3123243 Exercises in fish and fisheries biology (4 cr)
Cooperation network course
Network: Biodiversity education network
This course is offered through the Network for Biodiversity. These studies are available for the following degree students:
- Bachelor's and Master's Degree Education in Biology
- Bachelor's and Master's Degree Education in Environmental and Aquatic Sciences
- Master's Degree Education in Aquatic Science
- Master's Degree Education in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology
- Master's Degree Education in Cell and Molecular Biology
- Master's Degree Education in Environmental Science
Grading scale:
0-5
Description
Supervised individual online computer exercises in which we learn to handle and analyse typical fisheries datasets, fit growth models and stock-recruitment models, form age-length keys, perform cohort analyses, create Y/R-models and age-structured population models. Statistical tools are mainly used in R environment but also the advanced properties of Microsoft Excel are used. Varying datasets are used based on their availability.
Independent individual exercises and a report on a topic that is agreed based on the interests of the student. The report must include a statistical or dynamic modelling exercise, but the focal population can be freely chosen among all harvested terrestrial and aquatic animal species. The individual works are supervised both individually and in groups. It is possible to use own data for the report work.
Learning outcomes
Students will learn to use key statistical and dynamic modelling methods in population biology as applied to fish and fisheries biology. In particular, students will learn to apply linear and non-linear regression analyses to fit various biological models on empirical data. The students will know the principles of dynamic modelling and be able to build age- and size-structured population models needed especially in fisheries biology. Students can make a stock assessment on a focal animal population and evaluate the population dynamical effects of human harvesting and other impacts.
The course gives readiness to perform stock assessments on any utilized wild animal population and deepens the knowledge especially on linear and non-linear regression analyses. After having accomplished the course, a student can describe a population model with mathematical equations and present modelling results supporting a stock assessment both orally and literally.
The study unit develops the following generic skills/generic competences: digitalization, sustainability and responsibility, critical thinking, identification and development of expertise, interaction and communication.
Additional information
Time:
In odd years, spring semester, periods 3-4.
Offering data:
The course belongs to the open courses within the Biodiversity education network, and is available to all masters students of biology, environmental sciences or agriculture and forestry in the participating universities. At maximum 16 students can be accepted to the course in the order of registration on the course. However, master students of environmental sciences and biology at the University of Eastern Finland will have priority access over participants from other universities.
Campus:
Online teaching
Further information:
Instruction in English.
Description of prerequisites
Lectures in fish and fisheries biology or similar basic knowledge on population biology. Basic capacity to use R. Courses Introduction to environmental modelling and Exercises in population and community ecology are recommended for the students at the University of Eastern Finland.