Woodland Birds

 

Woodland Birds can be studied as a stand-alone course and a key course for the Certificate of Higher Education in Field Ecology at Aberystwyth University.

Key Facts

 

Language: English

Duration: 10 Weeks

Number of Credits: 10

Tutor: Dave Anning

Learning Method: Blended

Level: This module is at CQFW Level 4

Module Code: XS12610

Fee: £130.00 - Fee Waiver Scheme available

This course is currently unavailable for booking

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Overview

The UK’s woodlands are home to a diverse range of bird species, from the Nuthatch to the Goshawk. However, identifying birds in woodland areas can be challenging, as visibility is often restricted. This course will help you develop your bird identification skills, but with a specific focus on listening to songs and calls. The course will also explore the impact of various woodland types and management on bird populations.  
 
This is a blended learning module so will involve both online and in-person teaching. The online section of the module is delivered via Blackboard, our online learning environment. You will complete three self-paced, introductory units online before attending a day of in-person teaching at an ecology venue in Wales. Following the course, you will complete a final online unit and submit your assessments. Your tutor will provide online support for the duration of the course.  

Programme

This is a blended learning module so one part of the module is delivered as self-paced online learning units and the other is delivered as a 1 day in-person field teaching session. 
The online content is delivered using Video PowerPoint lectures and external video content. Activities, discussion boards and mini quizzes will be embedded throughout the units so the tutor can provide support and trickle feedback. A number of the activities will help the students to prepare for the assignments. 

  • Unit 1 – Introduction (Online) 
  • Unit 2 – Identification (Online)   
  • Unit 3 – Woodland Habitats (Online) 
  • Unit 4 – In-person teaching session (approx. 6 hours) 
  • Unit 5 – Conclusions (online) 

Learning Outcomes

On completion of this module, students should be able to:

  1. Identify a range of bird species that are found in woodlands.
  2. Differentiate between the songs and calls of some key woodland bird species.
  3. Record field observations for relevant species and woodland types with accuracy.
  4. Identify and evaluate methods of managing woodland areas to conserve and increase woodland bird populations. 

Assessments

  1. Woodland Bird Profile (25%)
  2. Short Essay on conservation methods (75%) 

Reading Suggestions

Reading suggestions will be offered throughout the course. 

Entry Requirements

This course is for everyone. No previous experience is needed and there are no formal entry requirements. 

What Do I Need?

As this is an online course, you would need the following:

• Internet access
• Access to a laptop or computer with a web camera and microphone; the use of headphones might also be of benefit
• Use of the Chrome web-browser where possible.