Biosciences Field Courses

We have three degree schemes in Biosciences - Biology, Marine Biology and Zoology.

We emphasise practical teaching and students engage in field work starting in Year 2.

Marine Biology Field Course

Marine Biology at Swansea University emphasises practical teaching, and two intensive practical modules run in the first semester of Year 2. The Marine Biology Field Course (BIO260) uses shore-based techniques to sample marine habitats; it is the sister module to Boat-Based Marine Biology (BIO245), which teaches students how to sample from a research vessel (the RV Mary Anning). This residential field course is based in Dale Fort, high on cliffs within the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park with superb views over the sea. Most of the shores studied can be accessed on foot from this fantastic location.

Zoology Field Course

BIO253 Introduction to Field Zoology is an immersive 5-day residential field course for all our Zoology degree students.  It takes place in the beautiful area of Stackpole, in Pembrokeshire, west Wales – an area known for its stunning coastline, woodlands and lily ponds with resident wildlife that includes otter, greater horseshoe bats, dragonflies and water birds.  Students on this field course will gain relevant experience doing hands-on and professional and standard survey methods for a wide range of animal groups, as well as developing field notetaking, experimental design, teamwork, and data analysis skills to support employability.

Borneo Field Trip

Borneo is a hot spot for biodiversity with some incredible endemic and rare species. This module give student the chance to experience to conduct fieldwork in a pristine Borneo rainforest. Students will get firsthand experience in surveying plants and animals and explore concepts in community ecology, population biology and conservation based in tropical ecosystems. At the end of this two-week residential field trip students will be able to examine concepts in tropical ecology, evaluate conservation strategies of tropical habitats and apply ecological survey techniques in tropical rainforest.

Indian Himalayas Field Trip

Sikkim’s capital Gangtok, is a stunning city built on a steep slope with spectacular views of Kangchendzonga, the world’s 3rd highest mountain. The city is surrounded by subtropical rainforest, rice terraces, and is a paradise for butterflies and orchids. Gangtok is renowned as a centre for study of Buddhist philosophy and religion. Geography and Biosciences students get an opportunity to meet academics of Sikkim University, Buddhist monks, local politicians and Sikkim’s Ministers alongside group project work. Some examples include the monsoon phenomena, biogeography and biodiversity, eco-tourism, and migration.

Egypt Field Trip

Ever wanted to snorkel the incredible coral reefs of the Red Sea, share the ocean with beautiful tropical fish, be lucky enough to see a Dugong in the wild, or come face to face with a Turtle? Run from the base of Abu Dabbab Bay, our Tropical Marine Ecology Field course presents these fantastic opportunities, and many more! During 14 days in the field, you will have the opportunity to study in a unique and exciting environment: snorkelling coral reefs, taking day trips to remote mangrove forests, seagrass beds and Bedouin settlements and getting involved with international monitoring projects. Finally, you will run independent group research projects and utilise the excellent facilities of the Red Sea Project.

Specific skills students will take home from this course include:

• Tropical fish and Coral ID
• In water fish size estimations and fish behaviour  
• Coral quadrats 
• Night snorkel (optional) 
• ‘Reef Check’ – an internationally recognised survey method which includes fish, substrate and invertebrate surveys  
• Mangrove and seagrass transects and mapping