Τμήμα Ωκεανογραφίας και Θαλασσίων Βιοεπιστημών

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Special Topics in Bioacoustics and Marine Mammals
School:
Of the Environment
Academic Unit:
Department of Marine Sciences
Level of studies:
Undergraduate
Course Code:
191ΕΩ17Ε
Semester:
Ζ
Course Title:
Special Topics in Bioacoustics and Marine Mammals
Independent Teaching Activities
Lectures
Weekly Teaching Hours
3
Credits
5
Course Type:
Skills development
Prerequisite Courses:
No – It is suggested, though, that students have prior experience with the Hydroacoustic Technology module (191ΕΩ14Ε)
Language of Instruction and Examinations:
English – in the absence of Erasmus students, the course can be taught in Greek.
Is the course offered to Erasmus students:
Yes
  • (2) Learning Outcomes
  • Learning Outcomes

The course provides students with an in-depth understanding of the passive acoustic methods used for the study of marine mammals, for the characterization of underwater soundscapes over different temporal scales, and for monitoring underwater ambient noise levels according to the specifications of the European Marine Strategy Framework Directive (MSFD). Upon successful completion of this course, students will:

  • Understand the broad scope of passive acoustics to Marine Science,

  • Be knowledgeable about the acoustic behavior and ecology of marine mammals,

  • Be able to choose the appropriate passive acoustic equipment for a particular case study,

  • Be familiar to using specialized bioacoustics software,

  • Be able to use passive systems for monitoring marine mammals and ambient underwater noise, and for the automatic detection of marine mammal sounds.

  • General Competences

  • Search for, analysis and synthesis of data and information, with the use of the necessary technology. 

  • Decision-making. 

  • Working independently. 

  • Respect for the natural environment. 

  • Production of free, creative and inductive thinking. 

  • Working in an interdisciplinary environment.

  • (3) Syllabus

The course covers the following topics

  • Revision and review of the basic principles of Underwater Acoustics.

  • Cetaceans of the Greek seas. The ecology and population status of cetaceans inhabiting the Greek seas is presented. As a homework assignment, students are called to produce a written report describing the ecology, geographical distribution, and population status of a cetacean of the Greek seas.

  • Acoustic behavior and acoustic ecology of marine mammals; pressure/threats.

  • Other biological sounds in the marine environment, anthropogenic and abiotic sources of underwater noise.

  • Theory and technology of passive acoustic sensors (hydrophones). As a homework assignment, students are called to choose and budget a passive acoustic system that is appropriate to their particular case study.

  • Methods and software tools for the extraction of quantitative descriptors of sounds recorded with passive acoustic equipment. As a homework assignment, students are called to use specialized biocoustic software to: (a) extract descriptors of cetacean sounds, and (b) automatically detect specific cetacean sounds in long-term acoustic data.

  • Analysis and characterization of the underwater soundscape of a region. As a homework assignment, students are called to analyze the acoustic characteristics of a selected marine region, over different temporal scales.

  • Analysis of underwater ambient noise. As a homework assignment, students are called to use specialized software to quantitatively analyze the underwater ambient sound levels at a Marine Protected Area of Greece.

  • Presentation of various national and international research projects related to bioacoustics.

  • (4) Teaching and Learning Methods - Evaluation
  • Delivery:

Face-to-face

  • Use of Information and Communication Technology:
  • Multimedia use.
  • Use of specialized acoustic software.
  • Teaching support via the e-class platform.
  • Communication via e-class and e-mail.
  • Teaching Methods:
Activity Semester workload
Lectures
39
Independent study
30
Assignment work (individually)
53
Final exam
3
Course total
125
  • Student Performance Evaluation:

The final evaluation is a result of the final exams (30%) and homework assignments (70%).

Exams consist of:

– multiple choice questions,

– short-answer questions.

Assignments consist of:

– studying a specific research problem,

– submitting short technical reports and/or software files related to the problem analysis.

    • Evaluation criteria are available at the e-class platform.
    • Students with learning difficulties are tested orally.
    • Written exams are in Greek (or in English if an Erasmus+ student is registered to the course).
    • All evaluation results are announced at e-class, and students are encouraged to review their written tests, and their homework assignments grades in collaboration with the Lecturer.
  • (5) Attached Bibliography

Προτεινόμενη βιβλιογραφία

  • Au, W.W.L., and Hastings, M.C. 2008. Principles of Marine Bioacoustics. Springer, New York.

  • Trygonis, V. 2023. Special Topics in Bioacoustics. Lecture notes (in Greek). Department of Marine Sciences, University of the Aegean.

  • Frantzis, A. 2009. Cetaceans in Greece: Present status of knowledge. Initiative for the Conservation of Cetaceans in Greece. Technical Report, Athens, Greece, 94 pp

  • Georgakarakos, S. 2004. Hydroacoustic Technology (In Greek). Department of Marine Sciences, University of the Aegean.

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