Cornwall College

BSc (Hons) Applied Zoology and Conservation

The Cornwall College Group offers a wide range of undergraduate programmes across eight campuses throughout Cornwall and Devon, including Bicton College, Cornwall College, Duchy College and Falmouth Marine School. We offer specialist courses designed with employers and delivered by industry professionals. During your studies you will get the opportunity to work on live projects and start your career before you even graduate.

Course details

  • Year 1

  • Core modules

    • Fundamentals of Biology (CORN1000)

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

    • Field Survey Techniques (CORN1001)

      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

    • Diversity, Classification and Evolution (CORN1002)

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

    • Health and Welfare of Animals (CORN1003)

      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.

    • Key Professional Skills (CORN1005)

      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

    • Animals and their Environment (CORN163)

  • Year 2

  • Core modules

    • Global Conservation Issues (CORN2016)

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

    • Vertebrate Zoology and Conservation (CORN241)

    • Population Genetics and Community Ecology (CORN273)

    • Research Methods and GIS for Zoology (CORN276)

    • Zoological Conservation in Practice (CORN2022)

      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

    • Marine Vertebrate Biology and Conservation (CORN2018)

      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.

    • Advanced Ecology and Survey Techniques (CORN292)

  • Year 3

  • Core modules

    • Conservation Project Management (CORN314)

    • Conservation Genetics (CORN315)

    • Placement Project (CORN326)

    • Honours Project (CORN328)

      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

    • Zoology and Conservation of Aquatic Ecosystems (CORN304)

      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.

    • Wildlife Conservation (CORN313)

      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.

    • Monitoring Marine Ecosystems (CORN316)

  • Final year

  • Optional modules

    • Placement Project (CORN326)

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.

In light of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, the changeable nature of the situation and any updates to government guidance, we may need to make further, last minute adjustments to how we deliver our teaching and learning on some or all of our programmes, at any time during the academic year. We want to reassure you that even if we do have to adjust the way in which we teach our programmes, we will be working to maintain the quality of the student learning experience and learning outcomes at all times.
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.
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.

Support is also available to overseas students applying to the University from our International Office via our how to apply webpage or email admissions@plymouth.ac.uk.

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