Brock is part of the Ontario Universities Program in Field Biology (OUPFB). Undergraduate students who register for Biology 3P71 or 3P72, may choose from modules offered by Brock University (including BIOL 4P05) or other participating universities in different fields of biology. Note that BIOL 4P05 is officially offered in August 2023 and it is imperative to be registered through the OUPFB application process.

Modules consist of intensive courses of a minimum of 12 days in length. Some modules are in Canada, others are in various countries such as China, Belize, United States, etc.

A schedule summarizing essential information on titles, dates, locations, what to expect, and costs of each of the 2023 Modules can be found on the OUPFB website.

The format and registration procedures for these courses are different from that for regular Brock courses and are described below. If a particular module interests you for 2023, please let us know before the deadline of February 3, 2023. Note that it is on a ‘first-come, first-served’ basis.

Field courses are not vacations. They are great but intensive opportunities to learn practical skills in the field. Make sure that you also read ‘An Average Day – What to Expect’ section in the module of each description; a typical day starts early morning and finishes late at night. It is not possible to maintain an outside job during such courses.

The modules given by institutions change from year to year. Courses have specific additional costs for transportation, meals, and lodging and are listed on the module outlines.

Preliminary deadline: February 3, 2023.

Due to the current situation with the COVID-19 pandemic, the OUPFB committee is closely monitoring the likelihood of the courses going forward. Some courses may be cancelled at the last minute due to the elevated risk of COVID-19.

Enrollment is limited in each module. Brock is only given a small number of guaranteed spots in certain courses.

It is possible to apply after the deadline. After the first round of applications, vacancies usually exist and can be filled by students from any university. It is therefore important to apply for a Module even if Brock shows no guaranteed spots – you may be placed on the waiting list and stand a good chance of getting into some modules.

Modules may be cancelled if there are too few applications.

Complete the application form and submit it together with a $350.00 deposit (certified cheque or money order payable to Brock University) to Dr. Liette Vasseur in MC F228.

A combination of ‘first-come, first-served’, seniority, and an effort to give each student at least one ‘first-choice’ is used to determine a student’s acceptance into a module.

You will be notified after Reading Week whether or not a spot in the requested module is available and reserved for you.

Once you receive confirmation that a spot is reserved for you, you must pay the rest of the course fees to the host university. You then MUST register at Brock for BIOL 3P71 (or 3P72 or 4P05) in the session in which your module will take place.

Confirmation of Brock course registration must be provided before your placement in the module is guaranteed – even if full module funds have been paid to the host university.

Costs are listed within the description of each module.

Costs listed DO NOT include the cost of paying tuition for BIOL 3P71/3P72/4P05 to Brock University. For any module, you need to register at Brock University under BIOL 3P71 or 3P72 and pay tuition at Brock.

Credit

YOU MUST REGISTER FOR BIOLOGY 3P71/3P72/4P05 like any other Brock credited course. To obtain a half-credit for these courses, a student must complete a total of two weeks of field work plus assignments.

A notation of INC (incomplete) will appear on your transcript until such time as the requirements for half credit have been met and a grade has been received from the course instructor (typically 2 months after the end of the module).

Assignments

Assignments vary with the module, but may include preparatory readings, seminars to be given during the module, practical test, and usually include an essay or report. Such a report is due two to four weeks after the end of the module. Read the course description carefully and ask questions of the instructor to be sure of your responsibilities.