A fundamental skill in ecology is the ability to collect and analyse biological data efficiently and correctly. The correct methods depend on the research question, available resources (equipment, time and money), and the logistic constraints of survey/experimental design. This unit links sampling methods and survey designs for assessing changes along ecological gradients with suitable techniques for data analysis and presentation. Topics: the fundamental requirements (eg, randomisation, replication) of survey and experimental designs, types of ecological data, commonly-used methods to sample plants and animals, and technical skills for field surveys. How to present and analyse ecological data with a focus on correct interpretation of the results and the limitations of the sampling and analytical methods is also covered.