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BIO433 Ornithological Methods (8)

Abstract

This subject introduces students to the range of specialist study methods used commonly in the field of ornithology. The subject covers both laboratory and field techniques for studying bird morphology, taxonomy, behaviour, population structure and habitat. We will discuss appropriate ways of measuring these parameters and the limitations of each technique. The subject has a hands-on intensive residential school  that introduces a range of laboratory and field techniques for studying bird morphology, taxonomy, behaviour, census, population structure, and habitat. On completion, students have the technical skills necessary to commence a career as a professional ornithologist or get actively involved in amateur ornithological pursuits.

+ Subject Availability Modes and Location

Session 1
Distance*Albury-Wodonga Campus
*This subject offering contains a residential school. Please view following information for further details.
Continuing students should consult the SAL for current offering details: BIO433
Where differences exist between the Handbook and the SAL, the SAL should be taken as containing the correct subject offering details.

Subject information

Duration Grading System School:
One sessionHD/FLSchool of Environmental Sciences

Assumed Knowledge

BIO3%%

Enrolment restrictions

Nil--this an entry level subject

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this subject, students should:
  • have specialist technical skills in a range of ornithological methods. This includes measuring bird behaviour in a scientific manner, handling, measuring and banding birds and preparing study skins
  • have specialist knowledge in measuring bird habitat, including food resources; be able to apply standard techniques and ethical considerations for keeping captive birds
  • be able to review, consolidate, and synthesize their knowledge of ornithological methods in order to critically appraise study design and execute a small research project, including the data analysis and write-up
  • have professional skills in sourcing information about birds from a variety of institutions

Syllabus

The subject will cover the following topics:
  1.  museum studies - preparing and storing specimens and data;
  2. keeping birds in aviary and laboratory;
  3. field taxonomy and census;
  4. measuring behaviour in laboratory and field;
  5. measuring food;
  6. habitat description;
  7. asking questions and posing hypotheses;
  8. appropriate tests: are subjects and measurements useful for testing the hypothesis?;
  9. appropriate experimental and survey design;
  10. data analysis and write-up; and
  11. conducting multi-faceted research projects.

Residential School

This subject contains a compulsory 3 day residential school. This subject introduces students to the range of specialist study methods used commonly in the field of ornithology.  You will be introduced to a range of laboratory and field techniques for studying bird morphology, taxonomy, behaviour, census, population structure, habitat and interaction with the environment and other organisms at this residential school. It is only through such applied experience can a student gain the necessary technical skills to undertake field work/research as a professional ornithologist or get actively involved in amateur ornithological pursuits.

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The information contained in the 2015 CSU Handbook was accurate at the date of publication: 01 October 2015. The University reserves the right to vary the information at any time without notice.