Last modified: 05 Oct 2023 08:46
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
| Study Type | Postgraduate | Level | 5 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Term | Second Term | Credit Points | 15 credits (7.5 ECTS credits) |
| Campus | Aberdeen | Sustained Study | No |
| Co-ordinators |
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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.
Information on contact teaching time is available from the course guide.
| Assessment Type | Summative | Weighting | 30 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Assessment Weeks | Feedback Weeks | |||
| Feedback |
Individual written feedback at the end of the course and informal verbal feedback throughout the course |
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| Knowledge Level | Thinking Skill | Outcome |
|---|---|---|
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| Assessment Type | Summative | Weighting | 25 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Assessment Weeks | Feedback Weeks | |||
| Feedback |
Individual written feedback at the end of the course and informal verbal feedback throughout the course |
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| Knowledge Level | Thinking Skill | Outcome |
|---|---|---|
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| Assessment Type | Summative | Weighting | 45 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Assessment Weeks | Feedback Weeks | |||
| Feedback |
Several questions throughout the course; can relate to project or group work |
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| Knowledge Level | Thinking Skill | Outcome |
|---|---|---|
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There are no assessments for this course.
| Knowledge Level | Thinking Skill | Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| Conceptual | Evaluate | to demonstrate a critical understanding of conceptual framing and quality of evidence of an ecological study through an oral presentation |
| Procedural | Apply | to demonstrate robust recording skills through the production of a field notebook |
| Procedural | Create | to produce a project plan for an independent project focused on an ecological question related to pattern or process |
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