FdSc Marine Conservation

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.

• 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.

• 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

• Ecology of Aquatic Systems (CORN128)

  This module introduces students to the ecology of natural freshwater and marine environments. It involves the application of basic field study techniques during fieldwork.

• Marine Survey Techniques (CORN135)

• Marine Science (CORN172)

  This module provides students with an understanding of the key concepts of the science surrounding the aquatic environment and practical laboratory skills. Students will also design an experiment into an aspect of the aquatic environment.

Final year

Core 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.

• Marine Conservation in Practice (CORN236)

• Fish Ecology (CORN290)

  This module provides an introduction to the biology, population dynamics and behavioural ecology of marine and freshwater fish

• Marine Invertebrates (CORN291)

  This module provides an introduction to the biology and ecology of keystone marine invertebrates including cnidarians, molluscs, crustaceans, and echinoderms with particular reference to local species in Cornwall and south-west England. Emphasis will be directed to the major conservation issues surrounding marine invertebrates and their importance within the marine foodweb.

• Individual Research Project (NQS219)

  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.

Optional modules

• Husbandry and Conservation of Aquatic Organisms (CORN2015)

  This module considers the scientific principles required to establish and maintain aquaria and explores conservation issues and practices as they apply to aquatic organisms

• 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

• Education and Interpretation in Public Spaces (CORN219)