PDA Ecological Surveying

This Unit is designed to enable learners to understand key aspects of ecology and ecosystems, encompassing the abiotic and biotic factors affecting ecosystems and the structure and conservation of biological communities.

Campus study days are recommended.

The Unit introduces the candidate to the principles and systems used for the classification and identification of organisms. It centres on developing a level of competence in the skills required to identify a range of organisms, such as plants and animals, representing different habitats and situations by using a variety of techniques.

The Unit is designed to give candidates the skills to set up and utilise systems for the management of ecological survey data.

On completion of the Unit, the candidate should be able to design a system for managing ecological survey data, collect data digitally direct into a Geographic Information System (GIS) using in-field technologies and interrogate data and provide reports suitable for ecological assessment.

Campus study days are recommended and provided in connection with the GIS unit.

The Unit is designed to give candidates an introduction to the utilisation of computer information systems which are based on locations from digital maps and plans.

On completion of the Unit, the candidate should be able to survey and process digital map data for inclusion in a Geographic Information System (GIS), geocode data tables to digital map data and use GIS software to display data.

This Unit develops understanding and knowledge of techniques available for surveying and monitoring plant and animal populations and habitats. The Unit discusses how ecological principles are applied to practical procedures and gives the candidate an opportunity to develop practical skills by carrying out and reporting on an ecological survey. Techniques include botanical, protected species and invertebrate surveys.

Campus study days are recommended.

This unit is designed to provide learners with an introduction to biodiversity conservation in the United Kingdom. It looks at why biodiversity is important and how it has been affected and supported by a variety of factors, covering areas such as key policy initiatives, conservation legislation and site designations, voluntary and statutory conservation organisations, as well as conservation grant schemes.