Undergraduate Ecology 2025-2026

This course aims to primarily introduce the basic ecological theory and mathematical modelling approaches required to study the dynamics of animal populations, especially those populations which are managed for conservation or sustainable exploitation.

Field visits to examine river systems and forested catchments provide context and opportunities to discuss a diverse set of environmental management problems with professionals working in the field.

Practical sessions provide structured activities focused on the identification of freshwater invertebrates and applications of GIS approaches for analysing data to support catchment management planning.
You apply theoretical and practical knowledge to a case study, demonstrating your capacity to evaluate site specific data and to interpret relevant legislation and regulation.

Working individually and with a group you will write and present a management plan for a location of your choosing.

A non-residential field course where you  practice a range of methodologies, approaches and techniques used by ecologists, conservation biologists and environmental  consultants  to determine the presence/absence of various animal species, to estimate population size, and to map vegetation and biodiversity using UK habitat classifications..

Techniques include:  indirect sampling with camera traps, tracks and sign; habitat surveys and the production of a habitat map;  bird and bat identification using apps and detectors;  and, surveys of mammal populations (e.g. bats, badgers, otters, red squirrels) and camera trapping. Alongside the direct skills you will gain, you will also meet with and engage with practitioners providing insight into how these skills translate to applied ecology in practice.

Dates for 2025/2026 are 18/5/26 - 28/5/26