FdSc Zoology with Ecology and Conservation with Science Gateway

Course information

Do you have the passion and potential to study one of our university-level programmes, but not the necessary qualifications to start?

Our Science Gateway course is the perfect solution.

Whether you are returning to education or your results weren’t quite what you hoped for, the Science Gateway provides a high-quality route into the large range of science foundation degree (FdSc) programmes at Newquay University Centre Cornwall College.

Science Gateway is designed to prepare you to succeed on a foundation degree in a number of ways.

It’ll help to develop your knowledge of core underpinning scientific concepts, as well as subject knowledge specifically related to your chosen subject area.

With our focus on building practical skills; you’ll gain confidence and competence in both the laboratory and fieldwork. Alongside this, the development of your academic study skills will help to boost your research competencies and overall employability.

You will study at our thriving Newquay campus, set against an inspirational backdrop of wild and rugged headland, sheltered coves, freshwater streams, saltmarsh and sprawling estuaries.

For over 20 years, Newquay University Centre Cornwall College has inspired thousands of science graduates to make a difference, using their passion as a guide.

Our small supportive group sizes and friendly experienced tutors create a family-feel that’s unlike any university experience you will have seen. Another benefit is the contact you’ll get with academic staff teaching at higher levels, ranging from formal tutorials and lessons to attendance at oral and poster presentation sessions.

So, what are you waiting for? The Science Gateway programme is the ideal way to progress onto your foundation degree, knowing that you are well-prepared, not just to achieve but to excel.

Following on from the Science Gateway year you may then progress onto the FdSc Zoology with Ecology and Conservation

Do you have the passion and potential to study one of our university-level programmes, but not the necessary qualifications to start?

Our Science Gateway course is the perfect solution. Whether you are returning to education or your results weren’t quite what you hoped for, the Science Gateway provides a high-quality route into the large range of science foundation degree (FdSc) programmes at Cornwall College Newquay.

Science Gateway is designed to prepare you to succeed on a foundation degree in a number of ways. It’ll help to develop your knowledge of core underpinning scientific concepts, as well as subject knowledge specifically related to your chosen subject area. With our focus on building practical skills; you’ll gain confidence and competence in both the laboratory and fieldwork. Alongside this, the development of your academic study skills will help to boost your research competencies and overall employability. You will study at our thriving Newquay campus, set against an inspirational backdrop of wild and rugged headland, sheltered coves, freshwater streams, saltmarsh and sprawling estuaries. For over 20 years, Cornwall College Newquay has inspired thousands of science graduates to make a difference, using their passion as a guide. Our small supportive group sizes and friendly experienced tutors create a family-feel that’s unlike any university experience you will have seen. Another benefit is the contact you’ll get with academic staff teaching at higher levels, ranging from formal tutorials and lessons to attendance at oral and poster presentation sessions. So, what are you waiting for? The Science Gateway programme is the ideal way to progress onto your foundation degree, knowing that you are well-prepared, not just to achieve but to excel.

Following on from the Science Gateway year you may then progress onto FdSc Zoology with Ecology and Conservation. More than ever before, the natural world needs our help. We need to set our sights on understanding the big issues that stand in the way of a sustainable future. Issues like deforestation, habitat fragmentation and the unprecedented decline of wildlife populations across the globe. These are problems that won’t solve themselves, and it’s the talent and passion of graduates that will drive the necessary science to get our natural world back on track. We’ve designed our FdSc Zoology with Ecology and Conservation programme with this in mind. Emphasising practical skills underpinned by a strong academic and scientific core, and placing employability and real-world relevance squarely at the heart of what the course is all about. The modules themselves provide a solid grounding in the basics of ecological theory, survey techniques, statistics and scientific report writing.

You’ll look at how organisms have adapted to their environments, and in some cases, how they’ve changed the ecology around them. The fundamentals of zoology will also be covered - looking at the diversity of life and how evolution has led to the organisms we see today. You’ll be building your practical skillset throughout; collecting data, surveying and monitoring wildlife in their natural habitat. You’ll gain experience using GIS, operating machinery such as chainsaws or brush cutters and working towards licences to work with species such as bats or dormice. Exactly the type of hands-on field experience that employers are looking for. The second year of study gives you the space to specialise, and you can choose to focus on global conservation or in conservation closer to home. This can mean rewilding or habitat restoration or protected species survey or reintroduction programmes. As well as an ongoing 20-year partnership with Newquay Zoo, the college has strong ties with Cornwall Wildlife Trust, Newquay Marine Group, Cornwall Birds and many more. This allows industry-focused, ground-roots conservation work experience to be embedded directly into your programme of study.

What You Will Learn

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
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
This module introduces learners to the key principles of chemistry - no prior knowledge is required. Beginning with atomic theory the module progresses to chemical bonding and organic chemistry. Finally, the module includes an introduction to environmental chemistry with a focus on plastics and pollutants. Theory is supported by practical work.

Fieldwork Techniques
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
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
This module helps refresh basic mathematical and literacy skills needed to start in Higher Education and develops research and study skills needed for success.
First year modules include:
- Skills for Scientific Success
- Fundamentals of Ecology
- Diversity of Life
- Wildlife Survey Techniques
- Expedition techniques
- Animal Ecophysiology

Second year modules Include:
- Ecological Conservation in Practice
- GIS for Conservation
- Population and Community Ecology
- Individual Research Project
- Global Conservation Issues (optional)
- One Plan Conservation (optional)
- Protected Species Survey (optional)
- Ecological Restoration: Applications and Management (optional)

Entry Requirements

Functional Skills
GCSE (or equivalent)

L2 Literacy and L2 Numeracy

Minimum of Grade C/grade 4 in Maths, English Language and Science

AS/A Levels

64 UCAS tariff points to include A2 level in appropriate subjects

BTEC National Diploma/Extended Diploma

BTEC L3 Diploma

BTEC 90 Credit Diploma/Subsidiary Diploma

64 UCAS tariff points – MPP grades in an appropriate subject

64 UCAS tariff points – MM grades in an appropriate subject

72 UCAS tariff points – in an appropriate subject and considered only for mature students or exceptional circumstances

City & Guilds (land based) L3 Diploma

City & Guilds (land based) Extended Diploma

City & Guilds (land based) Advanced Technical Extended Diploma

City & Guilds (land based) 90 Credit Diploma

64 UCAS tariff points – MM grades in an appropriate subject

64 UCAS tariff points - MPP grades in an appropriate subject

64 UCAS tariff points – MPP grades in an appropriate subject

72 UCAS tariff points – in an appropriate subject and considered only for mature students or exceptional circumstances

Access to HE Diploma

Year 0
Successful completion of Access to HE Diploma with at least 64 credits at level 3 in an appropriate subject plus English and maths at Level 2

Students will ideally have GCSEs (or equivalent) in both English and maths. Students may be accepted with just one of these, but would need to commit to completing the other alongside the Science Gateway. This can be discussed at interview.

Assessment

Mix of Coursework, Exam and Practical

Progression

Level 6 BSc (Hons) Applied Zoology (Newquay)
BSc (Hons) Environmental Resource Management (Newquay)

Newquay University Centre Cornwall College

Newquay University Centre Cornwall College

Newquay University Centre Cornwall College is a small but vibrant campus specialising in university level courses focussing on the environment. For over 20 years, we have inspired hundreds of students to make that all-important difference, using their passion as a guide. Our dedicated higher education campus is home to the marine science, zoology and surf stars of the future.

Championing #generationrestoration, this campus may be small, but its students and staff have a big impact on our planet and its future wellbeing. Likeminded individuals come together to undertake international, award-winning research, meaning when their incredible time at Newquay is done, they move onto fantastic and important careers.

It’s why you should definitely consider Newquay University Centre Cornwall College for your #careercollege experience.

Find out more about studying at Newquay

Find out more about our Newquay campus

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