About the course
This part-time tutored online course is designed to equip students with the skills, techniques and know-how necessary to undertake surveys of mammal and reptile populations or individuals with confidence. The course aims to create a rich workshop experience, encouraging direct student and tutor interaction and discussion.
You will receive highly practical expert training, helping you to:
- make your own spatial and temporal observations and recordings of mammals and reptiles
- explore how to design appropriate sampling strategies and protocols
- investigate trapping and restraint techniques, with access to guidelines with legal and ethical considerations
- examine and understand best practice for scat and print field sign surveys, camera traps and video surveillance
Who the course is for
Professional ecological consultants, environmental managers and rangers, research and postgraduate students, and volunteers that are seeking flexible study combined with expert training. The techniques covered are universal, and we use international case studies and examples.
Field Techniques for Surveying Mammals and Reptiles is part of the wider Ecological Survey Techniques Programme that offers a range of standalone short courses. At its heart rests the Postgraduate Certificate in Ecological Survey Techniques, aimed at those wishing to take their professional development to the next level with an Oxford qualification.
Flexible online learning
Students typically study on this course alongside their work.
You can take this online course from anywhere in the world with a good internet connection. You can log on at any time of the day and access our specially designed course materials, e-learning resources and tutor-led discussion forums. You will have access to the Bodleian Libraries’ online, which provides an excellent range of e-books and e-journals, enabling you to conduct your research and reading in your own time.
Chartered status
The course can help you to apply for Chartered Status (such as Chartered Environmentalist and Chartered Ecologist), and to meet relevant professional competency thresholds. Further information can be found in our Chartered status and essential skills guide.