Plymouth University

Academic Partnerships

Cornwall College

Newquay

Programme Quality

Handbook for

FdSc Conservation and Ecology

2014 15

Contents1.Welcome and Introduction to FdSc Conservation and Ecology.32.Programme Specification43.Module Records18

Academic Partnerships Template

Welcome and Introduction to FdSc Conservation and Ecology.

Welcome to the Foundation Degree in Conservation Ecology. The College is delighted that you have chosen to study with us. Achieving a place on this course is invariably the result of hard work and determination. You will now be mixing with fellow students from a wide range of backgrounds some straight from school, some from college access programmes and others who have been working for some time and have decided to pursue a career change. If it all feels a bit strange at first, dont worry because everyone else will be feeling the same. Take my word for it; those around you who seem to be in complete control are no more than convincing bluffers! We are sure you are going to have a great time here and will get a great deal from the programme.

This programme has been designed to equip you with the skills and knowledge base required to work in your chosen specialism or other graduate opportunities. It is also a platform from which you can undertake additional vocational and academic qualifications.

The first year of any degree is the start of a process of change and by the time you enter your second year you will be thinking quite differently from how you do now; more analytically, more logically, with a clearer understanding of basic principles. There may be times when you feel over-stretched, frustrated, perhaps even under-challenged, but these will be outweighed by the exhilaration of producing and understanding work with intellectual rigour and a sense of achievement when you successfully complete your first year.

You will have some great times in the next two years, but it would be unrealistic to think there wont be any bad times and the key is to maintain a balance in your social life and your College commitments. Have a good social life go surfing, sailing, etc, but make sure you:

attend classes;

keep up with your reading and research;

complete coursework properly and hand in on time;

revise thoroughly for exams.

If you follow these simple rules, youll have your Foundation Degree in two years and some significant memories which will stay with you forever.

This Programme Quality handbook contains important information including:

The approved programme specification

Module records

Note: the information in this handbook should be read in conjunction with the current edition of the College Student handbook available at (college to add link) which contains student support based information on issues such as finance and studying at HE along with the Universitys Student Handbook - https://www1.plymouth.ac.uk/studenthandbook and your Teaching, Learning and Assessment Handbook available on your programme virtual learning environment.

Programme Specification

On the following pages you will find the specification for your programme; this provides a detailed overview of the programme as a whole. It explains what you will learn and how you will be assessed throughout the two stages of your Foundation Degree. The Programme Learning Outcomes Map specifies the knowledge and skills you will develop at each stage of your Foundation Degree.

Awarding Institution:University of Plymouth

Teaching Institution:Cornwall College Newquay

Accrediting Body:University of Plymouth

Final Award:FdSc Conservation and Ecology

Intermediate Awards:Certificate of Higher Education (CertHE)

Programme Title:FdSc Conservation and Ecology

UCAS Code:C180

BenchmarksFoundation Degree Qualification Benchmark has been used in the production of this programme. The QAA subject benchmark statements in both Biosciences and in Earth Sciences, Environmental Sciences and Environmental Studies have been consulted at intermediate level as has the FHEQ.

Date of Approval:April 2008

Admissions Criteria:

Qualification(s) Required for Entry to the FdA or FdSc

Comments

Candidates must have:

Key Skills requirement/Higher Level Diploma

(College to insert level/subject area of achievement)

and/or

GCSEs required at Grade C and above

Normally Maths and English, Science at grade C or above desirable

Plus at least one of the following:

A Levels required:

120 UCAS Tariff points from any combination of A-level/AS-level/ Vocational A-level including at least one subject studied to A2-level.

Advanced Level Diploma

BTEC National Certificate/Diploma

National Diploma with a profile of at least Pass Pass Pass (PPP); Advanced National Certificate Credit overall

HNC/D

VDA: AGNVQ, AVCE, AVS

Minimum of a pass in Advanced GNVQ in science at level 3

Access to HE

Pass

International Baccalaureate

Irish/Scottish Highers/Advanced Highers

At least two "D" level passes from Scottish Higher or the Irish Higher Leaving Certificate.

Work Experience

Assessed on application

Other non-standard awards or experiences

Assessed on application

APEL/APCL possibilities Add Academic Regs link)

Individuals may be considered for APCL or APEL in accordance with the academic regulations

Interview/portfolio requirements

Mature students would have to demonstrate at interview the necessary motivation, potential, experience and/or knowledge.

Disabilities the course welcomes applications from students with disabilities and is committed to its inclusive policy. In order to be more learner centred, the College requests that all applications be considered individually and in consultation with the Course Manager.

Criminal Record Bureau (CRB) clearance required

All students will require this check if they may be working with young people.

Aims of the Programme: (NB: these should be broad, aspirational but deliverable via the achievement of the Programme Learning Outcomes)

The programme is intended to: ..

a. An enthusiasm for learning, in general, and biological science, natural history and education, in particular.

b. An understanding of the political, economic and sociological context of wildlife science and conservation, wildlife education, public relations and the media.

c. The ability to communicate effectively in a range of contexts relating to wildlife science and conservation, and be confident in using a range of media.

d. Knowledge, understanding and skills in fundamental biology, wildlife science and conservation, wildlife education, public relations and the media.

e. The ability to critically think about, assess and evaluate scientific issues.

f. The ability to become autonomous learners equipped to cope with third year degree studies.

g. The ability to identify and plan for suitable careers and be effective at applying for employment.

h. The wider skills needed to be successful in employment in a formal or informal educational role.

Programme Intended Learning Outcomes: (NB; these must underpin the programmes Aims and be demonstrable through the meeting of assessment criteria in particular modules)

By the end of this programme the student will be able to:

1. Demonstrate a knowledge of the fundamentals of biological science.

2. Demonstrate an understanding of the political, economic and sociological context of wildlife-related education and conservation.

3. Communicate using a range of media on issues relating to science and natural history.

4. Initiate and undertake critical analysis of scientific evidence and to communicate scientific information effectively to different target audiences

5. Function as autonomous learners equipped to cope with third year degree studies.

6. Plan for suitable careers and be effective at applying for employment.

7. Demonstrate the wider skills needed to be successful in employment in a formal or informal educational role.

8. Evaluate evidence, arguments and assumptions, to reach sound judgements, and to propose solutions to problems arising from their evaluations and judgements.

Brief Description of the Programme

The aim of the FdSc Conservation and Ecology is to develop students theoretical and scientific knowledge along with their practical skills to a level where employment within the conservation industry is a realistic option. The courses specialise in the areas of knowledge students will need to be able to survey / manage organisms and habitats. Graduates will have an understanding of the variety and conflicting demands placed on the natural environment by biodiversity conservation objectives, agriculture, industry, leisure and other human activities. A variety of teaching methods are used including fieldwork, lectures, laboratory work and workshops.

Progression Route(s)

There are opportunities to progress to the following Honours degrees:

BSc (Hons) Animal Conservation Science at Plymouth University

BSc (Hons) Environmental Resource Management (full time) at Cornwall College Camborne

Level-5 entry to BSc (Hons) Conservation Biology at Plymouth University

If you progress to the final stage of a Plymouth University programme then your stage two marks (level 5 modules) will be taken into account in your final degree classification. You may have to com