Cornwall College

BSc (Hons) Applied Zoology and Conservation

UCAS course code 0V47
Institution code C78
Duration

3 years

(+ optional placement)
Course type

Full-time
Study location Cornwall College (Newquay)
Apply at UCAS.com
From campuses across Cornwall and Devon, including at the Eden Project and in Newquay, we offer a wide range of university-level specialist courses, designed with employers and delivered by industry professionals, in subjects ranging from counselling, ecology, horticulture and marine biology to zoology. Recognised with a TEF Silver award for teaching and student outcomes, our courses emphasise professional technical skills, and benefit from direct one-to-one access to lecturers and personal wrap around support.

Course details

  • Year 1

  • Core modules

    CORN1000
    Fundamentals of Biology

    This biology-based module provides students with an understanding of the key biological concepts and practical skills which underpin the study of living organisms.

    CORN1001
    Field Survey Techniques

    This module equips students with the skills and knowledge to carry out field work using appropriate techniques, data handling and analysis, and effective communication of ecological information

    CORN1002
    Diversity, Classification and Evolution

    This module provides an introduction to the main characteristics of different forms of life on Earth and how they evolved.

    CORN1003
    Health and Welfare of Animals

    This module gives students an understanding of the ethical and practical considerations required to maintain health in animals in a variety of contexts and how to detect ill health.

    CORN1005
    Key Professional Skills

    This module parameterises the internal and external factors that defines the relevant employment sector, providing students with the knowledge and skills to begin positioning themselves professionally within that field. PESTLE factors for the industry will be covered as well as specific personal, professional and employability skills required for both academic study and the workplace

    CORN163
    Animals and their Environment

  • Year 2

  • Core modules

    CORN2016
    Global Conservation Issues

    This module explores the relationship between human societies and the natural environment, focussing on the consequences of anthropogenic activity on biodiversity

    CORN241
    Vertebrate Zoology and Conservation

    CORN273
    Population Genetics and Community Ecology

    CORN276
    Research Methods and GIS for Zoology

    CORN2022
    Zoological Conservation in Practice

    This module evaluates the relationship between the ethos and activities of organisations and their role in conservation. The module will have a practical application with student involvement in taxon specific surveys with an emphasis on UK native species, and an understanding of how these filter into conservation management strategies.

    Optional modules

    CORN2018
    Marine Vertebrate Biology and Conservation

    This module explores the functional biology of marine vertebrates, focussing especially on key conservation flagship species; elasmobranchs, marine reptiles, birds and marine mammals. A detailed understanding of feeding, physiological and morphological adaptations to the marine environment, locomotion and migration, social and reproductive behaviour will be explored and related to their conservation.

    CORN292
    Advanced Ecology and Survey Techniques

    CORN2028
    Primate Behavioural Ecology and Conservation

    This module explores some aspects of the behaviour of primates, including how they learn and behave in natural and captive situations, and how this research informs conservation strategies.

  • Year 3

  • Core modules

    CORN314
    Conservation Project Management

    CORN315
    Conservation Genetics

    CORN326
    Placement Project

    CORN328
    Honours Project

    This module allows students to explore in detail an academic subject of their choice. The module comprises a substantial research study element, which includes a literature review, experimental design, the collection, analysis and interpretation of data and report writing.

    Optional modules

    CORN304
    Zoology and Conservation of Aquatic Ecosystems

    This module focuses on recent advances in the biology, ecology and conservation of animal life within freshwater and marine environments, and addresses how conservation measures can ensure marine life and the marine environment can be utilised in a sustainable way.

    CORN313
    Wildlife Conservation

    This module allows students to examine the application of science to the practice of wildlife management and the impact of environmental law and policy on the biological outcomes for threatened species and ecosystems. The module has a strong emphasis on field-based experience with the added knowledge of GIS (Geographical Information Systems) to back up the practical applications, and link into WBL.

    CORN316
    Monitoring Marine Ecosystems

    CORN3006
    Applications of Zoology

    This module enables students to study and develop ideas related to selected zoological themes relevant to the work place or research situation. The student will explore these themes through the literature seminars and tutorials developing their own research skills

  • Final year

  • Core modules

    CORN326
    Placement Project

The modules shown for this course are those currently being studied by our students, or are proposed new modules. Please note that programme structures and individual modules are subject to amendment from time to time as part of the University’s curriculum enrichment programme and in line with changes in the University’s policies and requirements.

Fees, costs and funding
As this course is delivered by one of our partner colleges, please contact the college directly for information on fees and funding.

*UK Government announcement on tuition fees

Following an announcement in November, the government has confirmed its intention to increase undergraduate tuition fees for the 2025/26 academic year.

Subject to final Parliamentary approval (expected in early March 2025), the tuition fee for UK students is increasing to a maximum of £9,535 from 1 August 2025. This change applies to current and new students at the University of Plymouth. The Student Loans Company (SLC) has confirmed loans for tuition fees will be increased accordingly.

How to apply
All applications for undergraduate courses are made through UCAS (Universities and Colleges Admissions Service).
UCAS will ask for the information contained in the box at the top of this course page including the UCAS course code and the institution code.
To apply for this course and for more information about submitting an application including application deadline dates, please visit the UCAS website.

Our partnership with Cornwall College
The University of Plymouth has developed partnerships with institutions around the world with the sole purpose of making higher education more accessible to those people who need something just a little different.

Our Academic Partnerships enable students to enrol for a degree at a partnership institution closer to home, or engage in distance learning – even when they’re in the middle of the ocean. They are there for those people looking to return to education, or enhance their professional development. Full- or part-time; foundation degree to masters-level – we cater for a huge variety of needs and aspirations.

Many of our partners offer specialist degrees, unique facilities, and smaller class sizes at a competitive price. And as a student of two institutions, you get the best of both worlds; a supportive learning environment as part of a close-knit community, and a university-level qualification awarded by the University of Plymouth. You’ll enjoy not only the facilities and services your partnership institution provides, but also all of the additional support and resources you need from us, and you’ll automatically become a member of our Students’ Union, too.

We are continuing to grow the number of partner institutions and expand our academic community to new locations around the UK and overseas. Why not visit the Academic Partnerships page on our website for a full list of partners and for more details on studying with us?

One of our partners delivers this particular course – so please visit their website for full course details, entry requirements, tuition fees and information on what student life is like there. 

Open days

Partner college open days

This course is run at one of our partner colleges. Open days are held at the college and more details of these can be found on the college website. You'll find contact details below, on this page.

University of Plymouth open days

You are also very welcome to attend a University of Plymouth open day, to get a flavour of the courses you can progress to from a partner college. There will however be limited information on this specific course and college.

Studying with Cornwall College

Looking to study a specialist subject at university level? Want to do it in one of the most beautiful places in the world? Our wide range of courses gives you the chance to pick up the skills and experience you’ll need for your chosen profession.
Plymouth students working on a group project