Field Courses

We run several engaging field courses within our degree programmes that cover a huge range of interests.

The aims of the field course programme are to provide you with the opportunity to:

• Develop knowledge and practical skills in subject areas that are not covered extensively in lecture units.
• Work closely with members of staff in their particular areas of expertise in an atmosphere that promotes close interaction through high teacher-to-student ratios.
• Acquire knowledge and expertise beneficial for practical research units in Year 3 such as survey/testing and recording data, analysing information and presenting findings.
• Gain experience in teamwork through co-ordinated group exercises, conducting short projects and collaborating with partners.

See what you do on the first year residential field trip:

Field course FAQs

When do the field courses run?

• First year residential field course is in the first term, and is for everyone as an introduction to becoming a biologist.
• Year 2 courses run around the end of Year 2.

How much do they cost and how long are they?

• There is no charge to go on the field courses.
• The first year residential is for two days, one night.
• The Year 2 courses are about one week long.
• Each Year 2 course is run by 2 staff and hosts up to 20 students.
• They may include preparatory and evening work.

What form do the field courses take?

• The first year residential is for everyone and is field- and workshop-based.
• You go on one Year 2 field course selecting from the options available.
• The end of Year 2 field course options include some lab-based courses and some field-based courses with a range of specialisms and techniques used in Biology.
• Options include field and lab-based courses that are Bristol-based or residential, led by lecturers from a variety of specialisms.
• Your Year 2 course goes towards your Year 3 practical research unit preparation and marks.

In addition, in Years 1 and 2, you also attend day field visits associated with specific lectures.

I am a disabled student/have caring responsibilities, can I still do the field courses?  

• As with all practical teaching activities, reasonable adjustments can be made to field courses and specific activities if there are barriers to participation. These could include extra transport, or alternatives to residential arrangements.
• There are a range of lab- and field-based courses all with different physical and sensory demands which can be adapted in conversation with the field course leaders and the school disability coordinator.
• If you have caring responsibilities and cannot attend a residential field course in Year 2, you will be prioritised in allocating to a non-residential course.