BIO207 Marine Conservation Biology (Autumn 2026)

Upon successful completion of the course, the student will:

Knowledge

• have broad knowledge of biodiversity in marine ecosystems and of how marine biodiversity can be described, valued, and prioritised in conservation
• have knowledge of major threats to marine species, populations, habitats, and ecosystems, including how multiple pressures may interact
• have knowledge of central conservation and management strategies in marine systems, with particular emphasis on Norwegian and North European contexts
• have knowledge of how ecological, genetic, and other scientific data can inform marine conservation and management

Skills

• be able to interpret, analyse, and visualise relevant marine data using R and RStudio
• be able to apply scientific knowledge to assess marine conservation challenges, management options, and trade-offs in specific cases
• be able to read, interpret, and discuss scientific literature relevant to marine conservation biology
• be able to communicate scientific problems, evidence, and proposed solutions orally and in writing, both individually and in groups

General competence

• be able to collaborate on interdisciplinary issues related to the conservation and management of marine biodiversity and resources
• be able to reflect critically on how scientific knowledge is produced, used, and communicated at the interface between science, society, and management
• be able to assess uncertainty, value conflicts, and practical constraints in marine conservation decision-making
• be able to reflect critically on their own academic learning process and contributions to group-based work

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.

Students work with scientific literature, real-world cases, and relevant datasets to analyse and discuss conservation problems and possible responses. The course also introduces key concepts in conservation genetics and connectivity, and examines how ecological and genetic data can be used in marine conservation and management. Building on existing quantitative skills, students use R and RStudio to analyse and visualise marine data and to communicate findings in written and oral formats.

Teaching is delivered through lectures, academic seminars, case-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. Active participation in discussions, group work, and other 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 assessment. See Canvas for more information. Graded assessment.

Candidates are not entitled to a new or postponed portfolio examination