The integrative learning ethos pervades modern higher education. Broadly speaking, this aims to produce well-rounded, adaptable graduates suited to a range of working environments. In a more narrow sense it should produce students that are able to make connections across learning experiences and achieve learning at the highest cognitive level. Our…

Field work and field courses within undergraduate biology degrees have been under threat in recent years for multiple reasons and while there has been widespread support from learned societies, academic staff and students for the retention of field study, there has been little research to support the perceived value of field teaching within this…

Between 1963 and 2009, there have been 13 published studies offering empirical evidence on biology fieldwork in schools and colleges in the UK. This paper considers the evidence from these studies relating to work with 16-19 year old students undertaking academic study beyond the compulsory years of schooling; advanced ("A") level. It…

Describes the coordinated study of European grasshoppers as living specimens in the field and as permanent laboratory preparations for introducing taxonomic principles. Provides details for the preparation of specimens and sample instructions provided to students. Part I of a three-part series. (AL)

Describes techniques for studying historic changes in climate by analysis of pollen preserved in peat bogs. Illustrates the methodology and data analysis techniques by reference to results from English research. (AL)

Describes the use of capture-recapture techniques to estimate the population of taxis in Liverpool and demonstrates the points of similarity to animal population estimation. Considers advantages of studying taxis rather than organisms in introductory studies of the techniques. (AL)

Discusses the advantages and disadvantages of a specific method of bacterial identification and suggests some modifications or improvements. The approach is presented as being suitable for obtaining information about the diversity of bacterial types on student fieldwork. (Author/EB)

Describes a hydrobiological field course for undergraduates that investigates river pollution but can also be adapted for still waters. (MLH)

The principles of ecology are defined. Problems encountered in teaching ecology in schools are examined in order to establish reasons for the lack of good ecology teaching. Suggestions are made for overcoming these problems. Criteria for choosing suitable sites for ecology fieldwork are listed in an appendix. (Author/CS)

Describes layouts for converting a high-top van into a multipurpose laboratory and transport for a college biological sciences department. (CS)

Over 600 students taking advanced level biology in more than 130 schools were surveyed to investigate the relationship between their attitudes toward fieldwork and factors associated with fieldwork teaching. Responses given by the students and their teachers are presented and discussed. (Author/JN)