The Course
Biological Survey Techniques BTEC Course in Ecuador

BTEC in Biological Survey Techniques

GVI are proud to offer you the unique opportunity to gain a Level 3 BTEC Advanced Certificate. Recognised and approved by Edexcel, the UK’s largest awarding body, this qualification can help you into university or give you the boost you may need for a career change.

This BTEC teaches you how to supervise biological surveys. Upon completion, you should feel confident enough to plan and run survey teams in the field. The basic skills you learn will be transferable to any environment around the world. During the course you will complete five core units that have been developed with GVI’s extensive experience and skills base in the field. These are:

1. Target Species Identification - This unit will introduce the learner to the fundamental skills of identifying species and habitats; bringing them to a level that ensures they always collect accurate and reliable survey results.

2. Survey Techniques - During this unit the learner will build on their identification skills and put them into practice in the field. They will learn to supervise surveys through briefings and debriefings, and how to collect, collate and check data.

3. Managing Risk - This unit teaches the learner the fundamentals of risk management, emergency planning and health and safety, building on the first aid training all expedition members receive.

4. Expedition Logistics - The purpose of this unit is to train the learner in the practical and logistical aspects of managing a field-based biological surveying operation.

5. Community Relations - This unit instils an understanding in the learner that successful long-term biological conservation is best achieved through the cooperation and support of local agencies and indigenous peoples.

Who are the learners?

Learners can be pretty much anyone including:

• Local participants in our National Scholarship Programme
• School leavers
• Career changers
• Local partners
• Local students.

How do I join?

Simply let your GVI representative know and send in the registration fee of £250. You will then receive your BTEC pack to be taken with you on your expedition. Upon your return forward the relevant portfolio to the UK office for checking and you will be issued with your BTEC certificate.