(Short Course) Introduction to British Wildlife
Course details
Year of entry
2025
Duration
12 weeks
Institution Code
G53
Location
Online
Why choose this course?
Our ecologists and conservation experts will introduce you to the diversity and range of mammals, birds, amphibians and reptiles that live in Britain. You will learn why Britain has the range of species it does and understand how this has changed over time with the introduction and extinction of many species.
Key course features
Join the Universities ecologists and conservation experts on a virtual tour of the UKs wildlife. No previous experience is needed. Whether you're a budding naturalist or someone with a passion for conservation, this course welcomes all enthusiasts eager to explore and protect our local biodiversity.
Our ecologists and conservation experts will introduce you to the diversity and range of mammals, birds, amphibians and reptiles that live in Britain. You will learn why Britain has the range of species it does and understand how this has changed over time with the introduction and extinction of many species. Discover the distribution and ecology of these species and learn the characteristic features and signs that will help you identify them in the field.
You will be taken on a virtual tour of the local area to see a range of rare and endangered species. You will discover which species live in the region’s fields, hedgerows and woodland, including dormice, red squirrels and badgers. You will also learn about the internationally important sand dunes along the north Wales coast and learn about common and sand lizards, little terns and natterjack toads.
Learn with qualified and experienced instructors:
- Denise Yorke MSc BSc (Hons) FHEA MCIEEM – Senior Lecturer and Ecological Consultant
- Liam Blazey BSc (Hons) - Biodiversity Officer for Denbighshire
What you will study
- Ecology of a range of mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians in Britain – distribution, habitat requirements, diet, behaviour, physical/biological characteristics.
- Ecology of a range of plants and trees in Britain - distribution, habitat requirements.
- Field signs: burrows, latrines, scats, feeding stations, prints, tracks, hair samples, calls, activities.
- Native and non-native species, Flora and fauna identification, Use of identification keys.
- Use of basic key terms and ecological definitions including native, species, population, community.
- Explore British mammal, bird, reptile, and amphibian ecology, including distribution, habitat, diet, behaviour, and physical trait.
- Explore plant and tree ecology, focusing on distribution and habitat requirements. Learn to identify field signs and distinguish native and non-native species
- Discover why Britain's animal and plant species have changed with time, due to introductions and extinctions
Entry requirements & applying
There are no entry requirements for this course; just an interest in the subject!
Teaching & Assessment
Sessions will be posted online each week and students can work through the material at their own pace. Materials will include voiced presentations, videos, further reading and short quizzes to assess learning.
• Part A - Multiple choice questions - which will include questions relating to the ecology of flora and fauna. This may include but not be limited to field signs, diet, behaviour, habitat requirements, characteristics (physical & behavioural) and distribution (including influencing factors)
• Part B - Online practical - students will identify a range of flora and fauna species from images and descriptions of field signs and specimens
Fees & funding
£95
For current staff/students please contact shortcourses@wrexham.ac.uk to request a discount code for a reduced fee
Do you live in Wales? We have a number of funding opportunities available, please complete the form below to find out if you are eligible to study this course for free. Apply now via this form.
Course dates
Start Date: Wednesday 8th January 2025 - Book Now
Learners are able to engage with the online activities independently each week in their own time, with four live online sessions that will take place on the following dates:
- Wednesday 8th January - 6pm - 8pm - Microsoft Teams
- Wednesday 19th February - 6pm - 8pm - Microsoft Teams
- Wednesday 5th March - 6pm - 8pm - Microsoft Teams
- Wednesday 26th March - 6pm - 8pm - Microsoft Teams
