Welcome to Newquay University Centre, Cornwall College and your first year or second year of studying FdSc Zoology with Ecology and Conservation with us. You are about to join a passionate, forward-thinking community of people who want to make a change to our natural world - and where better to do this than in a stunning Cornish location. Whether it's wind-swept moors, warm beaches or ancient forests - Cornwall has it all, right on your doorstep. At the Newquay campus, we don't just preach, we DO... and we will get you involved along the way... whether it's staff research projects, habitat management, wildlife surveys or campaigning to make a difference.
Through a combination of lectures, workshops, practical sessions and field trips, you will learn the skills and knowledge to conserve wildlife both in the UK and abroad, wherever your passion lies. Whilst studying with us, you will have the opportunity to join an organisation, whether a zoo or wildlife charity, to gain hands-on work experience. In preparation, it is worthwhile now to start looking for placements. More information will be given in tutorials during the first few weeks of the term.
In the induction week, you will meet the team, the rooms where you will be taught and see some of the local area; however, if you have any questions, please ask! I look forward to meeting you all in September.
John
John Blackburn, BSc (Hons), MSc, MCIEEM | FdSc Programme Manager: Zoology with Ecology and Conservation
Joining Instructions
Year 1
Year 2
Proposed Modules
Year 1
The Diversity of Life (20 Credits)
We live amongst a tremendous diversity of life, but how did it evolve? What is
evolution? What are their features? How are they related to each other? How
do we identify them? This module aims to answer those questions and provide
students with the foundation on which to build their understanding of species
biology.
Wildlife Survey Techniques (20 Credits)
In order to conserve the planet, we must first understand it and to understand
it we have to know how to explore it! This module is designed to introduce the
skills needed to investigate animal life and habitats safely and responsibly.
Theory of effective survey design is taught practically through a series of field
and laboratory workshops.
These will be reviewed and underpinned with class
sessions to develop skills and understanding of survey design, data collection,
data handling and analysis. Students will be introduced to a variety of habitats,
field conditions and wildlife in our stunning local Cornish countryside –
cameras at the ready!
Animal Ecophysiology (20 credits)
Animals are adapted to all habitats and conditions known to humans. How
can they survive in the driest of places, or the deepest of oceans? How do
freshwater fish make the change to saltwater environments? What is the
purpose of hibernation? The biology behind these topics and more will be
explored through a series of lessons and laboratory practicals.
Fundamentals of Ecology (20 Credits)
Why do animals live in populations? What is the advantage ? Why are the
rainforests found in the tropics? Why do some animals become parasites? This
module will introduce you to the fundamental basics of ecology – the study of
how animals interact with each other and their environment.
Animal Nutrition (20 Credits)
This
module introduces the student to comparative anatomy
and physiology of digestive systems of omnivores,
herbivores and carnivores. Nutritional requirements and feeding
methods are investigated in relation to animal health and
welfare. Students will formulate suitable diet plans for a
named captive species.
Skills for Scientific Success (20 Credits)
The ability to process and analyse raw data, find patterns and communicate
findings to others is a critical skill in the sciences. This module aims to produce
students with the necessary toolkit to handle data, apply appropriate methods
to establish patterns and to communicate findings to different audiences
and/or stakeholders. This module also emphasises the need to plan for future
developments and skill specific career opportunities in the sciences.
The British Countryside (20 Credits)
Have you ever wondered about our 'green and pleasant land'? How did we
arrive to fields of pasture and arable crops ? What habitats have been lost and
what have we gained? This module will look at how the landscape of the UK
has been influenced by geology, climate and ultimately humans. Human
history in the UK is reflected by the changes in landscape, some still visible
today. Through trips and workshops, we will explore the impact we have had
on our countryside.
Year 2
Proposed Modules
The second year is divided into core modules that are mandatory to achieve
your degree and four options modules – allowing you to tailor your experience
to YOUR chosen career – whether it is UK conservation or conservation abroad.
Core
GIS for Conservation (20 Credits)
Ever looked at a job advert for conservation and seen GIS listed as a
desired skill? This module will introduce you to the use of geographical
information systems (GIS) and how we can use it to manage wildlife,
map important habitats or even worked out animal home ranges using
data collected from the field.
Ecological Conservation in Practice (20 Credits)
It is important that scientist is able to communicate what they have
learned to the wider public. However, that learning is also valuable to
the scientist: this is the accrued experience that will allow them to
progress to future employment. This module teaches students how to
put theory into practice, educate the public, and also to record and reflect
on experiences that benefit themselves.
Individual Research Project (20 credits)
This module gives students the opportunity to conduct their own
research project. Student involvement and responsibility stretches from
project conception and planning, literature research, analysis and
interpretation of data to report writing and presentation. A large range
of animal, plant or fungi subjects can be investigated in more detail.
Population and Community Ecology (20 Credits)
Our understanding of animal and plant communities and how they interact
with each other is vital to their conservation. This module will build on topics
learnt in the first year, looking at why animals live in populations, the theories
behind them and how we can use this information to conserve species,
populations and the planet..
Optional
Protected Species Survey (20 Credits)
Unique to this course, this module will allow you to survey a range of
endangered and protected species found in the UK such as bats, dormice ,
reptiles and great crested newt alongside Natural England licenced ecologists.
Lessons will be split between theory sessions covering the life cycle, habitats
and behaviours of those species plus field work sessions honing techniques in
their survey methods – allowing students to gain experience towards their own
licences.
Ecological Restoration: Application and Management (20 Credits)
The Planet is in dire need of restoration if we and the organisms we share the
world with are to survive. This module gives you the chance to get hands-on
with nature with a variety of practical conservation activities – from pond
maintenance to scrub bashing. Creating wildlife habitats or ensuring their
future – rewilding can be more than just a buzzword!
Global Conservation Issues (20 Credits)
This module will explore those big topical issues surrounding global
conservation. We have all now heard of the effects of climate change and
marine plastics, but what about heavy metal pollution, cash crops or invasive
species? This module will look at the current challenges facing the planet, and
also some of the ingenious solutions towards reverse human impacts.
One-Plan Conservation (20 Credits)
Unique to this course, this module will look at the new initiative on-plan
solution for species conservation. Conservation were captive breeding,
researchers and conservation organisations out in the field come together to
ensure the survival of some of our rarest endangered species – from frogs to
leopards.
Kit and Resources
Essential
Clothing for Fieldwork
For outdoor clothes, it's better to have natural colours, eg, browns and greens, as bright colours like red may scare wildlife.
Waterproofs; coat and
trousers suitable for fieldwork.
Good
walking boots - invest in a good quality, waterproof pair and try and
break them in a little before the start of term.
Wellington
boots – ideally steel toe capped and durable. Welly boot socks/liners.
Old clothes that you
don’t mind getting dirty for field-based work. These need to be suitable
for the Cornish weather- rain, wind, sun. Jeans are best avoided, as they
become very uncomfortable when wet. Leggings or tight trousers are also
best avoided, as they do not offer protection from sharp or stinging
plants. Cargo or walking trousers are best. A sun hat with a wide brim is
good during hot weather in the field.
Backpack that is
waterproof.
General stationery
(pens, pencils, ruler, mechanical pencil (can be brought from Poundland),
eraser, notebook for classroom notes etc.).
Sturdy clipboard or
weather writer.
Laptop
Whilst having access to your own
laptop has always been a highly desirable item for your studies, we are
requesting all students have access to their own laptop and wifi in their
accommodation. This will be essential for you to be to complete coursework,
catch-up on lessons and read additional online material provided by the
lecturers.
Please note that we will ask you to
download certain freely available software packages, which will be essential for
your studies. Please also be aware that Chromebooks and tablets are not
suitable for installing and running some essential software you will need to
have access to and, therefore, a Windows or macOS laptop is highly recommended.
A set of headphones with a mic
compatible with your laptop is also recommended.
Software
As soon as you enrol you will have an
account with Office 365 and you will be able to use online versions of Word,
Excel and PowerPoint and also download these apps to your own device for free
as well as having online storage space on OneDrive.
For your 2nd year of study
we ask that you install QGIS (free software) which is available for PCs and
Macs and can be downloaded at www.qgis.org. Please see the link below.
(We can go through this during induction week if you have any problems).
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.
Desirable
We
have a wide selection of field and laboratory equipment available for students
to borrow. If you do not want to have
your own you can book equipment for free through the technician in the prep
room.
A hand lens (x10
magnification) for examining species in the field.
A decent pair of field
binoculars (always a good investment).
Extra Expenses
You will be involved in a variety of fieldtrips
during the course. Most of these will be free, but occasionally we may ask for
a contribution towards travel costs or entrance fees. You should budget for approximately £40throughout the year for this.
If you are considering a career in consultancy, you
may wish to become a student member of the Chartered Institute of Ecology and
Environmental Management (CIEEM) or British Ecological Society (BES), which are
professional bodies for ecological consultants (membership fees start at £30 per annum). Please see the links below for more information.
This link will take you to the download page for QGIS if you want to download in preparation for your course. Choose the right download package for your laptop (Microsoft or Mac).
CIEEM is the leading professional membership body representing and supporting ecologists and environmental managers in the UK, Ireland and abroad. TheirVision is of a healthy natural environment for the benefit of current and future generations. With a growing membership and an increasingly influential voice we are transforming the professionalism of the sector, just as our members are transforming understanding of, and attitudes towards, protecting and enhancing our natural environment.
BES is a global community of scientists shining a spotlight on the intricacy and value of our natural world, providing the evidence for better decisions.
Reading List
Year 1 | Reading List
A lot of these titles are available for loan from
the Learning Centre once you get here, and for many of the popular titles there
are hard copies and electronic versions, so there is no issue with availability.
It is not essential that you buy any of the following unless you feel
you need extra help in a subject, as textbooks can be quite expensive. There
are a number of online resources you can use to support your learning too.
In addition to the textbooks on offer in the
Learning centre, you will have access to our Planet e-stream digital library
which is an archive of many good quality natural history documentaries.
If you would like to have your own copy, you can
get books from the Natural History Book store www.nhbs.com (please see the link below) but it is worth checking Amazon’s “new and used”
section or ebay for second hand copies. There
are also a range of second-hand book websites.
Module: The Diversity of Life
Urry, L.A., Cain, M.L., Wasserman, S. A., Minorsky, P.V. and Reece, J.B. (2016) Campbell Biology. 11th edn. London: Pearson.
Notes: 8th, 9th, and 10th editions are available and are still good, possibly at a cheaper price.
Module: Fundamentals of Ecology
Begon, M., Townsend, C.R. and Harper, J.L. (2006) Ecology: From Individuals to Ecosystems. New York:John Wiley and Sons.
Notes: For good background, you could try revision on the BBC website in topics such as biomes, succession, intra and interspecific interactions.
Module: Wildlife Survey Techniques
Hill, D. et al. (2005) Handbook of Biodiversity Methods. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.
Sutherland W.J. (2010) Ecological Census Techniques. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.
Notes: Any field ID books are of value for this module. We will look at a range of taxa present in the UK – birds, mammals, herpetiles and invertebrates. This is the chance for you to become specialised in working in the field with your chosen taxa. The foldout ID guides by the Field Studies Council are excellent for beginners!
Module: Animal Ecophysiology
Anderson, M., Hill, R.W. and Wyse, G.A. (2012) Animal Physiology. 3rd edn. Oxford: Sinauer Associates. Randall D,. Burgren, W. and French, K. (2001) Eckert Animal Physiology: Mechanisms and Adaptations. Freeman ISBN 0716738635.
William, P., Stone, G. and Johnston, I. (2005) Environmental Physiology of Animals. 2nd edn. Oxford: Blackwell Publishing.
Notes: This course will build on your understanding of biology from previous education. If you have any biology textbooks from previous courses (A-level / GCSE) it might be worth hanging onto them and having a read through.
Module: Expedition Techniques
Rackham, O. (2000) The History of the Countryside. London: Weidenfeld and Nicolson.
Rose, F. (2006) The Wild Flower Key: How to Identify Wild Flowers, Trees and Shrubs in Britain and Ireland. London: Warne.
Notes: Identification keys are always a personal choice, so it’s better to borrow some to find which one(s) suit(s) you best. There’s lots of choice in the Library, and this module is in the second semester, so it may be best to wait until you’re here and try out the resources we have on site. The Natural History bookstore (NHBS) publishes a monthly journal – British Wildlife – articles written by ecologists and experts in the field and cover a range of topics – extremely useful and the subscription is a fair price. They also publish a series of hardback books on topics such as rocky shore, salt marshes, rivers, fungi and grasslands.
General Reading
Barnard, C.J., Gilbert, F.S. and McGregor, P.K. (2017) Asking Questions in Biology: A Guide to Hypothesis Testing, Experimental Design and Presentation in Practical Work and Research Projects. 5th edn. London: Pearson Higher Education.
If you need to develop your general science/biology background, it is well worth buying an AS level revision guide, e.g. the OCR AS-Biology, and browsing it through the summer.
The Natural History Book Store, also known as NHBS, specialises in books and equipment related to wildlife, ecology, and conservation. They offer over 135,000 books covering various aspects of natural history, along with a comprehensive rangeof wildlife survey equipment, nest boxes, and habitat management tools.
Recommendations for Reading, Watching and Listening Over the Summer
The Earthshot Prize is a global challenge to find, support and celebrate those who turn bold ideas into real solutions to repair our planet. The Earthshot Prize is the most prestigious global environmental prize in history, designed to incentivise change and help repair our planet.
Explore the frontiers of science! New Scientist is one of the world’s most popular weekly science and technology publications. Their website, app, and print editions cover international news from a scientific standpoint, and ask the big-picture questions about life, the universe and what it means to be human.
With a million species at risk of extinction, David Attenborough explores how this crisis of biodiversity has consequences for us all, including putting us at greater risk of pandemic diseases.
Chasing Coral taps into the collective will and wisdom of an ad man, a self-proclaimed coral nerd, top-notch camera designers, and renowned marine biologists as they invent the first time-lapse camera to record bleaching events as they happen. Unfortunately, the effort is anything but simple, and the team doggedly battles technical malfunctions and the force of nature in pursuit of their golden fleece: documenting the indisputable and tragic transformation below the waves. With its breathtaking photography, nail-biting suspense, and startling emotion, Chasing Coral is a dramatic revelation that won’t have audiences sitting idle for long.
A filmmaker forges an unusual friendship with an octopus living in a South African kelp forest, learning as the animal shares the mysteries of her world.
Wild Art Founder Rob Read and Wild Art POTY Judge Josh Galicki co-host the Wildlife Photography Podcast which focuses on the topic of wildlife photography, covering all aspects of the genre. The two discuss various topics in a chatty and organic format, and are sometimes joined by special guest photographers, conservationists and nature experts.
Calculate your carbon footprint. Our world is in crisis - from climate change to the pollution in our oceans and devastation of our forests. It's up to all of us to fix it. Take your first step with our UK-based environmental footprint calculator.
Help researchers gather important data online. The Zooniverse is the world's largest and most popular platform for people-powered research. This research is made possible by volunteers—millions of people around the world who come together to assist professional researchers. Our goal is to enable research that would not be possible, or practical, otherwise.
Borneo Trip
In addition to local trips and field visits we will also be running the annual Borneo Expedition during the Easter break.
This is a chance to get involved with real scientific research projects in the jungles of Malaysian Borneo – Sabah! Radio tracking pangolins, survey river banks for primates or walking the jungle trails at night for civets, slow loris and frogs – you will be immersed into jungle life at the world-famous Danau Girang field centre. Wild orangutans, hornbills, elephants and amazing invertebrates can all be seen !
The trip also includes an evening at Gomantong Caves – one of Attenborough’s 7 wonders of the natural world, where we will watch the nightly bat exodus from the cave system and their run to escape the predators waiting for them. We will also visit Sepilok Orangutan Sanctuary and the Sun bear sanctuary, the Sepilok rainforest centre (one of the worlds top bird watching spots !) and get involved in rainforest restoration.
Before heading back to the UK we will spend time in the capital – Kota Kinabalu where we will go snorkelling over the coral reefs (sea turtles and clown fish galore !) and spend a day looking at the culture around Sabah – a land made famous by tales of headhunters, tea plantations and mountain gods! More information will be given during freshers fair.
*Subject to a minimum number of students, additional cost of around £4.000 paid in instalments, itinerary may change.