Course Resources Archive

This residential trip develops field skills and an understanding of environments, organisms and ecology. Students will gain experience and knowledge of the biological and ecological characteristics of an area, and develop skills in project planning and management. The module provides useful skills for students undertaking the NS6222 or NS6223 Dissertation modules, especially where students wish to undertake a field-based project.

The fieldtrip will be supported by preparatory sessions in the classroom, independent learning and/or virtual learning environments. The fieldtrip itself will last between five and ten days, typically within vacation periods. The residential period will include tutor-led sessions and project work. The project work will involve planning and completing an independent scientific investigation within the limits of what is sensible and possible in the specific field environment, and will entail data collection, analysis and write up. There will be ample opportunity to discuss ideas and methods with the field tutors.

A student passing this module should be able to:

1. Appreciate and understand specific elements of the environment in which they are working

2. Demonstrate that they have gained detailed technical and/or specialised knowledge and understanding through undertaking a specific project

3. Demonstrate that they have met the challenge of working in the environment beyond the classroom and can link theory and practice effectively

4. Undertake rapid reconnaissance techniques of sites, locales or study systems to be able establish appropriate targets for study

5. Demonstrate research and project management skills by planning, initiating, undertaking, and concluding biological investigations with tutor guidance

6. Work effectively individually or in teams to collect, record, and analyse information

The Library Catalogue contains full details of the current reading list for this module. Further details may also be found in the Module Guide.