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Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona
UAB Barcelona Summer School

From Fieldwork to Project: Mediterranean Biodiversity Research

UAB

This course aims at introducing the student to process of the creation of a research project based on field sampling techniques (marine and terrestrial fieldwork). The specific objectives of this practical course are: to learn the process of creating a scientific project; to learn techniques of sampling in marine and terrestrial ecosystems; and, to acquire knowledge of marine and terrestrial biodiversity in the Mediterranean and to know the possible factors that condition them.

The course has a high practical content to explore the Mediterranean biodiversity, that include trips to Costa Brava and work in the field.  Therefore, student is required to have swimming skills and to bring adequate equipment for working in the sea and in the field (appropriate clothing and footwear).

Based on a fictitious project call, the student will learn the steps to follow to create a project. At the same time, student will conduct fieldwork and laboratory work/practices to analyze the processes of sampling, logistics and the expected potential results, to draft a project based on one of the study methodologies provided. Furthermore, student will learn concepts about habitats and biodiversity associated with the sampling performed during the course.

This course take place in three scenarios: in the field, in the laboratory and in in the classroom. In the classroom, theoretical knowledge of terrestrial sampling and marine sampling associated to different organisms and habitats will be exposed, and the factors that regulate them will be introduced. In the field (both in marine and terrestrial ecosystems), the student will practice some sampling techniques to know different groups of organisms or habitats. A special emphasis will be placed on analysing the sampling process, logistics and the potential results, to design the project. In the laboratory, the samples obtained in the field will be analysed, and again, student will deepen in the process, the logistics and the analysis of potential results. Finally, we return to the classroom where, based on the theoretical concepts and on the practical work (field and laboratory), students can search for information to design and draft their project proposal. Thus, student is required to bring the laptop to the classroom lessons. The project proposed by the student will be a free theme to stimulate creativity, but it must satisfy the basis of the project call.

Courses generally have little or no prerequisite knowledge required for a given topic, however if students face any doubts, we recommend they contact course professors to clarify.

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