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Introduction to BIO433 Ornithological Methods

This subject introduces students to the range of scientific methods used commonly in the field of ornithology. The subject covers both laboratory and field techniques for studying the morphology, anatomy, taxonomy, behaviour, diversity, and ecology of birds. We will discuss appropriate ways of measuring these parameters and the limitations of each study technique.

Subject Outlines

The subject has a hands-on intensive residential school that introduces a range of laboratory and field techniques used in ornithology. On completion, students have the technical skills necessary to commence a career as a professional ornithologist or get actively involved in amateur ornithological pursuits.

Availability

• Offering has a residential school.
• Session 1 (30)
• Online
• Albury-Wodonga Campus

Subject Information

Grading System

HD/FL

Duration

One session

School

School of Environmental Sciences

Assumed Knowledge

Assumed knowledge equivalent to BIO Level 3 subject content

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this subject, students should:

• be able to demonstrate technical and scientific skills in a range of ornithological methods
• be able to provide a robust overview on how to design and conduct a scientific, ornithological study, including data analyses and write-up
• be able to demonstrate professional skills in sourcing information about birds from a variety of institutions
• be able to demonstrate advanced knowledge in how to estimate bird diversity, abundance, and population size; and measure reproductive success, survival rates, dispersal, migration, and distribution in a scientific manner
• be able to demonstrate a basic understanding of how molecular and physiological studies can aid the advancement of ornithology
• be able to demonstrate practical skills in bird specimen preparation and research
• be able to demonstrate practical skills in studying morphology and anatomy of birds
• be able to demonstrate practical skills in handling, measuring, and banding birds
• be able to demonstrate practical skills in setting up mist-nets and extracting birds
• be able to demonstrate practical skills in estimating bird diversity and abundance

Syllabus

This subject will cover the following topics:

• Topic 1: Ornithology - a modern science requiring a robust study design
• Topic 2: The necessary evil of any science: statistics!
• Topic 3: Measuring nesting success
• Topic 4: Catching and marking birds for estimating population size and survival rates
• Topic 5: Studying the behaviour of birds
• Topic 6: Estimating bird density and abundance
• Topic 7: Survey errors and limitations
• Topic 8: Using remote sensing techniques to study bird movement
• Topic 9: Studying habitat and bird distributions
• Topic 10: Understanding avian life history evolution by taking a comparative approach
• Topic 11: Molecular studies on birds
• Topic 12: Bird physiology and health

Residential School

This subject contains a 4-day Compulsory Residential School. This residential school teaches students a range of hands-on practical skills and techniques used commonly in the field of ornithology. Students learn a variety of laboratory and field techniques for studying bird morphology, anatomy, taxonomy, survival, abundance, and diversity during this residential school. Through these applied and hands-on experiences, students gain the necessary practical and technical skills to undertake field work/research as a professional ornithologist.

Special Resources

This subject has a 4-day residential school, and students are required to make their own travel arrangements.