The week long estuarine ecology field course operates at the end of the 2nd year and focuses on the beauty and diversity offered by the local Essex estuaries and coast.
Practical and theoretical exercises consider the biological dynamics of sedimentary shores and estuaries, looking at gradients along estuaries, biological diversity and human use and impacts on the Essex coast (e.g. oyster fisheries, sewage pollution), and includes:
- Sampling both the water column and sediments for organisms and measuring physical and chemical variables that might explain patterns of distribution.
- Further training in quantitative sampling techniques as well as invertebrate and algal identification.
- Further training in data analysis, use of spread sheets and statistical approaches is given and students produce a scientific paper based on the field course results.
- Sampling subtidal benthic communities by dredging in collaboration with Oyster fishermen from West Mersea. We look at the issues surrounding sustainable use of the coast and current problems caused by sea level rise.
- Development of key laboratory analytical skills, such as determination of water chemistry and benthic sediment characteristics and bacterial (coliform) counts.
- Pricing up of an ecological survey, a key aspect of the life of an environmental consultant, based on the experiences of the week on the estuary.
