This module serves as a focal point for students on the Global Change Ecology and Evolution MSc Programme and might also be taken by other MSc, MBioSci and MRes students with an interest in field biology.
This 2-week residential field course aims to provide practical experience and hands-on training in a range of field techniques for quantifying biodiversity in different ecosystems and different taxons. Students will learn to identify basic groups of taxa, with emphasis on insects, mammals, birds, and plants, design and implement field surveys, use various sampling methods, and apply statistical tools to analyse and interpret biodiversity data.
The course is taught by experts from Liverpool and local guides using lectures, seminars, discussion groups, staff-led field visits and student-executed research projects in the field. Directed key-reading and other learning resources will be provided in a VLE and throughout the course.
The module is assessed using a presentation and two coursework assignments that are designed to demonstrate depth of understanding and the ability to apply knowledge to real-world biological scenarios.
In the event of unforeseen circumstances that prevent either individual students attending, eg illness shortly before departure, or cancellation of the trip, e.g. on FCO and/or University insurer advice, local alternate assessment exercises will be made available. These will predominantly be library-based but might also involve field visits where possible to practice field skills.