In this hands-on module, you will develop many of the key ecological survey and identification skills expected by employers. This module includes a residential field course component.

During the course of this module you will carry out a number of industry-standard survey techniques, including (but not limited to) a Phase 1 Habitat Survey, bird surveys, surveying for amphibians and reptiles, small mammal trapping, radio tracking, the use of active and passive bat detectors, camera traps, moth trapping etc. In addition, you will learn to identify species in the field and in the laboratory (including using DNA analysis).

Although predominantly animal-based, plant identification skills will also be developed during the field course, as these are crucial for any field-based careers.

Other important topics to be covered include setting appropriate objectives for surveys, the design and analysis of sampling and survey protocols, and the use of online information sources relating to the distribution of species.

During the residential field course you will develop team-working skills by working as a small group to produce a consultancy report based on the surveys you carry out while you are there. To make this even more vocationally relevant, you will have to complete and submit the group report before the end of the field course.

40% Identification practical tests (approx.1 hour each, 4 hours in total). To assess learning outcomes 2 & 3

60% An ecological survey report for a site, of the type that might be produced by an ecological consultancy (3000 – 3500 words). Individual elements of the report focusing on particular species groups will be weighted at 70% of the mark for this assignment, and the synoptic group element weighted at 30%.
To assess learning outcomes 1 & 4.
This is the FINAL ASSESSMENT.

This is very much a hands-on, practically based module. Some methods will be covered on campus using the laboratories, the University Nature Reserve and other local sites (approx. 40 hours – 4 hours per week over 10 weeks).

Other methods that involve mammal or amphibian trapping, bird surveys, bat detection, etc that often require evening and/or early morning work, will be carried out as part of a 10-day residential field course (approx. 80 hours).

The 180 hours of independent study will be devoted to developing and practising your identification skills (120 hours), and reading around the topics covered and preparing for the group assessment (60 hours).

Anonymous (undated) Sources of Survey Methods. CIEEM. (http://www.cieem.net/sources-of-survey-methods-sosm- )

Anonymous. (2015) Guidelines for Ecological Report Writing. CIEEM.

Sutherland, W.J. (2006) Ecological Census Techniques, Blackwell, Oxford

Various taxon-specific survey guides and identification keys

Transport to field sites. Venue for the residential field course. Appropriate sampling and survey equipment. Appropriate keys and guides. Appropriately equipped laboratory.

1. Undertake, in a safe, ethical and environmentally responsible way, a range of animal sampling and survey techniques, and demonstrate a critical understanding of their advantages and limitations
Enquiry
Application
Reflection

2. Identify a wide range of organisms to species using scientific keys and/or DNA analysis
Problem solving

3. Identify the presence of a range of common vertebrates by sight, sound, and their tracks and signs Knowledge and understanding,
Analysis

4. Work as part of a group to produce a professional survey report
Reflection
Communication
Learning