Marine and Coastal Ecology Underway at UW

Students at the University Centre of the Westfjords are currently diving into the complex and fascinating world of marine ecosystems in the course Marine and Coastal Ecology, which runs from August 31 to September 18.

Taught by Dr. Filipa Samarra, the course explores how marine ecosystems function, from populations and communities to larger ecosystem processes. Students look at different types of marine habitats and examine the ecological forces that shape them, with particular attention given to temperate and polar environments.

Whenever possible, the course brings the subject close to home by using examples and case studies from Icelandic marine and coastal ecosystems. This gives students the opportunity to connect ecological theory with the environments surrounding them here in the Westfjords and elsewhere around Iceland.

The course also looks beyond ecology itself and considers some of the major environmental challenges facing the oceans today. Students examine the effects of human activities on marine ecosystems and discuss how ecological research can contribute to conservation, natural resource management and informed decision-making.

Learning takes place through a combination of lectures, discussions, scientific reading and writing, as well as practical research work. Students become familiar with common ecological research methods, learn to critically assess scientific literature and gain experience in designing and carrying out a field-based research project. An important part of the course is also learning how to communicate scientific results clearly, both in writing and through oral and visual presentation.

From Killer Whales to Marine Ecosystems

Course instructor Dr. Filipa Samarra is a behavioural ecologist whose research focuses on marine mammal social and foraging ecology, acoustic communication, interactions between species and the effects of environmental change.

Much of her work centres on killer whales, one of the ocean's top predators. Filipa is involved in the Icelandic Orca Project, the longest-running monitoring and research programme on killer whales in Iceland.

With its mix of ecological theory, Icelandic case studies, scientific discussion and hands-on research, Marine and Coastal Ecology gives students a broad and practical introduction to understanding marine ecosystems — and the challenges involved in protecting and managing them.

We would like to remind our readers that all master’s-level courses offered at UW are open to guest students, exchange students, and working professionals. The courses form part of UW’s two international and multidisciplinary master’s programmes: Coastal and Marine Management and Coastal Communities and Regional Development. If you are interested in signing up for a single course at UW, you can read more about it here.