of the status of knowledge on the basis of oral statements during the tutorials, (2) the report of the results of measurements of the skulls, (3) activity on the tutorials and (4) the activity and knowledge gained during the field course. |