Do you want to practice environmental science in the field?
If so, you may like to consider the course, SXR216 Environmental Science in the Field.
The main element of the course is a one-week, field-based residential school that introduces practical skills appropriate to the study of environmental science.
The school programme concentrates on interactions between landform, soil, water and vegetation.
Fieldwork at Malham Tarn
(Photograph courtesy of Mark Brandon)
Before you arrive at the school, you will receive a small course text, which introduces the field techniques that you will be using during your week away.
At the school you will spend most of each day out in the field undertaking exercises in observation, sampling, recording, measurement and mapping. The evenings are occupied by analysis of field samples and interpretation of your observations.
Fieldwork at Derrygonnelly
(Photograph courtesy of Phil Weaver)
The residential school sites are at Preston Montford (near Shrewsbury, Shropshire) and Malham Tarn (near Skipton, North Yorkshire). More information on the sites is available by following the 'Field Centre Information' link above.
Please note that SXR216 no longer uses the Derrygonnelly Field Centre in West Fermanagh.
As you will be asked for your choice of venue and date when you register, you will also need to look at the 'Residential School Dates' page. Places are allocated on a first come first served basis, so you should make your booking as early as you can.
Malham Tarn Field Centre
As you will see from the residential school programme, each day is very full and free time will be limited. The first half of the week will be spent learning about environmental science field techniques and you will use these techniques in the latter half of the week as you collect data for your project (which forms the TMA for the course). It is therefore important for the satisfactory completion of this course that you are in a position to complete the entire week. Fieldwork will mostly be conducted close to the field centre and you will be in the field for six full days in all weathers. During each day you may need to walk up to a few kilometres across a variety of terrains (often rough), so if you are unused to outdoor exercise and conditions this course might not be a suitable choice. If you have restricted mobility you are strongly advised to consult your Regional Centre or the SXR216 course manager (telephone +44 (0)1908 655027) for advice before reserving a place on the course.
