ENVB40490

This module involves a two week residential field course in Costa Rica run in the weeks preceding the start of the second trimester. The field course includes a series of theory and practical components delivered on campus mostly as tutorials. The aim of the module is to expose students to a species diverse ecosystem and develop skills in field sampling and monitoring, data handling and reporting. Field based exercises will be conducted to record biological and environmental data in a tropical forest which will be captured and used to generate a scientific report. Similar ecological data will be used during tutorial based sessions developing descriptive and analytical techniques required for reporting. Field exercises will develop a proficiency in the use of sampling equipment and a working knowledge of the design and implementation of a sampling program. Field and laboratory exercises will incorporate the collection and use of GIS information. The field based components are physically demanding and will require appropriate vaccinations. Students should in conjunction with this module take the QGIS module (ENVB40540:Ecological Mapping and QGIS) which runs in the first 4 weeks of the Autumn trimester.