Academic Partnerships Template
Plymouth University
Academic Partnerships
Duchy College
Stoke Climsland
Programme Quality
Handbook for
FdSc Conservation and Countryside Management
2014 – 15
Academic Partnerships Teaching, Learning and Assessment Handbook 2014-15
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Contents
1.
Welcome and Introduction to Conservation and Countryside Management ........................................... 3
2.
Programme Specification ........................................................................................................................... 3
3.
Module Records ....................................................................................................................................... 17
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1. Welcome and Introduction to FdSc Conservation and Countryside Management.
Welcome to the Foundation Degree in Conservation and Countryside Management.
This programme has been designed to equip you with the skills and knowledge base required to work in
your chosen specialism or other graduate opportunities. It is also a platform from which you can undertake
additional vocational and academic qualifications.
This Programme Quality handbook contains important information including:
 The approved programme specification
 Module records
Note: the information in this handbook should be read in conjunction with the current edition of the
College / University Student handbook available at (college to add link) which contains student support
based information on issues such as finance and studying at HE along with the University’s Student
Handbook - https://www1.plymouth.ac.uk/studenthandbook and your Teaching, Learning and Assessment
Handbook available on your programme virtual learning environment.
2. Programme Specification
On the following pages you will find the specification for your programme; this provides a detailed
overview of the programme as a whole. It explains what you will learn and how you will be assessed
throughout the two stages of your Foundation Degree. The Programme Learning Outcomes Map specifies
the knowledge and skills you will develop at each stage of your Foundation Degree.
Awarding Institution:
Teaching Institution:
Accrediting Body:
Final Award:
Intermediate Awards:
Programme Title:
UCAS Code:
Plymouth University
Duchy College, Rosewarne
Foundation Degree (FdSc) Conservation and Countryside Management
Certificate of Higher Education in Conservation and Countryside
Management
Foundation Degree (FdSc) Conservation and Countryside Management
DN4F Qualification
Benchmark (FDQB):
The FDQB has been adhered to during the design of the programme. The
QAA Subject Benchmark covering Agriculture, Forestry, Agricultural Sciences,
Food Sciences and Consumer Sciences (at intermediate level) have been used
to inform the design of the programme along with the FHEQ (Framework for
Higher Education Qualification) at intermediate level.
Date Produced:
April 2006
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Normal Admissions Criteria:
Qualification(s) Required for Entry to
the FdA or FdSc
Candidates must have:
Key Skills requirement
GCSEs required at Grade C and above
Plus at least one of the following:
A Levels required: AS/A2/UCAS Points
Tariff
BTEC National Certificate/Diploma
HNC/D
VDA: AGNVQ, AVCE, AVS
Access to HE
International Baccalaureate
Irish/Scottish Highers/Advanced
Highers
Work Experience
Comments
Normally level 3
Normally maths English and science
100 UCAS tariff points with 1 A Level
National Diploma at PPM
Pass level
Merit level
Pass (normally science)
24
2 D level passes
Substantial relevant experience in the field
Other non-standard awards or
experiences
APEL/APCL possibilities
(www.plymouth.ac.uk)
Interview/portfolio requirements
Criminal Record Bureau (CRB) check
required
Additional Requirements
If a student wishes to claim either APCL/APEL they
will need to provide evidence of having experienced
areas covered in a
module or modules
previously. All claims for APCL/APEL will be carried
out in accordance with the UoP academic
regulations.
The College reserves the right to interview all
applicants
Mature students would have to demonstrate at
interview the necessary motivation, potential,
experience and /or knowledge.
No
Disabilities: the course welcomes applications form
students with disabilities and is committed to its
inclusive policy. In order to be more learner centred
the college requests that all applications be
considered individually and in consultation with
course manager.
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Aims of the Programme:
The programme is intended to ……..
 Give students an understanding of the underlying ecological principles and environmental
pressures faced by the wildlife and the countryside; and the ability to analyse the decision
process behind conservation management decisions.
 Provide an innovative, broad-based and work-related programme developed in consultation
with the Conservation industry
 Develop the students’ knowledge of Countryside management issues; and enhance practical and
vocational skills in preparation for employment within the diverse sectors of Conservation.
 Develop the students’ theoretical and scientific knowledge, practical and study skills to enable
participation in further study at degree level in relevant subject areas.
 Meet the College’s and University of Plymouth’s mission statements and core values.
Programme Learning Outcomes:
By the end of this programme the student will be able to:
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Further develop their interest in conservation and science.
Develop learning, organisational and planning skills and qualities important to personal and
career life. Show an enhanced understanding of how the Countryside and conservation sector
works.
Apply underlying concepts and ecological principles essential to the understanding of the
management of important wildlife sites.
Deal with people in order to work effectively and constructively with other employees within
conservation organisations.
Understand techniques and methods used for monitoring, surveying and recording wildlife and
habitats.
Demonstrate an ability to comprehend the skills relevant to industry standards and encourage
adaptability in and an ability to identify the need to develop new skills where necessary.
Understand the conflicting pressures faced by the natural environment when affected by human
activities such as agriculture, tourism and climate change. Know how to meet the needs of
visitors to the countryside.
Distinctive Features of the Programme

Located between Portreath and Camborne in the south west of Cornwall, Duchy Rosewarne is a
beautiful site at which to study. Our new Higher Education buildings, plus links with the Cornwall
Wildlife Trust, National Trust, Natural England, RSPB, Cornwall County Council, and other
organisations and partner colleges allows access to industrial links, libraries and IT facilities for
study. The programme hugely benefits from the presence of an abundance of a vast variety of
different habitats for wildlife within easy reach of the Campus.

Delivery at Duchy College Rosewarne is ideal for mature students or students who wish for a Higher
Education experience where support for the individual is maximised. As a partner college of the
University of Plymouth we operate with smaller group sizes than traditional HE programmes and can
therefore provide a different learning experience.
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
The Modules are designed to be diverse and challenging in their delivery mode. There will be
considerable opportunity for study in the field, learning hands on a range of the techniques used by
industry. Many of the modules are ‘blended’ to allow study in a variety of non-conventional
patterns.
Teaching Methods and Assessments
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A: Development of Knowledge and Understanding
Learning and Teaching Strategy/Method
Recall knowledge based on the directly taught
programme.
Demonstrate an understanding of subject-specific
theories, paradigms, concepts and principles.
Achieve a level of specialist knowledge and
understanding which allows them to work adaptably
within the broad agricultural industry or a cognate
field of activity.
Be able to follow current practice and adapt to
future developments.
Recognise the existence of moral and ethical issues
associated with the subject.
Appreciate the need for professional codes of
conduct.
Be aware of the ethical issues related to the use and
exploitation of biological entities
Be aware of risk assessment, accident prevention
and safety issues in [conservation related]
agricultural practice
Primary
Lectures and tutorials
Directed independent study
Learning from work experience
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Secondary
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Case studies
Problem-solving exercises
NB: Benchmark References
Assessment
Agriculture, forestry, agricultural sciences, food
sciences and consumer sciences Benchmark Page 9,
13, 17, 18, 19
Key knowledge and understanding is
assessed via a combination of multiple
choice tests, examinations, essays,
presentations and seminar
performances.
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B: Cognitive and Intellectual Skills
Learning and Teaching Strategy/Method
Critiques and an understanding of rival theories and
frameworks
Intelligent application of appropriate principles in
assessing policy or practice
Problem solving and research skills
Analyse, synthesise and summarise information
Demonstrate the ability to consider issues from a
range of multi-disciplinary and inter-disciplinary
perspectives
Use a range of information sources, Appraise
academic literature and other sources of
information
Plan, conduct and present an independent
investigation with reliance on guidance
Relate investigations to some prior work and to
reference appropriately
Accept some responsibility for one’s actions
Identify targets for personal, career and academic
development
Be adaptable and have a flexible approach to study
and work
Develop some skills necessary for self-managed and
lifelong learning (e.g. independent study, time
management, organisational skills).
Recognise personal strengths and weaknesses
Primary
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Secondary
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NB: Benchmark References
Agriculture, forestry, agricultural sciences, food
sciences and consumer sciences Benchmark P 9, 10,
13
Class exercises
Tutorial/seminar discussions
Feedback via coursework assessment
process (essays etc)
For example:
Policy and practice analysis in surgeries
Computer-based practicals on data and
measurement problems
Assessment
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Assessed discussions
Essays/projects/dissertations
Examinations/tests
Coursework/group work on practical
application questions
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C: Key Transferable Skills
Learning and Teaching Strategy/Method
Literary and information processing
Self-management
Communication (oral, written, CIT)
Numeracy/quantitative skills (reflection etc)
Make contributions to group discussions
Listen to others
Organise a team and make some contribution to
team work
Identify team goals and reflect on team
performance
Recognise and respect the views of others
Recognise the existence of moral and ethical issues
associated with the subject
Appreciate the need for professional codes of
conduct
Primary
NB: Benchmark References
Assessment
Agriculture, forestry, agricultural sciences, food
sciences and consumer sciences Benchmark P 11, 12
Library and other research exercises
Group work awareness and practice
Computer-based learning and
assessment
Secondary
Class and seminar interactions and
feedback
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Coursework of all types
Examination preparation and completion
Assessed discussions
Group work assessments
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D: Practical Skills
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Computer and information technology skills
Presentation and oral communication skills
Communicate to a variety of audiences in written,
graphical and verbal forms
Vocational specifics
Use appropriate laboratory and field equipment
safely
Apply a range of methods and technologies to solve
problems
Describe and record in the field and laboratory
Present results of investigations in a number of
formats; Process and interpret data with guidance
Recognise when information is incomplete
Appreciate risk
Solve straightforward numerical problems using
appropriate techniques
Learning and Teaching Strategy/Method
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NB: Benchmark References
Agriculture, forestry, agricultural sciences, food
sciences and consumer sciences Benchmark P10, 11,
12
Laboratory work
Projects
Designated tasks
Lectures and tutorials
Learning from work
Assessment
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Project work
Competence in a range of businessrelated communication techniques
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Intended Learning Outcomes Map
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1
Graduate Attributes and Skills
Core Programme Intended Learning Outcomes
(as worded in the Programme Specification)
The FHEQ requirements are already given here in italics
Knowledge/ Understanding
knowledge of the underlying concepts and principles associated with
their area(s) of study, and an ability to evaluate and interpret these
within the context of that area of study or principles of their area(s) of
study
Recall knowledge based on the directly taught programme.
Demonstrate an understanding of subject-specific theories,
paradigms, concepts and principles.
Achieve a level of specialist knowledge and understanding which
allows them to work adaptably within the broad agricultural industry
or a cognate field of activity.
Be able to follow current practice and adapt to future developments.
Recognise the existence of moral and ethical issues associated with
the subject.
Appreciate the need for professional codes of conduct.
Be aware of the ethical issues related to the use and exploitation of
biological entities
Be aware of risk assessment, accident prevention and safety issues in
[conservation related] agricultural practice
2
Aim
a/d
a/d
a/c
c/d
b/c
a
a/ b / c / d
Certificate Level
3
Subject
Benchmark
Agriculture,
Forestry,
Agricultural
Sciences,
food sciences
and
consumer
sciences
(AFAS)
benchmark p
9
4
Related Core Modules
All Stage 4 modules
AFAS
benchmark p
13
a/ c/ d
a/ c/ d
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Intended Learning Outcomes Map
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1
Graduate Attributes and Skills
Core Programme Intended Learning Outcomes
(as worded in the Programme Specification)
The FHEQ requirements are already given here in italics
Cognitive / Intellectual Skills (generic)
an ability to present, evaluate, and interpret qualitative and
quantitative data, to develop lines of argument and make sound
judgements in accordance with basic theories and concepts of their
subject(s) of study
Critiques and an understanding of rival theories and frameworks
Intelligent application of appropriate principles in assessing policy or
practice
Problem solving and research skills
Analyse, synthesise and summarise information
Demonstrate the ability to consider issues from a range of multidisciplinary and inter-disciplinary perspectives
Use a range of information sources, Appraise academic literature and
other sources of information
Plan, conduct and present an independent investigation with reliance
on guidance
Relate investigations to some prior work and to reference
appropriately
Accept some responsibility for one’s actions
Identify targets for personal, career and academic development
Be adaptable and have a flexible approach to study and work
Develop some skills necessary for self-managed and lifelong learning
(e.g. independent study, time management, organisational skills).
Recognise personal strengths and weaknesses
2
Aim
Certificate Level
3
Subject
Benchmark
AFAS
benchmark p
9
4
Related Core Modules
All Stage 4 modules
a
b/d
b/c
b/c/d
b/c/d
AFAS
benchmark p
10
AFAS
benchmark p
13
b/c
a/b/c
c/d
a
b/c
c
a/ b/ c/ d
c/d
b/c
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Intended Learning Outcomes Map
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1
Graduate Attributes and Skills
Core Programme Intended Learning Outcomes
(as worded in the Programme Specification)
The FHEQ requirements are already given here in italics
Key / Transferable Skills (generic)
evaluate the appropriateness of different approaches to solving
problems related to their area(s) of study and/or work
communicate the results of their study/work accurately and reliably,
and with structured and coherent arguments
Literary and information processing
Self-management
Communication (oral, written, CIT)
Numeracy/quantitative skills (reflection etc)
Make contributions to group discussions
Listen to others
Organise a team and make some contribution to team work
Identify team goals and reflect on team performance
Recognise and respect the views of others
Recognise the existence of moral and ethical issues associated with
the subject
Appreciate the need for professional codes of conduct
2
Aim
b/c
a/c/d
a/d
c
a/b
a / b/ c
b/c/d
b/c
b/c
b/c
b/c
Certificate Level
3
Subject
Benchmark
FAS
benchmark p
11
AFAS
benchmark p
12
4
Related Core Modules
FCCM101 /
FCCM102 /
FCCM104 /
FCCM107
a/b/c/
d
a/b/c/
d
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Academic Partnerships Template
Intended Learning Outcomes Map
1
Graduate Attributes and Skills
Core Programme Intended Learning Outcomes
(as worded in the Programme Specification)
The FHEQ requirements are already given here in italics









Knowledge/ Understanding
knowledge of the underlying concepts and principles associated with their
area(s) of study, and an ability to evaluate and interpret these within the
context of that area of study or principles of their area(s) of study
Recall knowledge based on the directly taught programme.
Demonstrate an understanding of subject-specific theories, paradigms,
concepts and principles.
Achieve a level of specialist knowledge and understanding which allows
them to work adaptably within the broad agricultural industry or a cognate
field of activity.
Be able to follow current practice and adapt to future developments.
Recognise the existence of moral and ethical issues associated with the
subject.
Appreciate the need for professional codes of conduct.
Be aware of the ethical issues related to the use and exploitation of
biological entities
Be aware of risk assessment, accident prevention and safety issues in
[conservation related] agricultural practice
Certificate Level
2
Aim
3
Subject
Benchmark
4
Related Core Modules
a/d
a/d
a/c
c/d
b/c
a
a/ b / c / d
a/ c/ d
Agriculture
Forestry,
Agricultural
Sciences,
food
sciences
and
consumer
sciences
(AFAS)
benchmark
p9
All Stage 4
modules
AFAS
benchmark
p 13
a/ c/ d
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Academic Partnerships Template
Intended Learning Outcomes Map
1
Graduate Attributes and Skills
Core Programme Intended Learning Outcomes
(as worded in the Programme Specification)
The FHEQ requirements are already given here in italics














Certificate Level
Cognitive / Intellectual Skills (generic)
an ability to present, evaluate, and interpret qualitative and quantitative
data, to develop lines of argument and make sound judgements in
accordance with basic theories and concepts of their subject(s) of study
Critiques and an understanding of rival theories and frameworks
Intelligent application of appropriate principles in assessing policy or
practice
Problem solving and research skills
Analyse, synthesise and summarise information
Demonstrate the ability to consider issues from a range of multi-disciplinary
and inter-disciplinary perspectives
Use a range of information sources, Appraise academic literature and other
sources of information
Plan, conduct and present an independent investigation with reliance on
guidance
Relate investigations to some prior work and to reference appropriately
Accept some responsibility for one’s actions
Identify targets for personal, career and academic development
Be adaptable and have a flexible approach to study and work
Develop some skills necessary for self-managed and lifelong learning (e.g.
independent study, time management, organisational skills).
Recognise personal strengths and weaknesses
2
Aim
a
3
Subject
Benchmark
Related Core Modules
AFAS benchmark
p9
b/d
b/c
b/c/d
b/c/d
AFAS
benchmark p
10
b/c
AFAS
benchmark p
13
a/b/c
4
All Stage 4
modules
c/d
a
b/c
c
a/ b/ c/ d
c/d
b/c
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College: Cornwall College 2707
Year: 2014/2015
PU Course Code: 3622
Programme: FdSc Conservation and Countryside Management
Mode of Attendance: Full Time
Total Credits: 240
Stage 1
Module Code
Module Title
CORR145
CORR144
FCCM103
FCCM104
CORC1013C
IEM102
Ecological Survey Techniques
Habitat Management for Conservation
Practical Conservation Skills
Field Botany
Personal and Employability Skills
Development
Biodiversity
Module Code
Module Title
CORR2000B
CORR2007
FCCM207
FCCM208
CORR2008
CORR225
CORR226
Research Project
British Countryside
Marine Coastal and Freshwater Ecology
Environmental Education
Ecology
Wildlife Identification and Recording
Conservation Business Management
No. of
Credits
20
20
20
20
20
Core /
Optional
Core
Core
Core
Core
Core
20
Core
No. of
Credits
20
20
20
20
20
10
10
Core /
Optional
Core
Core
Core
Core
Core
Core
Core
Stage 2
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Academic Partnerships Template
College: Cornwall College 2707
Year: 2014/2015
PU Course Code: 3622
Programme: FdSc Conservation and Countryside Management
Mode of Attendance: Part Time
Total Credits: 240
Year 1
Module Code
Module Title
CORR145
CORR144
IEM102
Ecological Survey Techniques
Habitat Management for Conservation
Biodiversity
No. of
Credits
20
20
20
Core /
Optional
Core
Core
Core
No. of
Credits
20
20
20
Core /
Optional
Core
Core
Core
No. of
Credits
10
10
20
20
Core /
Optional
Core
Core
Core
Core
No. of
Credits
20
20
20
Core /
Optional
Core
Core
Core
Year 2
Module Code
Module Title
FCCM103
FCCM104
CORC1013C
Practical Conservation Skills
Botany Field
Personal and Employability Skills
Development
Year 3
Module Code
Module Title
CORR225
CORR226
CORR2007
CORR2008
Wildlife Identification and Recording
Conservation Business Management
British Countryside
Ecology
Module Code
Module Title
FCCM207
FCCM208
CORR2000B
Marine Coastal and Freshwater Ecology
Environmental Education
Research Project
Year 4
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3. Module Records
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