Advanced methods in field ecology

Many ecologists work in consultancies, government agencies and non-governmental organisations (NGOs) that deal with either generating or interpreting ecological data. Both data generation and interpretation require that graduates understand best practice approaches for sampling, monitoring and simple experimentation. In this unit you will encounter the hands-on practicalities of designing and carrying out robust sampling or experimental approaches in field ecology. You will learn about scales of replication, the issues around randomisation, effective controls, stratified sampling and maximising the inferential power of sampling regimes or experiments despite logistic constraints. This unit focuses on these issues directly, integrating fieldwork, data collection and analysis. You will develop your employability skills as you undertake a range of data collection approaches for working in various habitats and systems (e.g. plankton sampling in freshwater systems, insect sampling, vegetation surveys). The practical component comprises a field course during O-week, where you will work in groups on specific aspects of experimental design.