A 4-day Biology course at a Field Studies Council centre offers an unrivalled opportunity for students to develop their practical skills and deepen their understanding of ecological syllabus content in a variety of inspiring habitats and collect data for their project task.
Our tutors will provide expert guidance on suitable topics and facilitate the planning and carrying out of experimental research.
Example Timetable
The following is an example of how a 4-day course might look. Our courses are as flexible as possible to meet your requirements, and there is also some variation between what is offered at specific centres due to habitat availability.
Day 1
Arrive Midday
Welcome by staff, centre tour and introduction, pre-course meeting of staff and teachers, allocation of wellies and waterproofs as appropriate.
Afternoon
- Introduction to Sampling
- Students discuss key ecological terminology and ecosystem components before evaluating a range of techniques to survey wild organisms in the centre grounds. This session explores how sample an ecosystem using different types of quadrats, transects and sampling strategies as well as trying out equipment to monitor abiotic environmental factors.
Evening
- Projects – Research
- Students will identify a topic to investigate, carry out background research, formulate their aim and hypothesis, and identify variables. They will plan their experimental procedures, taking into account health and safety considerations and the availability of resources.
Day 2
Morning and afternoon
- Projects – Data Collection
- Students will conduct their experimental work, with time to review and modify their procedures as appropriate.
Day 3
Morning and afternoon
- Projects – Data Collection
- Students will continue their experimental work, allowing time to make modifications and carry out a second replicate experiment.
Evening
- Projects – Data Processing
- In the evening students can process their raw data and begin their data presentation.
Day 4
- Projects – Results and Discussion
- This session allows students time to complete data processing and start to present and analyse their data, conducting any statistical tests as appropriate.
Depart Midday
How this course fulfills the specification
Organisms and evolution
Field techniques for biologists
- Health and safety
- Sampling of wild organisms
- Identification and taxonomy
- Monitoring populations
Investigative biology
Scientific principles and process
- Scientific method
- Scientific literature and communication
- Scientific ethics
Experimentation
- Pilot Study
- Experimental design
- Sampling
- Reliability
- Presentation of data
Reporting and critical evaluation of biological research
- Background information
- Reporting and evaluation experimental design
- Data analysis
- Evaluating results and conclusions
Added value of this course
- Develop personal skills
- Have fun
- Be inspired by a passion for the subject
- Build friendships
Why Choose Field Studies Council?
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Expert tuition by fully trained staff
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Stunning locations across the UK
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Outstanding curriculum knowledge
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Rigorous health and safety procedures
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Support before and after your visit
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Free places for visiting staff