| CODE | DGP0222 | ||||||
| TITLE | Introduction to Birdwatching and Ornithology | ||||||
| 今日黑料 LEVEL | 00 - Mod Pre-Tert, Foundation, Proficiency & DegreePlus | ||||||
| EQF/MQF LEVEL | Not Applicable | ||||||
| ECTS CREDITS | Not Applicable | ||||||
| DEPARTMENT | Degree Plus Programme | ||||||
| DESCRIPTION | Despite its small size, Malta occupies a strategic position along one of the world’s major migratory flyways, hosting a remarkable diversity of bird species throughout the year. From seabirds breeding on coastal cliffs to migrants crossing the Mediterranean between Europe and Africa, birds provide a unique opportunity to explore the natural world and the environmental challenges it faces. Drawing on the expertise and practical experience of BirdLife Malta’s ornithologists and conservationists, this study-unit introduces students to the fascinating world of birds and birdwatching, exploring bird identification, behaviour, ecology, migration, and conservation while providing an accessible introduction to ornithology. Students will gain an understanding of the diversity of birds and habitats found in the Maltese Islands, with particular emphasis on Malta’s importance as a migratory crossroads in the Mediterranean . The unit also introduces the methods used by ornithologists to study birds, including field observation, bird ringing, tracking technologies, bioacoustics, and citizen science initiatives. The application of ornithological research to conservation will be examined through local and international examples, highlighting the importance of protected areas, environmental legislation, and species conservation measures. Designed for students from all academic backgrounds, the study-unit requires no prior knowledge of biology and aims to foster a greater appreciation of birds and nature, while introducing the educational, voluntary, and professional opportunities available within ornithology, conservation, research, and related environmental fields. Objectives: By the end of the study-unit, students should be able to: • Identify common bird families and species occurring in Malta. • Be familiar with the diversity of bird habitats and seasonal patterns of birds occurring in the Maltese Islands. • Explain the importance of Malta within the central mediterranean migratory flyway. • Understand the evolutionary adaptations that allow birds to occupy different ecological niches. • Understand the main methods used in ornithological research, including field surveys and bird ringing • Understand the importance of citizen science, data collection, and long-term monitoring. • Recognise the role of birds within ecosystems and the importance of habitat management for biodiversity conservation. • Understand how ornithological research contributes to nature restoration plans, protected area designation, environmental policy, and species protection. • Explore educational, voluntary, and professional pathways within ornithology, bird conservation, and related environmental fields. |
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| STUDY-UNIT TYPE | Lecture | ||||||
| METHOD OF ASSESSMENT |
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| LECTURER/S | Joseph Noel Grima (Co-ord.) |
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The University makes every effort to ensure that the published Courses Plans, Programmes of Study and Study-Unit information are complete and up-to-date at the time of publication. The University reserves the right to make changes in case errors are detected after publication.
The availability of optional units may be subject to timetabling constraints. Units not attracting a sufficient number of registrations may be withdrawn without notice. It should be noted that all the information in the description above applies to study-units available during the academic year 2026/7. It may be subject to change in subsequent years. |
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