This is the most unique and exciting element of the MSci Mathematical Sciences pathways in Ecology & Evolution and Environmental Science. You will spend two weeks in Kenya witnessing much of the awesome wildlife of Africa first-hand while also learning how to design, carry out and interpret your very own field study in the wild. Working alongside trained ecologists around Rift Valley’s Lake Naivasha and Hell’s Gate National Park, you will gather data and make real application of the mathematical and statistical skills you have developed over the first three years of your study.

The aim of this project is to provide an in-depth understanding of the environment and how we interact with it, and to develop scientific knowledge and understanding within the field of ecology and environmental science based in a natural setting, in particular regarding the conception, design and execution of a field research project. This will enhance the understanding and appreciation of the nature and variability of empirical data as well as their analyses and interpretation towards scientific theory. Due to the fact that this is a field-based unit in remote environments, there may be alternative arrangements in view of COVID-19 related risks and regulations. This module may present a challenge for students with impaired physical abilities, who should seek advice from the Module Co-ordinator.

On successful completion of this module you should be able to:

Module Specific Skills and Knowledge:

1 Understand and explain problems associated with field work in a tropical country;

2 Understand the design and execution of a field research project;

Discipline Specific Skills and Knowledge:

3 Demonstrate knowledge and understanding in mathematical sciences applied to ecology, evolution and environmental sciences;

4 Apply acquired knowledge to solving practical problems in a field setting;

5 With limited guidance, deploy established techniques in data analysis and interpretation;

6 Enhance understanding of natural variability in empirical data sets;

Personal and Key Transferable/Employment Skills and Knowledge:

7 Communicate effectively and professionally by written, oral and visual means;

8 Study autonomously and undertake projects with minimum guidance;

9 Interact effectively in a group.

A safari-style field course will typically take place in Africa in the second half of January. The 2-week course will operate from tented camp-sites and cabins within National Parks. Local staff will look after transport and camp facilities, with leadership and tutoring by staff from the Centre for Ecology & Conservation (CEC). Basic training in ecological monitoring and 5-7 day research projects will be conducted from one of the safari locations. Data gathered during the field course will be analysed and written up as a project summary, with poster presentations held approximated 2 weeks after return.

If a module is normally assessed entirely by coursework, all referred/deferred assessments will normally be by assignment.

If a module is normally assessed by examination or examination plus coursework, referred and deferred assessment will normally be by examination. For referrals, only the examination will count, a mark of 40% being awarded if the examination is passed. For deferrals, candidates will be awarded the higher of the deferred examination mark or the deferred examination mark combined with the original coursework mark.

Basic Reading:

ELE: http://vle.exeter.ac.uk

Reading list for this module: