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EK5512: INTRODUCTION TO ECOLOGICAL FIELD RESEARCH IN NORTHERN SCOTLAND (2023-2024)

Last modified: 05 Oct 2023 08:46


Course Overview

Through structured time in a variety of ecosystems in the North of Scotland, students gain an understanding of how to ask questions about ecological patterns and processes, how to sample using simple field techniques to answer these questions.

By planning and executing an independent project, students will demonstrate a critical understanding of an ecological concept and aspects of experimental design relevant to their research question.

By participating in a residential field course, students will develop their team working skills and build a working relationship with their peers in the postgraduate programme.

Through an oral presentation of their project work, students will gain experience in communicating science in a concise and structured way.

For 2023/24 This course will run 15th April - 21st April 2024

 

Course Details

Study Type Postgraduate Level 5
Term Second Term Credit Points 15 credits (7.5 ECTS credits)
Campus Aberdeen Sustained Study No
Co-ordinators
  • Dr Lesley Lancaster
  • Dr Thomas Bodey

What courses & programmes must have been taken before this course?

  • Any Postgraduate Programme (Studied)
  • Master Of Science In Ecology & Conservation

What other courses must be taken with this course?

None.

What courses cannot be taken with this course?

Are there a limited number of places available?

No

Course Description

In the 7-day excursion to the North of Scotland, Masters students will be introduced to a variety of ecosystems and will learn to develop and assess hypotheses about the ecological patterns and processes that we encounter, using a range of ecological sampling techniques. We will also identify ecological sampling techniques used to address local conservation issues, and students will have the opportunity to develop and carry out a small-scale independent research project.

Day 1: Travel and introduction to Scottish ecosystems
Days 2-4: Team field research projects in a wide variety of habitat types and ecological systems, followed by daily synthesis sessions in the lab to discuss the methods used and results obtained from the day's activities.
Days 5-6: Independent field research projects.
Day 7: Project synthesis and short presentations.
Day 8: Travel

Students must be able to bring a sleeping bag (or at least set of sheets and blankets) and some suitable clothes for the field (waterproof windbreaker, trousers, and boots). This is only a cost if they don't own these things already.

Students are also are responsible for purchasing their own groceries for the trip. All other costs, including equipment, transport, and lodging is covered by the University.


Contact Teaching Time

Information on contact teaching time is available from the course guide.

Teaching Breakdown

More Information about Week Numbers


Details, including assessments, may be subject to change until 30 August 2024 for 1st term courses and 20 December 2024 for 2nd term courses.

Summative Assessments

Notebook data and metadata quality

Assessment Type Summative Weighting 30
Assessment Weeks Feedback Weeks

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Feedback

Individual written feedback at the end of the course and informal verbal feedback throughout the course

Learning Outcomes
Knowledge LevelThinking SkillOutcome
Sorry, we don't have this information available just now. Please check the course guide on MyAberdeen or with the Course Coordinator

Oral Presentation: Group

Assessment Type Summative Weighting 25
Assessment Weeks Feedback Weeks

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Feedback

Individual written feedback at the end of the course and informal verbal feedback throughout the course

Learning Outcomes
Knowledge LevelThinking SkillOutcome
Sorry, we don't have this information available just now. Please check the course guide on MyAberdeen or with the Course Coordinator

Short answers in field notebook

Assessment Type Summative Weighting 45
Assessment Weeks Feedback Weeks

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Feedback

Several questions throughout the course; can relate to project or group work

Learning Outcomes
Knowledge LevelThinking SkillOutcome
Sorry, we don't have this information available just now. Please check the course guide on MyAberdeen or with the Course Coordinator

Formative Assessment

There are no assessments for this course.

Course Learning Outcomes

Knowledge LevelThinking SkillOutcome
ConceptualEvaluateto demonstrate a critical understanding of conceptual framing and quality of evidence of an ecological study through an oral presentation
ProceduralApplyto demonstrate robust recording skills through the production of a field notebook
ProceduralCreateto produce a project plan for an independent project focused on an ecological question related to pattern or process

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