Training & Education

I want to learn botany...

Short Identification Courses

There are many short identification courses available from various providers throughout the country. These are a good way to start out in botany, or to learn a new group of plants. BSBI experts and referees teach on many of these. Try...

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>> University of Birmingham

Professional Development

For those with a an interest in working professionally as an ecologist or in the biological recording sector, the University of Birmingham has a Masters degree in Biological Recording & Species Identification. This is taught by many of Britain’s leading experts in the field.

The Biological Recording programme was developed in association with the BSBI as an initiative started by Frank Perring, former chairman of our Training & Education Committee, to help meet the skills shortage in the sector.

Subjects covered include:

  • Biological recording techniques, including in Mapmate, Excel and data analysis.
  • A critical approach to species identification, including taxonomy and field recording skills.
  • Scientific research processes such as designing and testing hypotheses using biological records and undertaking fieldwork projects.

    • To find out more about the MSc, visit the University of Birmingham.

     

    Grants and Bursaries

    Please email Dr Sarah Whild with any queries about educational grants. For research grants, visit Research.

    Training grants

    Grants of up to £200 are available for aspiring botanists who want to go on short training courses. You do not need to be a member to apply. Typical applicants would include recent graduates looking to start a career in botany, or take part in interest-led botanical recording.

    Study Grants

    Undergraduate and Postgraduate Study Grants of up to £1,000 are available to botany students.

    Conference Bursaries

    Students can apply for bursaries towards the cost of conferences.

    NB the fund for grants in 2010 has now been fully allocated. The next round will start in January 2011.

     

    BSBI Library

    Our library is hosted for us at the University of Birmingham’s premises in Shrewsbury.

    Most of our books and journals come from donations, and we can guarantee to take responsible care of anythign that we receive. Duplicates and surplus material is found a good home at Field Centres around the country.

    We also digitize our own publications and books that are out of copyright, copies of which are held in the library.

    If you are interested in donating, to the library, please contact  Sarah Whild.

    We are grateful to the following for contributions:-

  • CEH Monks Wood
  • Chris Boon
  • Karl Crowther
  • Trevor Dines
  • Bob Ellis
  • Gwynn Ellis
  • Jean Green
  • Simon Leach
  • Audrey Locksley
  • Ian McNeill
  • Roy Maycock
  • Richard Middleton
  • Richard Pankhurst
  • James Partridge
  • Sharon Pilkington
  • Mike Poulton
  • Richard Pryce
  • Clive Stace
  • Wiltshire Botanical Society
  • Goronwy Wynne
  • Brian & Barbara Ballinger
  • The University of Hull

    • and to the estates of...

  • Alan Underhill
  • Alice Lambert
  • John Lavender
  • John Ounsted
  • Melody Ryle
  • Max Walters
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    Training & Education Committee

    Members of the committee are: Sarah Whild (chair), Sue Townsend (secretary), Paul Ashton, John Bailey, Michael Braithwaite, Peter Gateley, Richard Gornall, Brenda Harold, Alex Lockton, Clare O’Reilly & David Pearman.

    Resources for beginners

    A leaflet written by Clare O’Reilly with suggestions for beginners on how to get started in botany.

    Careers Advice

    Are you hoping to study to be a botanist but don't know what degree to take or how to specialize? Download the Connexions Botany Careers Leaflet here.

    Schools

    For a web site aimed at school age children, visit SAPS.