Field Courses
If you are a student on the Plant Science or Zoology Degree Programmes, you are required to take one field course unit in your first year and second year. Students from other Degree Programmes may be able to take a field course depending on the optional units available (see Section Course unit profiles). Field courses are normally 1-2 weeks long in first year and 2-3 weeks long in second year and are held in the Easter or summer vacations at locations suitable for marine or terrestrial field work. If any first year field course unit is over-subscribed, then places will be allocated based on an essay or assignment and you will be informed before the end of semester one, week two as to whether or not you have been accepted on your first choice course. If any second year field course RSM unit is over-subscribed then places will be allocated based on 1st year mean mark. For advice and further information please contact, Dr Donald Ward.
Much of the cost is borne by the University, but you will be asked to make some financial contribution. In cases of financial hardship you should contact the Student Support Office before registering for the field course, or as soon as possible thereafter should circumstances change.
In order to complete field course registration you will be required to pay a non-refundable deposit for field courses costing over £100 and to sign a declaration form:
- agreeing to pay an invoice from the University contributing to the cost of your field course,
- confirming your understanding that the invoice must still be paid should you withdraw, for whatever reason*, from the field course or from University (part or full waiver is not negotiable given that the University often incurs irrecoverable upfront costs in excess of the student contribution),
- confirming that you will read and comply with any appropriate Risk Assessment,
- agreeing to contact Student Occupational Health on 0161 275 2858 to arrange an appointment (at a time advised by the Student Support Office). This is to check your medical fitness to travel*, to receive travel advice, and to assess whether vaccinations are necessary.
- confirming that that you have read and understood relevant University regulations (e.g. conduct and behaviour).
* In the unlikely event that you are not deemed fit to travel and provide the School with sufficient evidence, you will be reimbursed for any costs incurred, providing you give the University as much warning as possible.
For overseas field courses you must also provide a photocopy of your passport, which must be valid for at least six months after the date of return from the field course – the field course coordinator should be able to confirm the exact requirements for your course. For those travelling in the EU, a photocopy of a valid European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) will also be required. Non-EU students must check visa requirements for overseas courses and, if appropriate, apply immediately to obtain a visa, as they can take considerable time to process.
The above documentation must be handed in to the Student Support Office no later than the end of week 2, semester 1. If you fail to submit the relevant documentation then you may not be allowed to attend the field course.
For your safety and comfort you must have suitable footwear (strong walking boots and/or Wellington boots) and warm waterproof and windproof clothing when you attend field courses.
You should regularly check the ‘My Lecture Resources’ page of the relevant Field Course unit on Blackboard for updates regarding arrangements, including travel, forms to be completed by certain deadlines, and what you need to take with you.