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Practical Skills in Field Ecology

Module description

Do you hope to work in the field of ecology after graduation? Are you considering postgraduate study? This module, run as a non-residential field course, will introduce you to a range of skills for environmental monitoring and ecological assessment. We will visit study sites local to Exeter (including marine, freshwater, woodland and heathland habitats) and discuss real-life case studies of habitat and species management. There will be a strong focus on employability in the environmental job sector, and we will introduce you to a range of species found in the United Kingdom. These species are of particular interest to conservation organisations, government departments and professional ecologists. You will learn practical skills, such as field sampling, species monitoring and habitat surveying techniques for both terrestrial and marine habitats and a range of analytical techniques for data interpretation. Many wildlife management decisions are complex and may compete with human activities and other interests (for example the need for new housing). This module will help you develop transferable skills in effective communication using a variety of media, ranging from photography to a written report.

The module will take place in term 3 and will consist of sessions of field work together with introductory lectures and classroom-based sessions. Tuition on the course will be given by a combination of Biosciences staff and professional ecologists who work in a practical ecology setting. The fieldwork is weather-dependent, although we will always work to the conditions if at all possible.

Module aims - intentions of the module

This module builds on the ecological foundation provided in Stage 1 and develops practical skills in field biology and ecological assessments. Practical skills will include an introduction to habitat assessments and species identification, legislation, protected mammal surveys (such as bats, otters or seals), and marine faunal monitoring for biodiversity. You will discover how to make the data you collect accessible to a wide audience and learn how to interpret your records in the context of relevant legislation, publicly available data sources and the ecology of the study species. You will also gain skills in science communication, developing persuasive arguments for site management, ethical considerations surrounding ecological work and will be able to discuss real-world case studies with experts in the field.

This knowledge will lead to a greater understanding of the kinds of skills you will need if you wish to work in the ecological sector, as well as of the job opportunities available. You will also be supported by your tutors in making appropriate links with potential employers. The module will include short seminars presented by leading scientists working within the field of applied ecology and conservation, e.g. an ecological consultancy, a local wildlife trust who will be available to answer questions about gaining a foothold in a very competitive job market.

Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs)

ILO: Module-specific skills

On successfully completing the module you will be able to...

• 1. Skilful observation and accurate, precise data collection

ILO: Discipline-specific skills

On successfully completing the module you will be able to...

• 2. Problem solving
• 3. Exploring & learning with curiosity
• 4. Effective academic and scientific writing

ILO: Personal and key skills

On successfully completing the module you will be able to...

• 5. Actively engaging in groupwork
• 6. Drawing evidence-based and independent conclusions

Syllabus plan

Lectures during the field course will cover:

• introduction to habitat surveys and environmental impact assessments;
• introduction to legislation;
• introduction to survey techniques for key taxa;
• identification of organisms;
• science communication;
• data interpretation and analysis.

Field work will include: protected mammal surveys (e.g. bats, otter, seals); marine habitat surveys; observation of bird mist netting and ringing (if practical at the time); introduction to using media to monitor wildlife and communicate conservation messages. You may become familiar with a range of reporting formats used for recording wildlife and the various online repository for species records.

Excellent science communication is key in biodiversity conservation and management. Depending on other elements of the course, you may be able to apply the knowledge you have gained in the module in a science communication short film or presentation, either giving details of a particular field technique, wildlife conservation issue or species.

Accessibility statement:
The field study sites for this module can be on rougher ground such as riversides, rougher grassed areas and fields, so there may be some small inclines and some steps. Walking will be up to 6 miles, but at a relaxed pace with frequent stops and comfort breaks. Many elements will be outside and students on the day field courses should wear warm, waterproof clothing with stout footwear. Students can sometimes be expected to carry equipment, but these will be relatively light (binoculars, measuring tape, nets, camera, notebook, pen and provisions). You will need to bring food and drink for day excursions. All transportation costs are covered by the University. The module field work may require some early morning or late evenings depending on the focus of the field work.
In addition, the module requires extensive groupwork on field trips, and the production of a film (within small groups) for part of the summative assessment.

Learning activities and teaching methods (given in hours of study time)

Details of learning activities and teaching methods

Formative assessment

Summative assessment (% of credit)

Details of summative assessment

Details of re-assessment (where required by referral or deferral)

Re-assessment notes

Deferral – if you miss an assessment for certificated reasons that are approved by the Mitigation Committee, you will normally be either deferred in the assessment or an extension may be granted. If deferred, the format and timing of the re-assessment for each of the summative assessments is detailed in the table above ('Details of re-assessment'). The mark given for a deferred assessment will not be capped and will be treated as it would be if it were your first attempt at the assessment.

Referral - if you have failed the module (i.e. a final overall module mark of less than 40%) and the module cannot be condoned, you will be required to complete a re-assessment for each of the failed components on the module. The format and timing of the re-assessment for each of the summative assessments is detailed in the table above ('Details of re-assessment'). If you pass the module following re-assessment, your module mark will be capped at 40%.

Indicative learning resources - Basic reading

• You are encouraged to use field guides to identify a range of wildlife (birds, invertebrates, mammals, plants). There is no one particular guide that is recommended (partly because individuals differ in their preference for either drawings or photographs). However, do make sure that whatever you use focuses on British species as it is often confusing as a beginner to have reference texts which also list North American species.

Indicative learning resources - Web based and electronic resources

• ELE page: (a range of scientific papers and links to relevant websites will also be made available throughout the module via ELE.)
• Guides to British Wildlife Legislation and guidance on the conservation and management of key species and habitats are available from the Natural England Website.
• The Handbook for Phase 1 Habitat surveys is provided for download on the JNCC website.

Indicative learning resources - Other resources

ELE - https://ele.exeter.ac.uk/

Key words search

Ecology, terrestrial ecology, habitat survey, marine ecology, biodiversity