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Field Techniques for Reptiles and Amphibians
Hands-on training in reptile and amphibian field survey techniques

Spring 2026 | College-Level Field Biology Experience

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A 10-week immersive field course for motivated high school and early college students, environmental professionals, and adult learners who want real experience studying reptiles and amphibians in the field.

What This Course Is

This is a hands-on introduction to how reptiles and amphibians are actually studied in the wild.

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Students learn professional field techniques used by herpetologists and wildlife biologists, with an emphasis on ethical practice, data collection, field notebooks, and real-world decision-making.

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Instruction combines instructor-led field sessions, guided independent fieldwork, and classroom-based study design, and culminates in an optional overnight field immersion.

CSC Field Techniques Certificate

Students who successfully complete the course earn the
CSC Field Techniques Certificate: Reptiles & Amphibians, issued by the Center for Snake Conservation.

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The certificate recognizes hands-on training and demonstrated competency in foundational reptile and amphibian field techniques. It is earned through participation and applied assessment—not exams—and may be listed on resumes, CVs, and college applications.

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This certificate does not constitute academic credit or professional licensure.

Who This Course Is For

This course is designed for: 

  • Motivated high school juniors and seniors

  • Early college students studying biology, ecology, or environmental science

  • Environmental consultants and open space staff

  • Naturalists, educators, and adult learners

  • Anyone seeking legitimate, resume-worthy field experience

 

No prior field experience is required. Students should be comfortable working outdoors in variable conditions.

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What You'll Learn

Students will learn how to study reptiles and amphibians in the wild.  They will learn:

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  • Active and passive reptile and amphibian survey techniques

  • Amphibian-specific methods (egg masses, larvae, call surveys)

  • Field notebook standards and scientific data collection

  • Study design and survey limitations

  • Ethical wildlife observation and handling decision-making

  • How to interpret presence, absence, and bias
     

Students leave with a completed field notebook, independent field experience, and a CSC-issued certificate.

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Course Format

This course is formatted as follows: 

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  • 10-week hybrid field course

  • Mostly Saturday field sessions

  • Two intentional Sunday sessions

  • Guided independent fieldwork

  • Optional overnight field capstone

  • Small group (8–10 students maximum)

Tuition

Course Tuition (no camping trip): $745
Includes all instruction, equipment use, and eligibility to earn the CSC Field Techniques Certificate.

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Optional Overnight Field Immersion Add-On: $295
Includes transportation, campsite fees, and extended supervised fieldwork.

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Important Notes

Ready to Apply?

Enrollment is limited to ensure professional-level instruction.  Interested students should complete the registration form here.

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This is not a casual nature program.  It’s real field biology—done the right way.

  • This course does not provide academic credit

  • Enrollment is selective

  • A liability waiver is required

  • Safety, conduct, and ethical standards are mandatory

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