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Academic Partnerships Template

Plymouth UniversityAcademic Partnerships

Cornwall CollegeNewquay

Programme QualityHandbook for

FdSc Marine Conservation

2014 – 15

Academic Partnerships Teaching, Learning and Assessment Handbook 2014-15 of 31


Contents1. Welcome and Introduction to Marine Conservation...............................................................................3

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

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


1. Welcome and Introduction to Marine Conservation.

Welcome to the Foundation Degree in Marine Conservation. 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 / University 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.

2. Programme Specification


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


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.

PROGRAMME SPECIFICATION FOR FOUNDATION DEGREES

Awarding Institution: Plymouth UniversityTeaching Institution: Cornwall CollegeAccrediting Body: University of PlymouthFinal Award: FdSc or FdSc with DistinctionIntermediate Awards: Certificate of Higher Education (CertHE)Programme Title: Marine ConservationBenchmarks Biosciences benchmark Date Produced: 2007Date of Approval: 2007

Admissions Criteria:

Qualification(s) Required for Entry to the FdA or FdScCandidates must have:

Comments

Key Skills requirement/Higher Level Diploma

20 credits of key skills combined with for example either GCSE or A-levels (key skills will not be accepted on their own)

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 overall

HNC/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 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:a. To encourage in students an enthusiasm for biological sciences in general and the conservation of

marine environments in particular.b. To develop in students the scientific knowledge, understanding and practical skills, which they will

need to be able to survey and manage organisms and habitats.c. To encourage students to think critically about scientific evidence and evaluate information relating

to marine environments and their conservation.d. Create an understanding of the variety of sometimes conflicting demands placed on the marine

environment by such forces as biodiversity conservation objectives, fishing, aquaculture and side effects of other human activities.

e. Enable students to communicate effectively in a range of contexts relating to marine sciences and conservation

f. To enable students to develop their academic skills to a point where further study at Degree level becomes an option

g. To allow the student to develop skills both in the college environment, and in the workplace.h. Ensure that students gain experience and understanding of marine conservation issues from the

perspective of people and organisations working in the conservation sector and to a level where employment within the conservation industry is a realistic option.

Programme Intended Learning Outcomes:By the end of this programme the student will be able to:a. Demonstrate knowledge of the fundamentals of biological science.b. Demonstrate an understanding of the ethical, legal, economic and political context of management of

the marine environment for conservation.c. To initiate and undertake critical analysis of scientific evidence and to communicate scientific

information relating to aquatic conservation.d. Function as autonomous learners equipped to cope with third year degree studies.e. Plan for suitable careers and be effective at applying for employment.f. Demonstrate the wider skills needed to be successful in employment in the environmental

management sector.g. Evaluate evidence, arguments and assumptions, to reach sound judgements, and to propose solutions

to problems arising from their evaluations and judgements.

Progression Opportunities

There are opportunities to progress to the following Honours degrees:



BSc (Hons) Marine Biology and Coastal Ecology (year 2) – UoP BSc (Hons) Environmental Resource Management (year 3) – Cornwall College Camborne

There is also the possibility of progressing on to the following programme (subject to places and grades):

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 Plymouth University.

Please note there is a deadline for progression applications (circa mid-January with the actual date determined annually) and places maybe subject to availability. If you progress to the final stage of a Plymouth University programme then your stage two aggregate mark (from your level 5 modules) will account for 30% and your progression stage (level 6 modules) aggregate mark will account for 70% of your final degree classification. (if direct entry programmes are commented on then it needs to be clear that whether those level-5 marks are considered will depend on the specific route).

Your Programme Manager has access to University staff and is able to liaise in relation to your questions regarding progression to programmes at Plymouth University.Progression routes are correct at the time of publication but they may be subsequently amended.

Distinctive Features of the Foundation DegreeExamples of distinctive features Work-based learning opportunities at Newquay Zoo, National Marine Aquarium, RSPB and Cornwall

Wildlife Trust Progress to Honours programme in Wildlife Conservation at the Plymouth University Opportunities to work individually and on collaborative and cross-disciplinary projects. The programme offered is inspirational, innovative and memorable, and will encourage creative

thinking and the development of new ideas. You will be working in an expanding field where opportunities to develop new perspectives will be encouraged.

Fieldwork and fieldtrip are a major component of course. Experienced, enthusiastic and friendly staff. Small group teaching.

Teaching Methods and Assessments

A: Development of Knowledge and Understanding Learning and Teaching Strategy/Method Knowledge and critical understanding of the well- Primary



established principles in their field of study and the way in which those principles have developedhave an understanding of the explanation 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; know and understand the structure and function of various types of cells in unicellular and multicellular organisms, the structure and function of cell membranes, cell differentiation have knowledge of enzyme structure and function and of some of the most important mechanisms controlling the action of enzymes and other proteinsdescribe basic organism structure and diversity;describe mechanisms for the life processes and appreciate how the physiology of an organism fits it for its environment;describe how organisms are classified and identified;appreciate the interactions of organisms with each other and the environment; appreciate the importance of the 'behaviour' of the organisms studied demonstrate awareness of human interactions with natural populations and ecosystems, including habitat modification, pollution, exploitation and conservation

Lectures and tutorials Laboratory practicals and fieldwork Learning from work experience Workshops with partner organisations

Secondary Visits to aquaria and relevant science/ natural history education venues Case studies Directed independent study Problem-solving exercises

NB: Benchmark ReferencesFoundation 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)

AssessmentKey knowledge and understanding is assessed via a combination of end of topic tests, examinations, fieldwork and laboratory reports, essays, presentations and seminar performances.

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

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

Primary Class exercises Tutorial/seminar discussions Feedback via coursework assessment process (essays etc) Laboratory practicals and fieldwork

SecondaryFor example: Policy and practice analysis in seminars Computer-based practicals on data



specialised areas and measurement problems

NB: Benchmark References

Biosciences (generic standards – threshold 2, typical, 5)

ES3 Benchmark Table 1: intellectual skills ( Typical performance)

Assessment Assessed discussions Essays/projects/dissertations Examinations/tests Coursework/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:(for example) communicate about their subject appropriately to a

variety of audiences using a range of formats and approaches, using appropriate scientific language)

identify individual and collective goals and responsibilities and perform in a manner appropriate to these roles, in particular those being developed through practical, laboratory and/or field studies

recognise and respect the views and opinions of other team members; negotiating skills

develop the skills necessary for self-managed and lifelong learning (eg working

independently, time management, organisational, enterprise and knowledge transfer skills)

identify and work towards targets for personal, academic and career development

develop an adaptable, flexible and effective approach to study and work.

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

SecondaryClass and seminar interactions and feedback

NB: Benchmark ReferencesBiosciences 3.8aBiosciences 3.9a&bBiosciences 3.10a,b & c

Assessment Coursework of all types Examination preparation and

completion Assessed discussions Group work assessments

D: Practical Skills Learning and Teaching Strategy/Method

Ability to describe and record materials in the field and laboratory

Ability to interpret practical skills in a logical manner

Work-centred practise Laboratory and fieldwork Individual Projects



Ability to use appropriate laboratory and filed 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

Designated tasks Lectures and tutorials Learning from work

NB: Benchmark ReferencesES3 : Practical Skills (Typical Performance)

Assessment Project work Assignment tasks for Fieldwork and

Laboratory practicals

E: Employment Related Skills

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

developing the skills necessary for self-managed and lifelong learning (eg working independently, time management and organisation skills);

identifying and working towards targets for personal, academic and career development

develop an adaptable, flexible and effective approach to study and work

NB: Benchmark ReferencesBiosciences 3.9aBiosciences 3.9b & c

Assessment Project work Competence in a range of business-

related communication techniques


Foundation Degree Intended Learning Outcomes Map

Certificate Level1 Graduate Attributes and Skills 2 3 4Core Programme Intended Learning OutcomesThe FHEQ requirements are already given here in italics Aim Subject Benchmark Related Core Modules

Knowledge/ UnderstandingStudents will be able to demonstrate a knowledge of the underlying concepts and principles associated with their area(s) of study, and an ability to evaluate and interpret these within the context of that area of study or principles of their area(s) of study. In particular: the major theories of the discipline(s) and an awareness of a

variety of ideas, contexts and frameworks the wider social and environmental implications of area(s) of study

and is able to debate issues in relation to more general ethical perspectives

NB refer to relevant Aim(s)

a, b, d

Biosciences: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)

Marine Science

Diversity, Classification and Evolution

Ecology of Aquatic SystemsCognitive / Intellectual Skills (generic)Students will be able to demonstrate an ability to present, evaluate, and interpret qualitative and quantitative data, to develop lines of argument and make sound judgements in accordance with basic theories and concepts of their subject(s) of study. In particular to:have ability in a range of practical bioscience techniques including data collection, analysis and interpretation of those data, and testing of hypotheses Abstract analysis and synthesis Basic understanding of subject-specific theories, paradigms,

concepts and principles.

b, c Biosciences (generic standards – threshold 2)

ES3 Benchmark Table 1: intellectual skills ( Threshold performance)

All modules



Key / Transferable Skills (generic)Students will be able to demonstrate the ability to evaluate the appropriateness of different approaches to solving problems related to their area(s) of study and/or work; and to communicate the results of their study/work accurately and reliably, with structured and coherent arguments. . In particular to: interact effectively within a team / learning group, manage learning using resources for the discipline communicate effectively in a manner appropriate to the discipline

(in standard English oral, written, using ICT) take responsibility for own learning with minimum direction manage information with the ability to select appropriate data

from a range of sources and develop appropriate research strategies

h, f, e, c Personal & Professional Development

Work based experience

Practical Skills (subject specific) Basic ability to describe and record materials in the field and

laboratory Basic ability to interpret practical results Basic ability to use appropriate laboratory and field equipment

safely Basic ability to plan, conduct and present an independent project

with limited reliance on guidance Basic ability to present results of investigations in a number of

formats Basic ability to relate investigations to prior work and to reference

appropriately

b, e, f, c, e ES3 : Practical Skills (Threshold performance)

Marine Science

Ecology of Aquatic Systems

Individual Research Project



Employment-related skillsStudents will be able to demonstrate an ability to undertake further training and develop new skills within a structured and managed environment and the qualities and transferable skills necessary for employment requiring the exercise of personal responsibility developing the skills necessary for self-managed and lifelong

learning (eg working independently, time management and organisation skills);

identifying and working towards targets for personal, academic and career development

f, g,h

g

Biosciences 3.9a

Biosciences 3.9b

Personal & professional Development

Work-based learning

Other developing an adaptable, flexible, and effective approach to study

and work identifying individual and collective goals and responsibilities and

performing in a manner appropriate to these roles; recognising and respecting the views and opinions of other team

members; negotiating skills;

h

h

h

Biosciences 3.9c

Biosciences 3.8a

Biosciences 3.8b

All modules

Work based study

Bioethics



Foundation Degree Intended Learning Outcomes Map Intermediate level

1 Graduate Attributes and Skills 2 3 4Core 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,

b

c, d

NB refer to relevant benchmark(s)

ES3 Benchmark Table 1: intellectual skills (Threshold performance)

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

All modules

Ecology of Aquatic SystemsBioethics



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: 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

b,c

ES3 Benchmark Table 1: intellectual skills (Threshold performance)

Biosciences benchmark (Generic standards, Typical)

All modules

All modules esp Marine Science; and Diversity, Classification & Evolution

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

d, e Biosciences benchmark (Generic standards, Typical, 5.8)

Bioethics



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,e,f

b, c, e

ES3 : Practical Skills (Typical Performance)

Marine Science

Ecology of Aquatic Systems

Individual Project

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

g, h Biosciences benchmark (Generic standards, Typical, 5.8)

Professional Development


College: Cornwall College Year: 2014/2015PU Course Code: 3771Programme: FdSc Marine Conservation Mode of Attendance: Full TimeTotal Credits: 240

Stage 1Module Code Module Title No. of

CreditsCore / Optional

CORC1013C Personal and Employability Skills Development

20 Core

CORN115 Diversity, Classification and Evolution 20 CoreCORN128 Ecology of Aquatic Systems 20 CoreCORN160 Biological Principles 20 CoreCORN135 Marine Survey Techniques 20 CoreCORN159 Marine Science 20 Core

Stage 2Module Code Module Title No. of


CORN267 Algal and Coral Biology and Culture 10 CoreNQS219 Individual Research Project 20 CoreCORN270 Marine Vertebrate Biology and

Conservation20 Core

CORN290 Fish Ecology 20 CoreCORN291 Marine Invertebrates 20 CoreCORN236 Marine Conservation in Practice 20 Core

Students will choose one of the following optional modules:CORN202 Aquaria and Conservation of Aquatic

Organisms10 Optional

CORN268 Contemporary Issues in Marine Conservation

10 Optional



College: Cornwall College Year: 2014/2015Course Code: 3771Programme: FdSc Marine Conservation Mode of Attendance: Part Time (Indicative)Total Credits: 240

Year 1Module Code Module Title No. of


CORC1013C Personal and Employability Skills Development

20 Core

CORN115 Diversity, Classification and Evolution 20 CoreCORN128 Ecology of Aquatic Systems 20 CoreCORN159 Marine Science 20 Core



CORN160 Biological Principles 20 CoreCORN135 Marine Survey Techniques 20 CoreCORN290 Fish Ecology 20 CoreCORN267 Algal and Coral Biology and Culture 10 Core

Students will choose one of the following optional modules:CORN202 Aquaria and Conservation of Aquatic

Organisms10 Optional

CORN268 Contemporary Issues in Marine Conservation

10 Optional



CORN270 Marine Vertebrate Biology and Conservation

20 Core

CORN291 Marine Invertebrates 20 CoreCORN236 Marine Conservation in Practice 20 CoreNQS219 Individual Research Project 20 Core



3. Module Records


welcome and introduction to marine . web viewtake my word for it; ... you’ll have your...

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