This course is now fully booked. Please see similar courses on our website here.

This introductory online course will introduce you to the key characteristics of amphibians, and will then look more in-depth into the identification and ecology of UK species.

Increase your knowledge and explore the world of UK amphibians. For many of us, one of our first experiences in meeting wildlife is with frogs and tadpoles in our gardens. Being able to identify species and make site adjustments is a critical skill for anyone looking at working within a consultancy career.

This introductory course is a great introduction for anyone with an interest in herpetofauna and for those looking at taking their first steps into an ecology career. All content has been created by the Amphibian and Reptile Conservation Trust, so you can be confident that you are getting information from leading experts working within this field.

By the end of the course, you will be able to identify common UK species as well as non-native, explain their basic ecology and also have a basic understanding of key mitigations needed when working in an area of interest for amphibians.

This is a 3-week online course covering 3 topics, for which you will complete a variety of self-led online study content, activities, assignments and live Zoom sessions. Time commitment is approximately 2-3 hours a week and an E-certificate is provided upon completion. Understand how our online courses are delivered.

Who Should Attend?

Nature enthusiasts, Students, Rangers, Early career ecologists.

Knowledge Level

Introductory. Level descriptors can be found on the following webpage: Framework and Course Level Descriptors

Prior Knowledge

No existing knowledge, or experience is needed for this course. Just a willingness to explore and learn.

Recommended Devices

It is recommended that you access your course through a PC or laptop. Please be aware that there will be reduced functionality if you decide to access the course through a tablet or smartphone. The Field Studies Council is unable to email content directly to you.

This course will cover:

      • Introduction to Amphibians
      • UK Amphibian Identification
      • UK Amphibian Ecology

By the end of the course, you will be able to:

    • Explain Amphibian taxonomy, anatomy, and main ID features and how they differ from other animals.
    • Identify UK Amphibian species and their defining features
    • Describe the different habitats, ranges and life cycles of UK amphibians
    • Identify reasonable adjustments that need to be taken to protect amphibians
    • Share this knowledge with friends, family and fellow volunteers.

This is a training course from the Field Studies Council, including online course materials, expert tuition and a flexible learning style. After attending this course, you may like to progress your learning about amphibians with further relevant courses, or branch out into other areas of the animal kingdom. The Field Studies Council offers both online and in person courses, so you can choose the learning style that suits you best.

This course is run in association with the Amphibian and Reptile Conservation Trust, a charity that is dedicated to studying and protecting these species in the UK.

Please note that bookings will close at 9 am on Tuesday 4th October to allow for all participants to be enrolled to the online platform – bookings will not be taken after this time.*

* Bookings will close sooner if course capacity is reached

The course gives you the opportunity to immerse yourself in a new subject and acquire novel skills. Our online portal gives you time to study at your own pace and fit the lessons around your own schedule.

  • See the ‘Example Timetable’ and ‘What’s Included’ sections below for more information about this course.
  • Each individual needs to place their own order to ensure we can sign you up to the learning platform and give you access to resources.
  • Please email [email protected] if you have any questions.

Group Bookings Made Easy

If you have a group of 10 or more individuals wanting to complete one of our courses, our team are available to discuss your options – from discounts to private team courses.

  • Discounted rates
  • Privately run courses for your group
  • Bespoke courses developed specifically for your needs

Click here to find out more!

About our partner, ARC

The Amphibian and Reptile Conservation Trust (ARC) was established in June 2009. ARC was created around the core of the Herpetological Conservation Trust (HCT), in response to the wider needs of herpetofauna conservation, providing the UK focus for all aspects of reptile and amphibian conservation. ARC continues to focus on the UK Biodiversity Action Plan, creating an extensive network of nature reserves, coordinating monitoring programmes and volunteer networks and developing an effective role in advocacy both within the UK and Europe.

Tutor: Mandy Cartwright

Mandy Cartwright is a conservation ecologist who has been working with amphibians and reptiles for over 15 years. She is the north Wales officer for Amphibian and Reptile Conservation Trust, where she manages a suite of reserves and projects dedicated to conserving amphibians and reptiles and their disappearing habitats.  

Live Webinar Information

The webinars will take place on the following dates at 1:00 pm (GMT):

  • Friday 14th October at 1:00 - 1:45 pm
  • Friday 21st October at 1:00 - 1:45 pm

Please note - webinars will be recorded and uploaded to the virtual learning platform for learners unable to attend.

For Week 3 there will be a marked assignment in which the course tutor will provide feedback on your submission.

Example Timetable

Timetable

Week 1: Introduction to Amphibians
Self-study material available: 07/10/2022
Week 1 live webinar: 14/10/2022 at 1:00 pm

Week 2: UK Amphibian Identification
Self-study material available: 14/10/2022
Week 2 live webinar: 21/10/2022 at 1:00 pm

Week 3: UK Amphibian Ecology
Self-study material available: 21/10/2022
Week 3 Marked assignment due: 28/10/2022

The final deadline to complete any outstanding activities and self-study components is 11/11/2022

Time commitment: This course will require approximately 2-3 hours of your time each week. This includes covering course materials on our Moodle learning platform and the zoom session.

What's Included

The course has been carefully created to help you continue to build on your knowledge as the course progresses. With content crafted to the online Moodle Platform and bespoke to the Field Studies Council.

The course includes:

    • 45-minute interactive Zoom workshops to connect with the tutor and other participants
    • Personalised feedback on a marked assignment
    • Expert tuition for which the Field Studies Council is renowned
    • Activities to work on independently in advance of each Zoom workshop

Once registered, you will follow well-illustrated, user-friendly ’books’ to pick up knowledge. Quizzes and skill-checks will give you instant feedback on your learning. Forums give students the chance to interact with each other as well as a place to share work.

You can rest assured that the absolute best content from an expert in environmental education will be at your fingertips. In choosing a Field Studies Council course, you will be joining thousands of people who learn with us each year.

Before You Attend

Accessing Your Course

  • Once you sign up you’ll receive an email at least 24 hours in advance of the course opening with details of how to access our easy-to-use platform, Moodle.
  • Moodle can be accessed through a browser or an app.
  • Webinars are via Zoom so you won’t need any new software to attend

Recommended Devices

It is recommended that you access your course through a PC or laptop. Please be aware that there will be reduced functionality if you decide to access the course through a tablet or smartphone. The Field Studies Council is unable to email content directly to you.

Sorry this course booking is closed