Students should be actively involved in graduate research work that uses biologging devices or telemetric equipment of some kind in an ecological context. Topics will include:
  • Basic principles for radio signal transmission and antenna theory;
  • Telemetric technology, regulations, and management of frequencies;
  • Ethics (animal welfare) in biotelemetry/biologging;
  • Introduction to VHF-based telemetry and GPS-positioning systems in biotelemetry--transmitters, applications, and limitations;
  • Telemetry and biologging equipment--a manufacturer's perspective;
  •  User "issues"--a manufacturer's perspective and troubleshooting;
  •  Maps, mapping, and GPS technology--practical applications;
  • Acoustic telemetry--methods and science questions;
  • Range size, habitat use, etc.--storage and retrieval of data and the integration of animal tracks and terrestrial environmental data;
  • An introduction to GIS tools;
  • Design considerations/limitations in marine mammal biotelemetry;
  • Biotelemetry and biologging with Svalbard's marine mammals--case studies;
  • Linking marine mammal telemetry and the environment--MAMVIS and statistical tools;
  • Remote methods in sea bird research--transponders, photographic methods, light loggers, and GPS telemetry;
  • Fish tracking;
  • Physiological telemetry--applications and potential; and
  • Looking into the future.

This course will have a strong marine mammal emphasis but will also deal with avian examples and have a module in tracking fish. Short field modules will highlight current research themes using telemetry in the Svalbard science community. The course starts with a 2-day safety course, with firearms training. This is a required element in all UNIS study programs.

Students must be fit enough to ride a snowmobile (and have a valid driver's license), as well as being field-hearty enough to enjoy boat and other outdoor work in the High Arctic. The course will fill on a first-come, first-served basis, providing applicants meet the qualifications.

For further information, please go to:
Master's Level Course
http://www.unis.no/10_STUDIES/1020_Courses/Arctic_Biology/ab_325.htm.

PhD Level Course (additional project work required)
http://www.unis.no/10_STUDIES/1020_Courses/Arctic_Biology/ab_825.htm.

To apply, please go to:
https://studweb.uit.no/isapi/WebObjects.dll/evuweb?inst=Unis.

For questions, please contact:
Kit Kovacs
Email: Kit.Kovacs@npolar.no