Freshwater Biology

This course investigates the range of wetland and freshwater sites in the UK (and briefly internationally). It will cover physical, chemical and biological aspects of these sites in relation to hydrology and ecology. The course involves some outdoor visits, utilizing the habitats at CAT. Sampling in still and running water will take place with regard to the analysis of environmental conditions and the flora and fauna. This will be link in to the classification and monitoring of healthy, threatened and polluted wetland systems.

No prior knowledge is required to tackle the course but students with a scientific, environmental or biological background will be at an advantage. There will be 20 contact hours with the tutor during the course. To gain full benefit, some study time both prior to the course and as a follow-up, will be required to achieve the qualification. Teaching will be informal and involve case studies and some practical work. You will be encouraged to ask questions and share ideas, to learn not only from the tutor but also from other members of the group.

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The course is fully accredited by the University of Wales Aberystwyth giving you the opportunity to study at Higher Education level 2, giving 10 credits, which are fully transferable between institutions. Assessment work is embedded in the course to enhance your learning experience. This consists of keeping a course notebook as a running record of your observations, ideas and work, a small individual or group project (to be started during the course but to be completed in your own time), together with your contribution to general informal discussion, questioning and response during the course.

The course notebook is included in the fee and equipment and reference materials etc will be provided for your use during the course.

Further details (reading material, references, web sites for (preparatory work) and useful thing to bring along) will be sent to you approximately 6 weeks before the course starts.

For further details of the course content please contact Margaret Howells (Assistant Science Coordinator School of Education and Lifelong Learning Aberystwyth) on 01970622682 (Mon, Tues only) or mth@aber.ac.uk For booking and payments etc please contact CAT