BIMASA: Animal Survey and Assessment

Module code: BIMASA

Module provider: School of Biological Sciences

Credits: 20

Level: 7

When you’ll be taught: Semester 2

Module convenor: Mr Simon Boulter , email: simon.boulter@reading.ac.uk

Module co-convenor: Dr Chris Foster, email: c.w.foster@reading.ac.uk

Pre-requisite module(s):

Co-requisite module(s):

Pre-requisite or Co-requisite module(s):

Module(s) excluded:

Placement information: NA

Academic year: 2025/6

Available to visiting students: No

Talis reading list: No

Last updated: 3 April 2025

Overview

Module aims and purpose

This module aims to provide students with an understanding and practical experience of the methods used to survey and monitor animal populations (vertebrates and invertebrates). Emphasis is on species found in the UK and routinely involved in conservation and consultancy projects. The module will cover material on general biology and ecology of different animal species, and provide context for how survey and monitoring contribute to biodiversity assessment and conservation strategies. 

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• To provide students with knowledge and practical experience of diverse methods used to survey and monitor animal populations and covering survey design and protocols, industry best-practise, species handling and identification, and data collection and reporting. 
• To provide context for the role of survey and monitoring methods in biodiversity assessment and protection. 

Module learning outcomes

By the end of the module, it is expected that students will be able to:

1. Recognise and know how to correctly apply different animal survey and monitoring techniques
2. Identify and describe a variety of animal species
3. Design and carry out a survey to relevant industry best practice and appropriate guidelines
4. Report the findings from an animal survey
5. Describe and discuss the legislation and legislative restrictions associated with the study of vertebrates and invertebrates within the UK
6. Develop their written and analytical skills and gain first-hand experience of the work conducted by ecological consultants

Module content

The module will cover a range of techniques used to survey and monitor animal populations. Students will learn best practice for the design and implementation of these techniques with practical experience with several methods. We will discuss legislative issues associated with surveying and monitoring different species and standard practices for different animal groups currently monitored in the UK by governmental and non-governmental organisations.

Structure

Teaching and learning methods

The module will consist of a series of lectures, practical field-based exercises conducted in conjunction with field trips to illustrate and practice the techniques discussed. Lectures will be delivered by Ecological Consultants, external speakers, and members of staff. 

Study hours

At least 17 hours of scheduled teaching and learning activities will be delivered in person, with the remaining hours for scheduled and self-scheduled teaching and learning activities delivered either in person or online. You will receive further details about how these hours will be delivered before the start of the module.