Overview

10 day field course in Florida, focused on biodiversity and ecology of flora and fauna across marine, brackish and terrestrial biomes. The students are expected to prepare for the field course by performing background reading and preparing presentation material. We carry out field excursions to different habitats and biomes and students experience combinations of self-guided, seminar based and guided explorations of different subtropical habitats. Students learn about the different habitats and biodiversity by a combination of personal observations, talks by BU, guides, mentors and local staff. Students observe and record flora and fauna and their context in different habitats using different media, including field notebooks, photography, video and drawings. Under staff supervision, students undertake marine sampling of shallow (below chest height) habitats using seine nets and active hand searching, with the appropriate safety equipment, while observing ethical and safety protocols governed by the hosting institution Florida Gulf Coast University. Students carry out species identification using field guides, online searching and keys. Students deliver oral presentations while on the field course and undertake numerical exercises during their field sampling, in addition to preparing and finishing their field notebooks, to include a biodiversity assessment, that is handed in approximately four weeks after returning to Bangor.

10 day field course in Florida, focused on biodiversity and ecology of flora and fauna across marine, brackish and terrestrial biomes. The students are expected to prepare for the field course by performing background reading and preparing presentation material. We carry out field excursions to different habitats and biomes and students experience combinations of self-guided, seminar based and guided explorations of different subtropical habitats. Students learn about the different habitats and biodiversity by a combination of personal observations, talks by BU, guides, mentors and local staff. Students observe and record flora and fauna and their context in different habitats using different media, including field notebooks, photography, video and drawings. Under staff supervision, students undertake marine sampling of shallow (below chest height) habitats using seine nets and active hand searching, with the appropriate safety equipment, while observing ethical and safety protocols governed by the hosting institution one Florida Gulf Coast University. Students carry out species identification using field guides, online searching and keys. Students deliver oral presentations while on the field course and undertake numerical exercises during their field sampling, in addition to preparing and finishing a mentored Project Proposal, that is handed in approximately four weeks after returning to Bangor.

Assessment Strategy

-threshold -Threshold (40-50%, D Grades): Can record observations in a reasonably clear and systematic fashion and have some grasp of the practical issues relating to collection and presentation of data/observations. Considerable inconsistencies in notetaking remain. Exhibits some knowledge of habitats and biota visited and some of the the relevant conservation/management issues, although this may be very incomplete and contain significant errors. Present findings and questions via oral presentation and written work adequately, but with considerable room for imporovement. Able to identify most organisms at least to the level of major group.

-good -Good (60-70%, B Grades): Can record observations clearly and systematically, with a grasp of the practical issues relating to collection and presentation of data/observations, albeit with a few major omissions. Exhibits strong knowledge of habitats and biota visited. Shows awareness of the ecological, and environmental context. Able to identify the majority of organisms to the appropriate level (usually species). Presents findings and questions via oral presentation and written work accurately and with flair, clarity and originality.

-excellent -Excellent (70-100%, A grades): Can record observations thoroughly, systematically and clearly, without significant omissions, including finer details of identification to find taxonomic level or to uncover theories of the function, evolution, ecology or the behavioural adaptations observed. Clear evidence of original, unguided observations. Exhibits clear awareness of the ecological and environmental context of observations. Presents findings and questions via oral presentation and written work accurately and succinctly with clarity, imagination, originality and strongly-developed aesthetic sense. Able to identify most organisms to species level, with evidence of thoroughness and awareness of potential pitfalls.

Learning Outcomes

• Demonstrate identification skills and knowledge relating to flora and fauna of visited study sites.

• Demonstrate skills necessary for self managed and lifelong learning (undertaking directed reading, time management, teamwork, presentation skills, working to a deadline).

• Demonstrate the ability to make detailed, thorough and original field observations and to record and present them systematically.

• Demonstrate understanding, knowledge and awareness regarding the environmental and ecological factors governing the distribution of biodiversity in subtropical habitats and prevailing conservation challenges.