Residential Course Programme
This 3-day fieldwork course will give students the opportunity to undertake an array of fieldwork investigations across a diverse range of habitats.
Students will develop their research and practical skills in real-world contexts, while gaining first-hand experience of all required methodologies (Me) and sampling techniques (ST).
Students will have the opportunity to use a variety of specialist fieldwork equipment to investigate the environment around them. They will explore a range of environmental management strategies and deepen their understanding of the importance of these strategies and the positive impacts on both terrestrial and aquatic habits.
Mathematical skills will be used to interrogate and manipulate fieldwork data, including a variety of graphical forms, the calculation of Simpson’s Index of Diversity, and written analysis linking the presentation to the core themes.
This course will deepen students’ understanding of real-world environmental management, as well as broaden their abilities in practical fieldwork.
Example Timetable
Example Timetable
Day 1
Morning
Meet the FIeld Studies Council tutors
Introduction to environmental management/exploring the environment
Classroom introduction
ecology key terms, biotic/abiotic factors, interactions in an ecosystem
Sampling and quadrat activity
Two activities to introduce students to the different sampling strategies and methods for measuring abundance
Afternoon
Bucket Biology
Students are provided a bucket of kit and an investigation description. They carry out the investigation in groups and produce some sort of results
Feedback on investigations – criteria for success discussed
Evening
Dinner
Evening activity
Mammal trapping
Day 1 Spec links – 9.1 ecosystems, 9.5 measuring and managing biodiversity
Day 2
Morning
Introduction to biodiversity and environmental management strategy
Classroom intro – factors affecting woodland biodiversity. Management strategies e.g. coppicing.
Afternoon
Fieldwork
Fieldwork ideas – woodland biodiversity – flora/invertebrates. Scientific drawing.
Sampling: random sampling – quadrats and pitfall traps.
Evening
Graphical and data analysis of biodiversity sampling (Simpsons diversity)
Recapture later in afternoon of pitfall traps, statistical analysis.
Day 2 Spec links – 9.1 ecosystems, 9.2 ecosystems under threat, 9.4 management of forests, 9.5 measuring and managing biodiversity
Day 3
Morning
Introduction to Freshwater Pollution study
Classroom intro – indicator species and measurements of pollution
Afternoon
Fieldwork
Fieldwork ideas – measuring pollution indicators (biotic and abiotic) in a pond or stream
Abundance, trophic level and adaptation of species.
Depart: midday
How this course fulfills the specification
4.7 water pollution and its sources
4.8 Impact of water pollution
4.9 managing pollution of fresh water
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