Postgraduate Certificate in Ecological Survey Techniques
About the course
The Postgraduate Certificate in Ecological Survey Techniques aims to provide the knowledge, understanding, and skills needed to conduct effective ecological field surveys for a range of key taxa and to analyze field survey data with confidence.
It is made up of a number of modules which you can also take separately and use the academic credit elsewhere, or simply for professional training in field survey techniques.
Who the course is for
The course (taught part-time, normally over one year) is designed for a wide range of professionals needing to up-skill in Environmental management; Environmental assessment; Biodiversity monitoring.
Many of our students are consultants, environmental managers, and educators, research and postgraduate students as well as volunteers, and those looking to make a career change that is seeking flexible study combined with expert training. The techniques covered are universal using international case studies and examples.
Structure
Core Face-to-Face Module: Introduction to EST - students come to Oxford (1 week, September)
Core Online Modules
- Plant biodiversity and habitat assessment methods: essential knowledge and skills to conduct effective vegetation surveys.
- Data Analysis: Statistics for Ecologists and Field Biologists: a thorough introduction to the key statistical principles and methods used by ecologists and field biologists.
Optional Online Modules (choose two)
- Mammal and reptile survey methods: designed to equip students with the skills, techniques, and know-how necessary to undertake surveys of mammal and reptile populations or individuals with confidence.
- Bird biodiversity and population monitoring methods: detailed training in passive and non-passive bird surveying techniques.
- Fish and amphibian survey methods: in-depth training in fish and amphibian surveying and sampling from initial considerations through to methods and techniques, sampling strategies, and reporting.
- Invertebrate biodiversity and population monitoring method: expert-led training in invertebrate surveying techniques from planning and preparations through to sampling strategies, surveying methods, and reporting.
Core Field Project: usually takes place from spring to summer for submission in September.
