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Lecturer(s)
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Veselý Milan, doc. RNDr. Ph.D.
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Uvírová Ivona, RNDr. Ph.D.
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Čelechovský Alois, RNDr. Ph.D.
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Krist Miloš, doc. Mgr. Ph.D.
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Adamík Peter, Mgr. Ph.D.
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Baláž Vojtech, Mgr. Ph.D.
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Janda Milan, Mgr. Ph.D.
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Course content
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Overview of qualitative and quantitative methods used in zoological field research; formulation of research questions and hypotheses; selection of a target group and study site; sampling design, standardization of effort, replication, and control of confounding factors; pilot testing of the method; independent field sampling and data recording; identification of recorded organisms; basic data processing, visualization, and interpretation; preparation of a scientific PowerPoint presentation; presentation of projects and joint critical appraisal of the strengths and weaknesses of the research conducted. Field safety, biosecurity, research ethics, and nature conservation are integral parts of the course.
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Learning activities and teaching methods
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Work with Text (with Book, Textbook), Observation, Demonstration
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Learning outcomes
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To introduce students to a range of field methods used in zoological research and to teach them to design, conduct, and evaluate their own small-scale research project. The course develops the ability to translate a general research question into a feasible field study design, process the resulting data, and critically assess the quality of the research undertaken.
The student formulates a research question or simple hypothesis, selects an appropriate field method, and proposes a suitable sampling design. The student collects field data safely and in a standardized manner, processes and evaluates them at a basic level, and interprets the results while taking into account the limitations of the study design. The student presents the research project and its results in a scientific presentation, identifies its strengths and weaknesses during discussion, and proposes possible improvements.
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Prerequisites
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Basic knowledge of the systematics, morphology, and ecology of the principal groups of invertebrates and vertebrates, together with basic experience of fieldwork.
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Assessment methods and criteria
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Written exam
Full and active participation, compliance with safety, ethical, and conservation requirements, and individual or team-based design, implementation, and evaluation of a field research project. The course is completed by a PowerPoint presentation of the project and its results, defence of the methodological choices, and active participation in the subsequent discussion of the strengths and weaknesses of the individual projects.
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Recommended literature
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Kolibáč, J., Hudec, K., Laštůvka, Z., Peňáz, M. a kolektiv. (2019). Příroda České republiky. Průvodce faunou. Academia.
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Řezníčková P., Niedobová J. (2014). Odchytové a odběrové metody bezobratlých. Brno.
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Šípek, P., Hadrava, J., Hrůzová, L., Sommer, D. & Zeman, Š. (2025). Atlas hmyzu. Brno.
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