Welcome to Newquay University Centre, Cornwall College and your first 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

To make the best out of your studies, the following equipment is recommended:

• Wellington boots - a necessity for some field trips·      
• Walking boots - good also for field trips, a sturdy pair will last a long time!
• Waterproof clothing - the Cornish weather isn't always sunshine, it does rain a lot of the time
• Old clothing - old stuff that you don't mind getting ripped or muddy
• Binoculars - always worth an investment! A good pair will last you for many years.

To help with your studies, you will need a decent laptop with Wi-Fi capabilities. A tablet/iPad is not ideal, as they do not have the functionality to work with many of the programmes you will need for your coursework. You will also need a headset with a microphone, as there may occasionally be guest speakers online.