Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Fall 2026 - BISC 450 D100

Marine Mammal Ecotoxicology (3)

Class Number: 6452

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Sep 9 – Dec 6, 2026: Tue, 1:30–2:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

    Sep 9 – Dec 6, 2026: Thu, 12:30–2:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Prerequisites:

    BISC 101, BISC 102, and BISC 205, all with a minimum grade of C-.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

Introduces marine mammal ecotoxicology; introducing marine mammals, describing priority classes of contaminants to assess contaminant-related health effects in marine mammals. Case studies provide understanding of how to characterize exposure and effects in marine mammals, how climate change is reshaping contaminant pathways, and implications for at-risk marine mammal populations. Students with credit for BISC 475 under the title "Marine Mammal Ecotoxicology" may not take this course for further credit.

COURSE DETAILS:

The lectures will provide a broad overview of marine mammal ecotoxicology. The course will begin with an introduction to marine mammals, including key biological, physiological, and ecological concepts relevant to marine mammalogy, followed by an introduction to the principles of ecotoxicology. We will then examine priority classes of legacy and emerging contaminants, the properties that influence their sources, transport, and fate in marine environments, and the methods used to characterize contaminant exposure and associated health effects in marine mammals. The final portion of the course will explore how climate change is altering contaminant pathways and the implications of these changes for vulnerable and at-risk marine mammal populations. Tutorials will focus on the critical evaluation of recent primary literature and hands-on activities designed to develop practical skills in marine mammal ecotoxicology. Activities may include mapping contaminant plumes within marine mammal habitats, applying statistical approaches to distinguish local and global contaminant sources, and analyzing and interpreting omics datasets. Course assessments will include a group presentation on an at-risk marine mammal population and an NSERC-style research proposal on a topic related to marine mammal ecotoxicology.

Grading

  • Midterm 1 15%
  • Midterm 2 15%
  • Midterm 3 15%
  • Tutorial Assignments 15%
  • Written Assignment 15%
  • Presentation 15%
  • Participation 10%

NOTES:

The grading scheme is provisional and may change before start of classes.

Mode of teaching: Lectures, tutorials and midterms will all be on-campus and in-person.

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

There is no official course textbook. Readings will be assigned from primary literature.

Registrar Notes:

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS

At SFU, you are expected to act honestly and responsibly in all your academic work. Cheating, plagiarism, or any other form of academic dishonesty harms your own learning, undermines the efforts of your classmates who pursue their studies honestly, and goes against the core values of the university.

To learn more about the academic disciplinary process and relevant academic supports, visit: 


RELIGIOUS ACCOMMODATION

Students with a faith background who may need accommodations during the term are encouraged to assess their needs as soon as possible and review the Multifaith religious accommodations website. The page outlines ways they begin working toward an accommodation and ensure solutions can be reached in a timely fashion.