welcome and introduction to fdsc conservation and ecology.€¦ · web viewthe structure and...

Academic Partnerships Template

Plymouth UniversityAcademic Partnerships

Cornwall CollegeNewquay

Programme QualityHandbook for

FdSc Conservation and Ecology

2014 – 15Academic Partnerships Teaching, Learning and Assessment Handbook 2014-15

of 38


Contents1. Welcome and Introduction to FdSc Conservation and Ecology................................................................3

2. Programme Specification.........................................................................................................................4

3. Module Records..................................................................................................................................... 18

Academic Partnerships Teaching, Learning and Assessment Handbook 2014-15 of 38

1. 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, don’t 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 won’t 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, you’ll 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 University’s Student Handbook - https://www1.plymouth.ac.uk/studenthandbook and your Teaching, Learning and Assessment Handbook available on your programme virtual learning environment.


https://www1.plymouth.ac.uk/studenthandbook


2. 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 PlymouthTeaching Institution: Cornwall College NewquayAccrediting Body: University of PlymouthFinal Award: FdSc Conservation and EcologyIntermediate Awards: Certificate of Higher Education (CertHE)Programme Title: FdSc Conservation and EcologyUCAS Code: C180Benchmarks Foundation 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/orGCSEs 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 DiplomaBTEC National Certificate/Diploma National Diploma with a profile of at least Pass Pass Pass (PPP);

Advanced National Certificate – Credit overallHNC/DVDA: AGNVQ, AVCE, AVS Minimum of a pass in Advanced GNVQ in science at level 3Access to HE PassInternational BaccalaureateIrish/Scottish Highers/Advanced Highers At least two "D" level passes from Scottish Higher or the Irish Higher

Leaving Certificate.Work Experience Assessed on applicationOther 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 programme’s 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 audiences5. 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 student’s 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 UniversityBSc (Hons) Environmental Resource Management (full time) at Cornwall College CamborneLevel-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 complete a bridging module before you are able to progress.

Your Programme Manager has the support of an Academic Liaison Person (ALP) with questions regarding to progression to programmes at the University of Plymouth.

Progression routes are correct at the time of publication but they may be subsequently amended.

Distinctive Features of the Foundation Degree

This programme benefits from Cornwall College’s relationships with Whitley Wildlife Conservation Trust, National Trust, Cornwall Butterfly Conservation, Cornwall Wildlife Trust and RSPB with some teaching on the course delivered on sites managed by these organisations and many others.Access to a range of varied environments provides superb access to coastal, moorland, heathland, woodland and farmland for fieldwork.Well established links to both local and European consultancy and conservation organisations provide excellent practical opportunities for students to develop skills needed for employment in the field.Established surveying activities for conservation purposes as part of the teaching programme.



Teaching methods and assessments

A: Development of Knowledge and Understanding Learning and Teaching Strategy/Method

By the end of the programme the student will be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of;

the well-established principles in their field of study and the way in which those principles have developed;

of biological phenomena at a variety of levels (from molecular to ecological systems) and be able to explain how evolutionary theory is relevant to their area of study;

the structure and function of various types of cells in unicellular and multicellular organisms, the structure and function of cell membranes, cell differentiation basic organism structure and diversity;mechanisms for the life processes and appreciate how the physiology of an organism fits it for its environment;how organisms are classified and identified;the interactions of organisms with each other and the environment;the importance of the 'behaviour' of the organisms studied

human interactions with natural populations and ecosystems, including habitat modification, pollution, exploitation and conservation

PrimaryLectures and tutorialsLaboratory practicals and fieldworkLearning from work experienceWorkshops with partner organisations

Secondary

Visits to nature reserves and relevant science/ natural history education venuesCase studiesDirected independent studyProblem-solving exercises

NB: Benchmark References

Foundation degree benchmark 42Biosciences:

o Generic standards (threshold 3)o Molecular aspects of Biology (threshold 5 & 8)o Organisms (threshold 2,6,7 &8)o Ecology & Environmental Biology (threshold 7)

Assessment

Key knowledge and understanding is assessed via a combination of multiple choice tests, examinations, essays, presentations and seminar performances.



B: Cognitive and Intellectual Skills Learning and Teaching Strategy/Method

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

construct reasoned arguments to support their position on the ethical and social impact of advances in the biosciences;

have ability in a range of practical bioscience techniques including data collection, analysis and interpretation of those data, and testing of hypotheses;

gather, organise and deploy ideas and information in order to formulate arguments cogently, and express them effectively in written, oral or in other forms; Abstract analysis and synthesis

Understanding of subject-specific theories, paradigms, concepts and principles and some understanding of more specialised areas

Primary

Class exercisesTutorial/seminar discussionsFeedback via coursework assessment process (essays etc)

Secondary

For example:Policy and practice analysis in surgeriesComputer-based practicals on data and measurement problems

NB: Benchmark References Assessment

Assessed discussionsEssays/projects/dissertationsExaminations/testsCoursework/groupwork on practical

application questions

C: Key Transferable Skills Learning and Teaching Strategy/Method• By the end of the programme the student will be able to:• have the ability to organise and articulate opinions and

arguments in speech and writing using relevant specialist vocabulary

• be able to access and evaluate bioscience information from a variety of sources and to communicate the principles both orally and in writing (eg essays, laboratory reports) in a way that is well-organised, topical and recognises the limits of current hypotheses;

• be able to apply relevant advanced numerical skills (including statistical analysis where appropriate) to biological data;

• have a well-developed ability to interpret graphical and tabular presentation of data, and collect, use and interpret numerical data as appropriate

• the ability to reflect on their own value system• the ability to use their knowledge and understanding

critically to locate and justify a personal position in relation to the subject

Primary

Library and other research exercisesGroup work awareness and practiceComputer-based learning and assessment

SecondaryClass and seminar interactions and feedback




Education Studies (transferable skills – modal)Biosciences (Generic standards –good, 1&6)Education studies (Transferable skills, modal, 3)Education studies (reflection- modal, 1&2)

Assessment

Coursework of all typesExamination preparation and completionAssessed discussionsGroup work assessments

D: Employment Related Skills Lectures and tutorials and work placement

By the end of the programme the student will be able to: Qualities and transferable skills necessary for employment

requiring the exercise of personal responsibility and decision making.

Undertake further training, develop existing skills and acquire new competencies that will enable them to assume significant responsibilities within organisations

E: Practical Skills Learning and Teaching Strategy/MethodBy the end of the programme the student will be able to: communicating appropriately to a variety of audiences in

written, verbal and graphical forms. be competent users of ICT in their study and other

appropriate situations undertaking field and laboratory investigations in a

responsible and safe manner, paying due attention to risk assessment, rights of access, relevant health and safety regulations, and sensitivity to the impact of investigations on the environment and stakeholders

referencing work in an appropriate manner. The ability to produce work which demonstrates the

effective manipulation of sound, image and/or the written word;

Laboratory workProjectsDesignated tasksLectures and tutorialsLearning from workPractical industry related sessions


Education Studies (transferable skills 2)Earth Science, Environmental Sciences (3.3.6 & 3.3.5)Communication, media, film and cultural studies (4.3.1)

Assessment

Project workCompetence in a range of business-related communication techniques


Learning Outcomes Maps for FdSc Conservation and Ecology at HE Levels 4 and 5

Foundation Degree Intended Learning Outcomes Map Intermediate level

1 Graduate Attributes and Skills 2 3 4

Core Programme Intended Learning Outcomes(as worded in the Programme Specification)The FHEQ requirements are already given here in italics

Aim(s) Subject) Benchmark

(specific reference)

Related Core Modules

Knowledge/ Understandingknowledge and critical understanding of the well-established principles of their area(s) of study, and the way in which those principles have developed; knowledge of the main methods of enquiry in their subject(s and ) an understanding of the limits of their knowledge, and how this influences analyses and interpretations based on that knowledge . In particular: Understanding of subject-specific theories, paradigms, concepts and

principles and some understanding of more specialised areas

Discuss and demonstrate comprehension of nutrient and energy flow through individuals, populations and communities

Discuss and critically analyse patterns of distribution of organisms in relation to biotic and abiotic factors

Evaluate the impacts of harvesting resources, controlling pest / pathogens and different approaches to species management

NB refer to relevant Aim(s)

a

b

cb

NB refer to relevant benchmark(s)

ES3 Benchmark Table 1: intellectual skills (Threshold performance)

Biosciences Benchmark (Ecology & environmental biology, p11 – Good)

NB refer to relevant core modules

CORN210/213/211/ZOO15/CORN214/215/216/217/218/212/NQS219



Cognitive / Intellectual Skills (generic)Students will be able to demonstrate an ability to apply underlying concepts and principles outside the context in which they were first studied. In particular to:

Understanding of subject-specific theories, paradigms, concepts and principles and some understanding of more specialised areas

Have a secure and accurate understanding of the explanation of biological phenomena at a variety of levels ( from molecular to ecological systems) and be able to understand the relationship of evolutionary theory to their area of study

a

a

ES3 Benchmark Table 1: intellectual skills (Threshold performance)

Biosciences benchmark (Generic standards, Good p8)

CORN210/213/211/ZOO15/CORN214/215/216/217/218/212/NQS219



Key / Transferable Skills (generic)Students will be able to demonstrate an ability to evaluate critically the appropriateness of different approaches to solving problems in the field of study; use a range of established techniques to initiate and undertake critical analysis of information, and to propose solutions to problems arising from that analysis and effectively communicate information, arguments, and analysis, in a variety of forms, to specialist and non-specialist audiences, and deploy key techniques of the discipline effectively. In particular to:

Be able to construct reasoned arguments to support their position on the ethical and social impact of advances in the biosciences

cBiosciences benchmark (Generic standards, Good p8)

CORN218



Practical Skills (subject specific)

Ability to describe and record materials in the field and laboratory

Ability to interpret practical results in a logical manner Ability to use appropriate laboratory and field equipment competently

and safely Ability to plan, conduct and present an independent project with

limited reliance on guidance Ability to present research findings in a number of formats effectively

and appropriately

Ability to relate investigations to prior work and to reference work appropriately

b

b

b

b,

b, e

ES3 : Practical Skills (Typical Performance)

CORN212/ NQS219



Employment-related skillsStudents will be able to demonstrate an ability to apply subject principles in an employment context; undertake further training, develop existing skills and acquire new competencies that will enable them to assume significant responsibilities within organisations and demonstrate the qualities and transferable skills necessary for employment requiring the exercise of personal responsibility and decision making. In particular to:

Have well-developed strategies for updating, maintaining and enhancing their knowledge of the biosciences b,d Biosciences

benchmark (Generic standards, Good p8)

NQS219


Programme Structure Diagrams

College: Cornwall College Year: 2014/2015PU Course Code: 3788Programme: FdSc Conservation and EcologyMode of Attendance: Full TimeTotal Credits: 240

Stage 1Module Code Module Title Credit

ValueCore / Optional

AQU105 Ecology of Aquatic Systems 20 CoreCORC1013C Personal and Employability Skills

Development20 Core

CORN106 History of the British Countryside 10 CoreCORN107 Habitats and Communities 10 CoreCORN115 Diversity, Classification and Evolution 20 CoreCORN157 Introduction to Ecology 10 CoreCORN161 Bird Survey Techniques 10 CoreZOO6 Fieldwork 20 Core

Stage 2Module Code Module Title Credit


CORN218 Genetics for Conservation 10 CoreNQS219 Individual Research Project 20 CoreStudents studying the Global Pathway must study the following optional modules:CORN211 Global Ecology 20 OptionalCORN212 Freshwater Ecology 10 OptionalCORN213 Behavioural Ecology 20 OptionalCORN241 Vertebrate Zoology and Conservation 20 OptionalCORN247 Ecology and Conservation in Practice 20 OptionalStudents studying the Consultancy Pathway must study the following optional modules:CORN214 Invertebrate Ecology and Survey 20 OptionalCORN215 Survey and Management of Mammals 20 OptionalCORN248 Habitat Survey and GIS 20 OptionalCORN249 Conservation and Consultancy in Practice 20 OptionalCORN271 Reptile and Amphibian Ecology and

Surveying10 Optional



College: Cornwall College Year: 2012/2013PU Course Code: 3788Programme: FdSc Conservation and EcologyMode of attendance: Part Time (Indicative)Total Credits: 240

Year 1Module Code Module Title Credit


CORC1013C Personal and Employability Skills Development

20 Core

CORN107 Habitats and Communities 10 CoreCORN115 Diversity, Classification and Evolution 20 CoreCORN157 Introduction to Ecology 10 CoreZOO6 Fieldwork 20 Core

Year 2Module Code Module Title No. of

CreditsCore / Optional

AQU105 Ecology of Aquatic Systems 20 CoreCORN106 History of the British Countryside 10 CoreCORN161 Bird Survey Techniques 10 Core

Students must choose optional modules from the Global or Consultancy Pathway

20 Optional


20 Optional



Year 3Module Code Module Title No. of


CORN218 Genetics for Conservation 10 CoreNQS219 Individual Research Project 20 Core


10 Core


20 Optional


20 Optional

Global Pathway Optional Modules (Take all modules listed)Module Code Module Title No. of


CORN211 Global Ecology 20 OptionalCORN212 Freshwater Ecology 10 OptionalCORN213 Behavioural Ecology 20 Optional

CORN241 Vertebrate Zoology and Conservation 20 OptionalCORN247 Ecology and Conservation in Practice 20 Optional

Consultancy Pathway Optional Modules (Take all modules listed)Module Code

Module Title No. of Credits

Core / Optional

CORN214 Invertebrate Ecology and Survey 20 OptionalCORN215 Survey and Management of Mammals 20 OptionalCORN248 Habitat Survey and GIS 20 OptionalCORN249 Conservation and Consultancy in Practice 20 OptionalCORN271 Reptile and Amphibian Ecology and

Surveying10 Optional



3. Module Records


welcome and introduction to fdsc conservation and ecology.€¦ · web viewthe structure and...

Documents