BIO207 Marine Conservation Biology (Autumn 2025)

Upon successful completion of the course, the student will:

Knowledge

• have broad knowledge of biodiversity in marine ecosystems and different perspectives on the value of marine life
• have knowledge of major threats to marine species and habitats, and of relevant conservation and management strategies
• have insight into how genetic and ecological data can be used in marine conservation and management

Skills

• be able to analyse and visualise relevant marine datasets using R and RStudio
• be able to apply scientific knowledge to assess conservation strategies in the context of specific cases and data
• be able to communicate scientific problems and solutions both in writing and orally, individually and in groups

General competence

• be able to collaborate across disciplines on complex issues related to the conservation and management of marine resources
• be able to reflect critically on personal academic choices and learning processes
• be able to assess how scientific knowledge contributes to the interface between science, society, and management

This course provides an introduction to the conservation of biodiversity in marine ecosystems, with particular emphasis on threats, restoration, and management strategies. It explores how ecological and evolutionary processes influence variation and diversity at the population and species levels, and how human activities such as overexploitation, habitat degradation, climate change, invasive species, and pollution affect marine organisms and ecosystems.

Students engage with current issues through interdisciplinary projects, applying both qualitative and quantitative approaches. The course covers key topics in conservation genetics and molecular tools, as well as legal and management frameworks, with a particular focus on Norwegian contexts and coastal areas in the Skagerrak region.

Through field-based activities and work with both collected and publicly available datasets, students use R and RStudio for data analysis and visualisation. Building on existing skills in R, students further develop their ability to apply quantitative tools in ecological and applied contexts. The course emphasises scientific reflection, collaboration, and communication, and culminates in group presentations and individual analyses.

Teaching is delivered through lectures, academic seminars, field-based activities, and student-active learning approaches such as article discussions, peer teaching, group work, and debates. Students work on current issues in marine conservation biology, developing both individual analyses and group-based projects, which are presented in written and oral formats.

Throughout the course, emphasis is placed on interdisciplinary understanding, the application of both quantitative and qualitative methods, and reflection on the role of science in marine management. Students use R and RStudio to work with real-world datasets, developing skills in analysis, interpretation, and communication. Active participation in discussions, group work, and field activities is mandatory and forms a central part of the learning outcomes.

The learning activities are closely integrated with the assessment components and are designed to support students’ ability to work independently and collaboratively on complex, real-world conservation challenges.

Portfolio exam. See Canvas for more information. Graded assessment.

Candidates are not entitled to a new or postponed portfolio examination