EMP5032 - Habitat and Species Monitoring - L-Universit脿 ta' Malta

EMP5032 - Habitat and Species Monitoring

MQF Level

Duration and Credits

Semester 2

5 ECTS

Mode of Study

Part-Time Day

The study-unit will train students in the use of varied species and habitat monitoring techniques. Biodiversity monitoring plays a critical role for both scientific research and for evidence-based policy making and may serve varied purposes, including monitoring of population trends and species distributions. A variety of species observation techniques will be explored, including visual and/or acoustic observation, capture and release, quadratting and transect techniques, camera trapping, and citizen science approaches, among others. Students will be encouraged to reflect critically on the relative strengths and weaknesses of different approaches in terms of aspects including coverage, accuracy, cost, impact, and other relevant criteria. Given that sampling and observation techniques are species specific, the unit will also focus on a selection of species groups of local conservation interest for an in-depth illustration of monitoring techniques through extensive fieldwork. Habitat monitoring will also be explored, with reference to aspects included habitat typologies, habitat area, habitat distribution and habitat structure and function. Methods for habitat monitoring, including field mapping and remote sensing through use of drones will be explored through hands-on practice in the field. The unit will also introduce the use of modelling techniques to extrapolate from field data.

Main Reading List

Hill, D., Fasham, M., Tucker, G., Shewry, M. and Shaw, P. (2005). Handbook of biodiversity methods: survey, evaluation and monitoring. Cambridge University Press, Cambridge.
Bunce, R.G.H., Boger, M.M.B., Roche, P., Walczak, M., Geijzendorffer, I.R. and Jongman, R.H.G. (2011). Manual for habitat and vegetation surveillance and monitoring: temperate, Mediterranean and desert biomes. Alterra, Wageningen.
Ausden, M. (2007). Habitat management for conservation: a handbook of techniques. Oxford University Press, Oxford.

Supplementary Reading List

Wich, S.A. and Koh, L.P. (2018). Conservation drones: mapping and monitoring biodiversity. Oxford University Press, Oxford.

Need help?

Please check your eligibility to join this short course and time-tabling details with the Institute of Earth Systems. The short course will only be delivered subject to a minimum number of applications being received.

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Study-unit Aims

To familiarise students with a variety of species and habitat mapping and monitoring techniques;
To train students in the use of selected field observation and mapping techniques;
To enhance students鈥� ability to critically evaluate species and habitat data obtained through monitoring campaigns.

Learning Outcomes: Knowledge and Understanding

By the end of the study-unit the student will be able to:

Differentiate between different functions of species and habitat monitoring campaigns;
Identify elements of best practice in habitat and species monitoring;
Identify a range of sampling designs for different monitoring purposes;
Critically evaluate the advantages and disadvantages of different species and habitat monitoring methods.

Learning Outcomes: Skills

By the end of the study-unit the student will be able to:

Employ a selection of habitat and species monitoring techniques in the field;
Recognise limitations and constraints of field data collection;
Critically evaluate the quality of habitat and species monitoring data;
Anticipate and adapt to challenges related to work in the field.

Non EU Applicants:

EUR425

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Micro-credentials offer the possibility of providing flexible learning pathways to respond to evolving needs and new developments, thus enabling students to tailor their studies to their needs. Micro-credentials may be combined or transferred into larger credentials, such as certificates, diplomas and degrees, provided that the relevant programme requirements are met. Applicants wishing to transfer micro-credentials to a programme of study are encouraged to seek the advice of the relevant academic entity.