BIO433 Ornithological Methods (8)

This subject introduces students to a range of scientific methods used commonly in the field of ornithology. The subject covers both laboratory and field methods for studying the morphology, anatomy, diversity, breeding biology, survival, movement, behaviour, ecology, life history evolution and conservation of birds. Students will learn the appropriate ways of measuring these parameters and the limitations of each study technique. This subject contains a compulsory 4-day residential school, which teaches students a range of hands-on practical skills and techniques used commonly in the field of ornithology. On completion, students will have the background knowledge and technical skills necessary to commence a career as a professional ornithologist or become involved in ornithological research.

Availability

Session 2 (60)
Online
Albury-Wodonga Campus

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

Grading System

HD/FL

Duration

One session

School

School of Environmental Sciences

Assumed Knowledge

Assumed knowledge equivalent to BIO Level 3 subject content

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this subject, students should:
  • be able to demonstrate advanced knowledge about a range of ornithological methods that are appropriate and ethical when studying birds;
  • be able to apply professional skills in sourcing and understanding scientific information about birds;
  • be able to develop an overview on how to design and conduct a rigorous, scientific, ornithological study; and
  • be able to demonstrate extensive skills in data analysis and writing a scientific ornithological manuscript.

Syllabus

This subject will cover the following topics:
  • Ornithology - a modern science requiring a robust study design;
  • Bird census and survey techniques;
  • Breeding biology;
  • Birds in the hand;
  • Estimating survival and movement;
  • Migration;
  • Studying bird behaviour;
  • Diet and foraging behaviour;
  • Habitat assessment;
  • The comparative approach to studying avian life history evolution;
  • Techniques in avian physiology and genetics; and
  • Conservation management of endangered species.

Indicative Assessment

The following table summarises the assessment tasks for the online offering of BIO433 in Session 1 2020. Please note this is a guide only. Assessment tasks are regularly updated and can also differ to suit the mode of study (online or on campus).

Item Number
Title
Value %
1
Presentation about a technique used in ornithology
30
2
Nesting success of cloud-babblers
30
3
Final exam
40

Residential School

This subject contains a 4 day Compulsory Residential School.

This subject contains a compulsory 4 day residential school, where students gain a range of hands-on practical skills and techniques used commonly in the field of ornithology. During the residential school, students acquire practical skills in setting up mist-nets, extracting birds from mist-nests, handling, measuring and banding birds, measuring bird diversity and abundance and how to study bird nest survival, morphology, anatomy and taxonomy.

Through these applied and hands-on activities students will gain the necessary practical and technical skills to undertake field work/research as a professional ornithologist.

Special Resources

This subject has a 4 day residential school and students are required to make their own travel and accommodation arrangements.

The information contained in the CSU Handbook was accurate at the date of publication: May 2021. The University reserves the right to vary the information at any time without notice.

Back