Ecology and Conservation: Current Topics

About

This summer module covers current topics in ecology and conservation. In addition to lectures and workshops, fieldwork and ecological/conservation excursions are fundamental elements of the module.

You'll be taken into the South Downs National Park adjacent to the campus to directly observe the unique landscape of southern England, to the nearby seaside for observation and instruction on marine biology and conservation, and participate in the collection and identification of invertebrate life on campus as part of our groundbreaking Living Lab research programme.

You will have the opportunity for experiential learning on ecology and conservation, presented by practicing scientists using their own research projects as examples. You will:

- learn survey and identification skills through field trips
- develop and gain an understanding of conservation/applied ecology in relation to real world problems in such diverse areas as coastal conservation, rewilding and/or biodiversity monitoring in arthropods and vertebrates

The School of Life Science has leading research in ecology and conservation; including Professor Dave Goulson, who is the founder of the Bumblebee Conservation Trust, holds multiple awards, including the 2013 Zoological Society of London's Marsh Award for Conservation Biology.

Target group

The module assumes a basic level of biological/ecological knowledge, such as that provided by a Biology A-Level or first-year undergraduate instruction. It would be of interest to any student keen to learn about cutting-edge research on temperate region ecology and conservation and about the exciting opportunities available for postgraduate study at Sussex.

Course aim

1. Understand biological principles essential to ecology and conservation

2. Develop knowledge of basic theories and concepts in ecology and conservation

3. Demonstrate understanding of conservation and applied ecology in relation to real world problems

4. Present and interpret evidence from fieldwork on behavioural ecology

Fee info

The full cost of one 3-week Undergraduate Summer School session will be £2985. Early applications will receive a 20% reduction on tuition fees, making the overall cost of one 3-week Undergraduate Summer School session £2640. If you wish to study for both sessions, we welcome you to do so. Fees are made up of Tuition fees of £1725 per session including all teaching and assessment for one module of study. A minimum of 40 class/teaching contact hours and 150 study hours. Modules formally approved for 15 Sussex credits, equivalent to 7.5 ECTS or 3 – 4 US credits. You will receive a transcript of studies upon successful completion of the module (including meeting all attendance and assessment requirements). The accommodation and social programme fee of £1260 per session includes your own bedroom in on-campus student village. These are a mixture of en-suite flats and standard flats with shared facilities. You will receive a bedding pack of duvet and duvet cover, sheet, towel, pillow, and pillowcase, as well as a kitchen pack containing everything you need for self-catering. The fee includes a programme of campus social events and activities throughout each session. Excursions and social programme trips will also be provided on Fridays.