Certificate/Diploma Course in Field Ecology 2015-2016
Type of Course: Certificate/Diploma
Duration: 2 years – option to exit after First Year with a Certificate
Fee: approx. €1,150 per annum
Venue: University College Cork. Three weekends of classes a year, plus a 2-week summer school and
a weekend of in-class tests.
Draft Dates for Year 1:
Weekend 1 – November 14th/15th 2015
Weekend 2 – February 20th/21st 2016
Weekend 3 – April 23rd/24th 2016
Summer School - July 11th – 22nd 2016
In-Class Tests– November 12th and 13th 2016
NFQ Level: Certificate – 7; Diploma – 7. Award Type: Special Purpose
Course Textbook: Elements of Ecology. Published by Benjamin Cummings. Pearson International
Edition. Please get either 7th or 8th edition if possible.
Course Aims and Objectives:
The Diploma in Field Ecology is a part-time distance learning course running over 27 months, starting
in November 2015. It is a novel programme combining home-based distance learning, residential
field courses, weekend classes and an independent field project. This course will provide participants
with a sound scientific understanding of the ecological principles underlying the subject of field
ecology.
The objectives of the course are:
 To provide broad background in general and field ecology and environmental biology
 To develop practical skills in scientific data collection and analysis, report writing and oral
presentation of results
 To provide the basis for independent ecological investigation and field studies
 To provide some training for the interpretation of environmental impact studies and work
related to conservation and management issues
 To encourage appreciation of the natural environment
What Will I Be Studying?
Year 1: Students take modules to the value of 30 credits as follows:
AE1820
AE1821
AE1823
AE1824
Introduction to Ecology (5 credits)
Integrated Ecological Concepts (5 credits)
Ecological Methods (10 credits)
Reporting Ecological Data (10 credits)
Year 2: Students take modules to the value of 30 credits as follows:
Ecological Methodology and Practice (10 credits)
AE2821 Ecological Reporting and Interpretation (10 credits)
AE2822 Research Project (10 credits)
AE2820
Entry Requirements:
Applicants must be at least 21 years of age by 1 January of the year of application, and will have
shown an interest or be employed in the area of ecology and or ecological assessment. While there
are no formal educational requirements, it is expected that proposed candidates will have attained
Leaving Certificate or an equivalent qualification. Prior experience will be taken into account.
English Language Requirements
All applicants whose first language is not English must have attained IELTS Level 6 or the equivalent
TOEFL score.
Candidates who successfully complete First Year may opt not to proceed to Second Year and may
exit the programme with a Certificate in Field Ecology.
How Do I Apply?
You can apply online now or print an application form at
http://www.ucc.ie/en/study/ace/courses/cert-dip/fieldecol/
Further Information:
Course Information:
Dr. Emily Goldstein, Field Ecology Diploma and Certificate Course
Coordinator
E-mail: e.goldstein@ucc.ie
Tel: 085 8437334
Application Process:
Julianne Moynihan, Centre for Adult Continuing Education, University
College Cork.
E-mail: j.moynihan@ucc.ie
Tel: 021-4904707
Closing Date: Closing Date for Applications: October 2015