BI2EJFC-UK Biodiversity Field Skills

Module Provider: School of Biological Sciences
Number of credits: 20 [10 ECTS credits]
Level:5
Terms in which taught: Summer term module
Pre-requisites:
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded:
Current from: 2023/4

Module Convenor: Dr Chris Foster
Email: c.w.foster@reading.ac.uk

Module Co-convenor: Mr Simon Boulter
Email: simon.boulter@reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:

This one-week residential field course provides an immersive introduction to essential biodiversity field skills, in an inspirational setting at the heart of a National Nature Reserve. The course aims to enhance your appreciation for British wildlife as well as offer experience of survey techniques that are vital for careers in ecology, zoology and wildlife conservation. You’ll learn to survey and identify birds, mammals, invertebrates and plants in a fantastic range of habitats from coastal vegetation to ancient woodland. There may also be an opportunity to look for protected species such as bats, dormice, badgers and otters.

Aims:

This module, designed for zoologists and ecologists, aims to build on the principles and practice of field ecology gained through the previous ecology module. During a one-week residential field course students will receive training in species identification and survey skills and will participate in data collection in the field. A wide variety of habitats will be visited, potentially including freshwater lakes and streams, woodland, grassland, vegetated coastal shingle and rocky shores. In addition, students will have the opportunity to participate in taster sessions for the survey of protected vertebrate species such as bats, dormice and badgers.

Assessable learning outcomes:

By the end of the module it is expected that the student will be able to:

• Identify a range of species including birds, mammals, invertebrates and plants from a variety of habitats.


• Undertake and critically assess censuses of animal populations and communities in different habitats to examine abundance, habitat use and community composition.


• Undertake, analyse, and report on the results of a field survey that aims to address a specific ecological question.


• Develop their field and data presentation skills. 

Additional outcomes:

• Gain an appreciation for British terrestrial, freshwater and marine wildlife.


• Develop field skills that are critical to careers in ecology, zoology and wildlife conservation. 

Outline content:

The field course will be divided into two parts. Part 1 will consist of a series of field and lab exercises introducing survey methods, taxonomic groups and habitats. Part 2 will involve participating in a collaborative research project devised and supervised by staff. This provides the opportunity to contribute to a long-term dataset. During the course there will be further opportunities for ad-hoc field visits to look for birds and protected mammal species, weather permitting. 

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:

Field trips to observe and/or collect animals and other data, laboratory sessions to identify animals, compile and analyse data, followed by reporting sessions in which results are presented and discussed. Throughout the course students will also have classroom sessions to help them think constructively about their approach to learning and research.

Contact hours:

	Autumn	Spring	Summer
Lectures			5
Project Supervision			12
Practicals classes and workshops			5
Fieldwork			90
Guided independent study:
Wider reading (independent)			30
Wider reading (directed)			8
Preparation of practical report			50
Total hours by term	0	0	200
Total hours for module	200

Summative Assessment Methods:

Method	Percentage
Report	100

Summative assessment- Examinations:

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:

Students will participate in fieldwork during the second half of the field course. They will be asked to submit data and a written report. Guidance will be provided on what is expected during the field course.

Formative assessment methods:

Students will be given continual feedback on their progress and performance during laboratory and field sessions.

Penalties for late submission:

The Support Centres will apply the following penalties for work submitted late:

• where the piece of work is submitted after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): 10% of the total marks available for that piece of work will be deducted from the mark for each working day (or part thereof) following the deadline up to a total of five working days;
• where the piece of work is submitted more than five working days after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): a mark of zero will be recorded.

The University policy statement on penalties for late submission can be found at: https://www.reading.ac.uk/cqsd/-/media/project/functions/cqsd/documents/cqsd-old-site-documents/penaltiesforlatesubmission.pdf
You are strongly advised to ensure that coursework is submitted by the relevant deadline. You should note that it is advisable to submit work in an unfinished state rather than to fail to submit any work.

Assessment requirements for a pass:

40%

Reassessment arrangements:

Resit examination paper

Additional Costs (specified where applicable):

1) Required text books: 

2) Specialist equipment or materials: 

3) Specialist clothing, footwear or headgear: 

4) Printing and binding: 

5) Computers and devices with a particular specification: 

6) Travel, accommodation and subsistence: Travel to the Field Studies Council centre at Slapton, Devon (cost will vary, as an example return rail fare for Reading to Totnes booked in advance is approximately £80)

Last updated: 30 March 2023