Applied Marine Biological Sampling (AMBS) Module and CPD Course Descriptor and Instructor Biographies
Module Duration
The module duration is 4 weeks from the 20th of March to the 17th of April 2018 with shipboard training elements taking place from the 20th to 23rd of March.
Maximum Number of Places: 12
Module Topics
This accredited module provides the learner with the detailed practical knowledge and skills necessary to design and implement offshore biological sampling and data collection
campaigns. Core topics include:
• Applications and requirement for applied marine biological sampling and data collection skills.
• Sampling and data collection campaign design and planning.
• Fisheries catch, bycatch and discard identification, sampling and recording.
• Visual methods for identifying, recording and surveying Marine Mammals.
• Acoustic methods for detection, identification and surveying Marine Mammals.
• Seabird identification, data collection and surveying methodologies.
• Environmental and Ecological Impacts of Marine Industries.
Module Timeline
Week 1 (19th -23rd March). Week one centres on four days of instruction and practical sessions aboard the RV Celtic Voyager from the 20th to 23rd of March.
Weeks 2- 4 (26th March to the 20th of April). These weeks to consist of mentored distance learning concluding in submission of cruise reports for assessment.
Module Learning Outcomes
On completion of the module participants will have the ability to:
1. Develop and expound rationale for observer programmes and marine biological sampling and data collection.
2. Organise fisheries hauls for length and age based sampling of bycatch, discard and retained components of the catch.
3. Operate software for marine mammal detection and monitoring and expound knowledge of their applications.
4. Demonstrate visual surveying methods and ID skills for marine mammals.
5. Demonstrate surveying and data collection methodologies for marine birds.
6. Design and implement offshore biological sampling and data collection campaigns.
7. Collate and deliver marine biological data in standardised formats for EIAs and national and international databases.
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Module Assessment
AMBS is a special purpose postgraduate award and assessment is based on the submission of a complete cruise report for the training survey by the end of week four.
Module Accreditation
The accrediting body is Galway-Mayo Institute of Technology. Successful completion of the module is graded at 5 ECTS (European Credit Transfer System) at NFQ (National Framework
of Qualifications) postgraduate level 9.
Pre-requisites for joining the module
Applicants should have a primary or postgraduate degree in a marine related science or have significant professional interest in marine data collection.
Course Fees
Module fees are set at €500 and are payable to Lifelong Learning at Galway-Mayo Institute of Technology.
Application Forms
Application forms are available online at:Â https://smartseaschool.wufoo.eu/forms/smart–gmit–ambs–2018/
Further Information
Queries about Applied Marine Biological Sampling should be addressed to smart@gmit.ieÂ
Strategic Marine Alliance for Research and Training
Galway-Mayo Institute of Technology (GMIT) is a core partner of the Strategic Marine Alliance for Research and Training (SMART). SMART consortium members are GMIT, National University of Ireland, Galway (NUI Galway), the Marine Institute and University College Cork (UCC).
Support and Funding for the Module
Shiptime on the Celtic Voyager for AMBS 2018 is supported by the Marine Institute, and funded under the Marine Research Programme of the Irish Government.
Best wishes,
SMART
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Strategic Marine Alliance for Research and Training
Galway-Mayo Institute of Technology
Dublin Road
Galway
Tel: 091 742518
Email :Â smart@gmit.ie
W:Â http://www.smartseaschool.com/
F:Â www.facebook.com/smartseaschool
T:Â https://twitter.com/smartseaschoolÂ
Y:Â www.youtube.com/smartseaschool
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Source: POGO