2011-12 INFORMATION ON 1ST YEAR FIELD COURSES

First year students in many degree programmes can choose among four field courses that cover a range of topics. Each course lasts between 7-14 days and provides students with an opportunity to study a subject intensively, in close contact with fellow students, academic staff and demonstrators. Field courses have one of the best ratios of staff to students that you will experience at university.

The residential format of field courses gives you a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the subject in a natural context. The enthusiastic teaching, plus the excitement of studying organisms in their natural environment makes our field courses an unforgettable and valuable experience. Please note that most degree programmes will only allow students to take one field course per year; the exception is Zoology where students may do two field courses in year 1. In all cases when a field course is oversubscribed, selection will take place on the basis of a short essay. All field courses include some introductory lectures and practical sessions in Manchester. All students attending field courses must attend the Student Health Centre to obtain a ‘Fitness to Travel’ certificate (most students in practice are able to travel).

NB. If you are considering registering for an overseas field course you should bring a photocopy of your passport to September registration (or evidence you have applied for one if out of date). If travelling on a field course in Europe, you should also bring a photocopy of your EHIC (See www.ehic.org.uk/).

Animal Behaviour (BIOL10642 – Easter vacation 2012). This course takes place in the bushveld habitat of South Africa near the town of Thabazimbi (Limpopo Province). Students study the behaviour and ecology of birds, mammals, reptiles and invertebrates found on the reserve. This course is primarily for Zoologists and Neuroscientists but Biology and Life Science students can also apply. Some vaccinations are required (see below). Estimated cost: £1000. Places available: 20.

Freshwater Biology (BIOL10632 – Easter vacation 2012). This course takes place at the Environment Education Centre in Kastoria, Greece. Students sample and study the major groups of organisms found in fresh water (ponds, lakes, streams and rivers) and examine the interactions between these organisms. Activities include the assessment of pollution and other human-induced changes and projects can also examine environmental impacts. This course is open to Zoologists, Biologists and Life Scientists. Some vaccinations required (see below). Estimated cost: £450. Places available: 24.

Comparative and Adaptive Biology (BIOL10622 – Easter vacation 2012). This course takes place on the island of Mallorca. Students study the key components of the Mediterranean ecosystem, examining how the climate shapes the natural communities found there and how organisms, with particular focus on plants, are adapted to survive the hot dry summer conditions. This course is open to Plant Scientists, Biologists, Zoologists and Life Scientists. Estimated cost: £400. Places available: 30.

Marine Biology (BIOL10602 – Summer vacation 2012). This course takes place at the University Marine Biological Station Millport in Scotland. Students study shore based marine organisms and shallow sea benthic organisms. This course is required for Zoologists; any available additional places may be filled by Biologists or Life Scientists. Estimated cost: £250. Places available: 30.

Tide pool organisms at White Bay, Millport.

Field site in South Africa

Boquer Valley, Mallorca

Lake Kastoria

FAQs

- Aren’t field courses just ‘easy units’? Field courses are definitely fun but they are full 10 credit units compressed into a very short period of time. This is good as immersion in a topic, but also very intensive and, at times, exhausting. Most field course days are packed full of lectures, fieldwork, analysis and preparation of talks and reports. Late nights working are not unusual.

- What if the course is oversubscribed and I don’t get on? Students who do not get a place on a field course due to oversubscription will be notified within the unit change period and allowed to switch to another unit without penalty.

- Some of these seem really expensive. Why? For all field courses the Faculty of Life Sciences covers a substantial proportion of the costs. The remaining costs are covered by student contributions. In most cases these contributions do not even cover the cost of transport to the course location. While the costs may appear expensive for a course they are MUCH less than you would pay for a personal trip to the same location.

- OK, what is covered by this cost? For the courses to South Africa and Millport the cost covers all necessary expenses except food while travelling and beverages. For the course to Greece the cost covers all necessary expenses except evening meals (restaurants or self catering is available), food while travelling and beverages. For the course to Mallorca the cost covers all necessary expenses except meals (restaurants or self catering possible), food while travelling and beverages.

- What do you mean by “all necessary expenses”? This includes: transport to and from the field course site, field station fees, research permits, staff costs, accommodation, foreign exit taxes (if required), vaccinations (if required) and insurance.

- So I don’t need my own insurance? No, comprehensive travel insurance is provided by the university. This covers medical expenses, delayed travel, luggage loss or damage, etc. (Full policy available through the university insurance office).

- What about health and safety on field courses? Are they safe? UK medical surveys indicate that while on a university field course or expedition (with the exception of Arctic expeditions) you are slightly safer than when you are in your own home. This is likely because a full risk assessment will have been performed and because trained first aiders are on hand. All field courses have staff in attendance who have completed training as Health and Safety Executive approved first-aiders. Basic first-aid training is also available free to all students taking a field course. For field courses to more exotic locations, staff have generally had additional first-aid training.

Vaccinations

To attend any field course it is expected that you will be up to date with your Polio, Tetanus and Diphtheria vaccinations.  If travelling overseas you may be required to have further vaccinations, for example Hepatitis A and Typhoid. Should any vaccinations that have not already been provided by your GP be necessary in order to attend, these will be provided by the Student Occupational Health Service, with the cost borne by the University.

- What if I miss my field course due to illness? Field courses count for 10 credits towards your degree and must be completed in advance of the next year. Missed field courses are replaced by an equivalent period of laboratory research work on a similar topic. The timing and laboratory in which that work takes place will need to be agreed by the student, field course coordinator and programme director.

If you have any additional questions please contact Dr. Tristan Pocock, Field Course Director on 0161 275 5093, tristan.pocock@manchester.ac.uk.