Welcome to Newquay University Centre! We are thrilled to have you join us for an exciting new academic year beginning in September 2025. As you embark on your educational journey, we are delighted to introduce you to the Science Gateway course, designed to equip you with a diverse range of skills and knowledge, ensuring a strong foundation for your future higher education studies.

At Newquay University Centre, we understand the importance of preparing students for the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. The Science Gateway course has been designed to provide you with a comprehensive understanding of scientific principles, methodologies, and applications. Whether you're aspiring to pursue a career in marine biology, animal husbandry, ecology, conservation or surf science this course will serve as an excellent launching pad for your academic and professional pursuits.

Located in the captivating coastal town of Newquay, Cornwall, our campus offers an idyllic environment for learning. Surrounded by stunning natural beauty, including picturesque beaches and enchanting coastal walks, you'll find inspiration and tranquility right at your doorstep. The refreshing sea air and breathtaking scenery will invigorate your studies, creating a perfect backdrop for intellectual growth and exploration.

In addition to the natural wonders of Newquay, our students can access some incredible attractions nearby. Immerse yourself in the wonders of the animal kingdom at Newquay Zoo, where you can observe fascinating creatures up close and engage in conservation efforts. For a journey beneath the waves, the Blue Reef Aquarium provides a mesmerising glimpse into the vibrant marine life that inhabits the nearby waters. These unique opportunities allow you to enrich your understanding of the natural world and connect your studies to real-life experiences.

As you embark on this new academic adventure, remember that Newquay University Centre is more than just a place of learning. It's a vibrant community that fosters personal growth, friendships, and unforgettable memories. Our dedicated faculty and staff are committed to supporting your academic journey, providing guidance and resources to help you thrive.

Get ready to embrace the Science Gateway course, where you'll delve into the fascinating realm of scientific exploration and discovery. From developing critical thinking skills to honing your laboratory techniques, this program will empower you to become a well-rounded and confident learner, ready to tackle the challenges of higher education.

We extend a warm welcome to you as you embark on this exciting chapter of your academic life at Newquay University Centre. Prepare to be inspired by the beauty of Cornwall, captivated by the wonders of science, and connected to a community that will support and encourage your aspirations. Get ready for a transformative educational experience that will shape your future.

Andrew Golley | Programme Manager for Science Gateway

Course Content

The Science Gateway course includes modules designed to prepare you for Higher Education.  These modules will be assessed in a range of ways, including essays, reports, exams, presentations, and practical tasks.

Foundation Biology (30 Credits)

This module introduces learners to the key principles in biology - no prior knowledge is required. The module also provides a range of opportunities to complete laboratory practical work. Learners will develop competence in key practical techniques and build confidence in a laboratory setting.

Foundation Chemistry (30 Credits)

This module introduces learners to the key principles in biology - no prior knowledge is required. The module also provides a range of opportunities to complete laboratory practical work. Learners will develop competence in key practical techniques and build confidence in a laboratory setting.

Fieldwork Techniques (20 Credits)

This module introduces basic ecological concepts such as biomes, nutrient cycles, food webs, and the classification of plants and animals.  It also provides a range of opportunities to plan and undertake field surveys. Learners will phrase and test hypotheses, develop competence in key practical and analytical techniques and build confidence in field settings.

Research Techniques (20 Credits)

This module encourages students to engage with the primary literature, becoming comfortable with identifying appropriate sources and articles, interpreting and extracting relevant information, and communicating that information through different methods.

Study Skills for HE (20 Credits)

This module helps refresh basic mathematical and literacy skills needed to start in Higher Education and develops research and study skills needed for success.

Essential Items:

• Laptop – having access to your own computer and internet has always been highly essential for your studies, so we are suggesting all students have access to their own laptop/PC and internet.  Please be aware that Chromebooks and tablets, whilst useful for some elements of your work, are not suitable for installing and running some software you will need to have access to once you begin your FdSc or BSc (Hons) course and therefore, a Windows or macOS laptop is recommended.

• USB Pen Drive (at least 16GB) – although you will have cloud storage with OneDrive, you will need this to transport files and keep backup copies of important files.

• Waterproofs - coat and trousers for fieldwork.

• Good Walking Boots - you will be very grateful to yourself if you invest in a good quality, waterproof pair.

• Wellies – some field sites we visit get very wet, and you will be advised to wear wellies. No need for your walking boots to be completely waterproof if you have a good pair of wellies to wear for wet-weather work. 
• White Lab Coat - There are lab coats available to borrow during practical work, however, you may prefer to buy your own. These can be purchased from Amazon, or Agricultural/Army Surplus stores (approximate cost £10).
• Scientific Calculator – although many smartphones and apps may provide the functionality of a scientific calculator, you will not be able to take your smart phone into an exam setting.
  

Desirable:

• Old clothes that you don’t mind getting dirty for zoo/field-based work.

Extra Expenses:

There may be residential field courses that you may wish to join, which are not compulsory (subject to availability), for example, to Borneo, Honduras or South Africa. The prices of these trips will vary, but recent trips have been in the region of £3,000 for approximately 2 weeks (inclusive of flights). These trips are purely optional, and there is no expectation or requirement to join them. More information on the international trips will be made available during induction week and group tutorials. There are also local trips offered to students that may require a small deposit.

Whilst you may find it useful to have your own copies of textbooks, we will encourage you to make as much use as possible of our learning centre resources. 

If you have a relatively weak science/biology background it is well worth buying an AS level (e.g. the OCR AS-Biology revision guide £9.99) and browsing through it over the summer.

The prices quoted are from Amazon, and it is worth checking the “new and used” section for second-hand copies. You may also find second-hand books being sold on eBay and Facebook Marketplace. 

The books listed below will all be available for loan through the library, so it is not essential to buy these before enrolment.

Recommended Books | In Order of Importance

• Campbell, N, A., Urry, L. A., Cain M. L., Wasserman, S, A., Minorsky, P, V, and Reece, J, B. (2020) Biology: A Global Approach: 12^th edn. Global Edition. ISBN-13: 978-1292170435.

(Notes: Hardcover from £54.01. Older editions are available and may be significantly cheaper, but I would not suggest anything older than the 10th edition.)

• Hill, G. and Holman, J. (2011) Chemistry in Context. 6^th edn. Cheltenham: Nelson Thornes. ISBN-13: 978-1408514962.

(Notes: Used Paperback from £4.76)

• Cottrell, S. (2015) Skills for Success: Personal Development and Employability. 3^rd edn. Basingstoke: Palgrave MacMillan. ISBN-13: 978-1137426529.

(Notes: Used Paperback from £2.19)

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