Ornithology Course Level 3 – Endorsed

Learners will complete 6 units of study in total as listed below.
6 tutor marked assignments to complete

UNIT 1: THE GIFT OF FLIGHT

• Types of feathers found in birds
• Implications and benefits of feather damage & moulting
• Physics and biology of avian flight
• Why some birds have adapted in a way that means they have lost the ability to fly

UNIT 2: MIGRATION

• Evaluate why some species of bird choose to migrate
• Impact of migration on genetics
• How birds are physiologically equipped for migration
• Methods of navigation employed by migratory birds

UNIT 3: EGGS & NESTS

• Reproductive system of male and female birds
• General structure and production of the egg
• Reasons for specific egg shell patterns
• Variety of nesting strategies and their importance in incubation

UNIT 4: MATING & COURTSHIP

• Four main mating systems witnessed in birds
• Selection of courtship strategies in birds
• Importance and functions of bird song
• Family dynamics of a typical bird nest

UNIT 5: FEEDING & PREDATION

• Diets found in different bird species
• Species of bird track down food or prey
• Feeding territories and other methods that optimise foraging
• Variety of methods utilised by birds to avoid predators

UNIT 6: POPULATIONS & CONSERVATION

• Various factors can affect the size of bird populations
• Ecological concept of community
• Variety of methods by which communities diversify
• Conservation with respect to bird populations and species

Learners will be required to complete a series of tutor marked assignments ( normally 1 after each unit) as they progress through this course. Each assignment will contain a variety of tasks/questions. These assignments are assessed by your tutor to monitor progress. You will be provided with constructive feedback to help you in completing each unit to the required standard.