ZO3307: Terrestrial Ecology Field Trip

Description:

A residential terrestrial field module will be run over a one week period towards the end of the Hilary Term.  There will be an introduction to field techniques used for the study of terrestrial ecosystems with an emphasis on zoological assessment.  Field visits will help with an understanding of contrasting habitats and conservation management.

Learning Outcomes:

On completion of this elective, the student should:

• Be equipped to census mammals and insects safely using a variety of the most commonly used methods, and birds by sight and song.
• Have an appreciation of bird ringing methods and uses.
• Be able to construct a habitat map and appreciate the importance of scale in such maps.
• Be aware of anthropogenic effects on the environment and of some control measures used to minimise them in nature reserves.
• Have a superficial knowledge of the more common plant species in the area.
• Be able to design, conduct and present a small scale field study investigating an ecological