The course content We aim to provide you with a range of field work skills in ecology, and transferable skills appropriate to group work. Whilst at Malham you will be working in small groups of 4-5 people. During the course of the week you will be involved in a number of different activities including, if all goes to plan, the following: You will be shown how to catch small mammals, (mice and voles) using Longworth live traps. You will also be shown how to identify, handle and to weigh them and how to obtain information on their sexual status. We will also attempt to estimate their population sizes using capture-recapture models. You will also have the opportunity to look at habitat selection by bats using ultrasonic bat detectors. Freshwater ecology You will be introduced to three distinct freshwater habitats, a small stream, an exposed and wave washed lake shore and some small peat pools. For each you will be shown typical sampling methods and there will be discussion of the physical and biological factors which influence the animals that live there. You will have the chance to catch some of these animals and to observe and identify them. Sampling of terrestrial invertebrates You will be shown a range of techniques from pitfall traps and various nets to the use of light traps, and you will see a variety of different types of invertebrates. Discussion will focus on the design of sampling programmes for answering questions about their populations and on the advantages and disadvantages of working with small but abundant animals. Common Bird Census We will show you how to use bird song to assess the number of bird territories in woodland near the Centre. This standard technique is the basis for a huge volume of scientific research. We give you some instruction and a simple exercise in map reading, so that you will be able to orientate yourself accurately, using standard Ordnance Survey maps. We will ensure that you are shown some of the characteristic plants and vegetation types present at Malham. It is an exiting area for plants and all ecologists have to be at least basically proficient in their identification. Animal signs We give you the chance to collect and identify the characteristic signs of animal presence, as you do your project work. An independent research project This will involve the choice, with the help of the course team, of a suitable project; the design of hypotheses, sampling schemes and experiments; the development of methods of data collection; the gathering of necessary data; and associated statistical analysis and interpretation. You will have access to computers with appropriate spreadsheet, statistical and graphics software. On the last
day of the course you will be expected, as a group, to present the results
of your study to the other members of the course in the form of a formal
illustrated seminar. We will provide training in how to present a seminar
and everyone will be expected to talk. Landforms and land-use history Also on the last day of the course, we take you on an extended walk past the Tarn, down to Malham Cove and Village and back via Janet’s Foss and Goredale Scar. This will show you some of the magnificent limestone scenery and land-forms in the area, as well as helping you to appreciate how man’s activities have altered the vegetation. This is about 5-6 miles and is mildly challenging in places but we take it slowly and previous students have found it to be exciting and worthwhile. Stout walking shoes or boots essential! Assessment This Course is credit worthy. The CAS mark that you will receive will be based largely on assessment of your contribution to the independent group project and to the associated seminar. It is our experience that everyone enjoys these projects, that everyone contributes a lot to them and that, as a result, everyone receives a good CAS mark! |