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Plymouth University

Academic Partnerships

FALMOUTH MARINE SCHOOL

Programme Quality HandbookFdSc Marine Science

Academic Year 2019-2020

1 | P a g eFdSc Marine Science Handbook (2019-2020)

If you require any part of this Handbook in larger print, or an alternative format, please contact:

HE Operations Tel: (01209 616256)

E-mail: ([email protected])

Please note:

All the information in this Handbook is correct at the time of printing.

The Cornwall College Group is proud of its teaching and research and it undertakes all reasonable steps to provide educational services in the manner set out in this Handbook and in any documents referred to within it. It does not, however, guarantee the provision of such services. Should industrial action or circumstances beyond the control of the College interfere with its ability to provide educational services, the University undertakes to use all reasonable steps to minimise the resultant disruption to those services.


Welcome and Introduction to FdSc Marine Science

May we begin by warmly welcoming you to the Foundation Degree in Marine Science. The College is delighted that you have chosen to study with us. We are sure you are going to have a great time here and will get a great deal from the programme.This Student Handbook is designed specifically for the Foundation Degree you are studying, the FdSc in Marine Science. In it you will find information about:

A. Who will be teaching and providing support to you B. What you will be studyingC. What particular opportunities are available for:

Work-based learning Professional accreditation (if relevant) The development of academic and employability skills Progression onto further study – especially honours degree routes

This Foundation Degree is designed to provide you with an understanding of marine science within the context of the dynamic world of both academic and vocational development. You will be given the opportunity to take part in a wide variety of learning experiences such as field trips, outside lectures, practical training and online discussion forumsNote: the information in this handbook should be read in conjunction with the current edition of the College Handbook which contains student support based information on issues such as finance and studying at HE along with the University’s Student Handbook available here: https://www.plymouth.ac.uk/your-university/governance/student-handbook .

Programme TeamProgramme Leader

Student support in the College is based in the staff room where you can find your programme leader (Craig Baldwin).

Name Role Tel EmailCraig Baldwin Programme

Manager, Marine Science

01326 310310 [email protected]

Module Leaders who you can contact with queries relating directly to their module(s).

Name Role Tel EmailLuke Marsh Module Leader 01326 310310 [email protected] Angela Webster

Module Leader 01326 310310 [email protected]

Rachel Green Module Leader 01326 310310 [email protected] Birt Module Leader 01326 310310 [email protected] Emily Theobold

Laboratory Technician

01326 310310 [email protected]

You will also have a Personal Tutor throughout your studies CORPORATE HE ASSISTANT REGISTRAR: Michelle (Mitch) Inglis . What does the Corporate HE Assistant Registrar (CHEAR) do? The CHEAR is your point of contact in HE Operations for all administrative paperwork to do with the programme. She can be contacted on: Telephone: 01209 617759 or Ext 3759. Email: [email protected]


mailto:[email protected]






https://www.plymouth.ac.uk/your-university/governance/student-handbook

PROGRAMME SPECIFICATION

Programme Title: FdSc Marine Science

Internal Partner Code: Full Time 2784, Part Time 5286

Partner Delivering Institution: Falmouth Marine School

Start Date: September 2019

First Award Date: FT – July 2021-22, PT – July 2023-24

Date(s) of Revision(s) to this Document: September 2018, 27th August 2019

This programme specification template aligns with recommendations within the UK Quality Code for Higher Education1. The information provided, by the programme proposer, in each section is definitively agreed between the delivering institution and Plymouth University at approval. Therefore any requests for changes to content (post the conditions set at approval) must follow Plymouth University’s procedures for making changes to partnership programmes2.

ContentsPS1. Programme Details........................................................................................................................5PS2. Brief Description of the Programme..............................................................................................5PS3. Details of Accreditation by a Professional/Statutory Body (If Appropriate)..................................5PS4. Exceptions to Plymouth University Regulations.............................................................................6PS5. Programme Aims...........................................................................................................................6PS6. Programme Intended Learning Outcomes (ILO)............................................................................6PS7. Distinctive Features.......................................................................................................................6PS8. Student Numbers...........................................................................................................................7PS9. Progression Route(s)......................................................................................................................7PS10. Admissions Criteria......................................................................................................................8PS11. Academic Standards and Quality Enhancement..........................................................................9PS12. Programme Structure................................................................................................................10PS13. Explanation & Mapping of Learning Outcomes, Teaching & Learning & Assessment................12PS14. Work Based/ Related Learning..................................................................................................16

1QAA, 2011, Chapter A3: The Programme Level, UK Quality Code for Higher Education: http://www.qaa.ac.uk/en/Publications/Documents/quality-code-A3.pdf , last accessed 28 th July 2014 [n.b. this includes ‘Appendix 2: Working with programme specifications: A leaflet for further education colleges’]2 If required please contact Academic Partnerships Programme Administration for assistance.


http://www.qaa.ac.uk/en/Publications/Documents/quality-code-A3.pdf

PS1. Programme Details

Awarding Institution: University Of PlymouthPartner Institution and delivery site (s): Falmouth Marine SchoolAccrediting Body: N/ALanguage of Study: EnglishMode of Study: Full time (2 years)Final Award: FdScIntermediate Award: Certificate of Higher Education (CertHE)Programme Title: Marine ScienceUCAS Code: F710HECOS Code: 100418, 100351Benchmarks: ES3 – Earth Sciences, Environmental Sciences

and Environmental Studies (only relevant areas have been consulted).QAA Foundation Degree Benchmark

Date of Programme Approval: August 2004

PS2. Brief Description of the ProgrammeThis text is definitively approved at programme approval and therefore may be directly used for promotion of the programme without the need for further confirmation (approx. 200-250 words)

With aquaria containing species that vary from native and marine ecosystems, an extensive range of sampling equipment and newly established marine laboratories, the marine school also offers an almost unprecedented range of facilities for its students. Our unique location also gives each student access to an ‘outdoor’ classroom that consists of the unique and varied marine habitats that can be found just a few minutes walk from the campus. The town of Falmouth also offers an exciting mix of social and recreational opportunities that fulfils the requirements of its diverse student population.

Many of our graduates go on to obtain both honours degrees and higher degrees with some of the most prestigious marine based academic institutions in the world. Former graduates have gone on to establish successful careers ranging from marine conservation, marine environment management, aquaculture, fisheries management, marine based research, marine exploration and development and marine recreation.

PS3. Details of Accreditation by a Professional/Statutory Body (If appropriate)

N/A


PS4. Exceptions to Plymouth University Regulations(Note: Plymouth University’s Academic Regulations are available internally on the intranet: https://staff.plymouth.ac.uk//extexam/academicregs/intranet.htm)

None

PS5. Programme Aims

This programme will deliver:

1. To meet the College’s and University of Plymouth’s mission statements and core values.2. To provide an innovative and broad-based programme of education focusing on all aspects

of the marine industry including environmental issues.3. To produce students who can demonstrate a range of academic and study skills to a level

that will enable them to be able to participate in further programmes of study.4. To develop students who can demonstrate a wide range of personal and

practical/vocational/transferable skills, this will enable them to be effective in seeking employment with the marine industry.

PS6. Programme Intended Learning Outcomes (ILO)

By the end of this programme the student will be able to:

Recognise the interdisciplinary of Marine Studies and demonstrate an appreciation of the contribution made by the natural and social sciences.

Demonstrate literacy in the terminology, classification and nomenclature practiced in the maritime field.

Describe the changing relationship between the systems of the marine environment and human development.

Fully understand the underlying scientific basis of marine ecosystems. Identify the natural processes at work at sea and on coastal regions. Understand the national and international dimension in marine environmental protection. Carry out scientific surveys.

PS7. Distinctive FeaturesWith staff that have established an international reputation and have a strong background in both marine academic studies and marine related employment, the course has established a particularly strong reputation for developing the skills required for progression on to some of the most prestigious academic institutions and employers in the world. With aquaria containing a range of native and tropical species, an extensive range of sampling equipment and newly established marine laboratories, the marine school also offers an almost unprecedented range of resources for its students. Our unique location also gives each student access to an ‘outdoor’ classroom that consists of the unique and varied marine habitats that can be found just a few minutes walk from the campus.


https://staff.plymouth.ac.uk//extexam/academicregs/intranet.htm

Foundation degrees lay emphasis on the concept of work-based learning together with the support required to develop strong academic skills required for progression on to honours degree programmes. The lectures are supported by a significant level of practical work including laboratory skills, such as water quality assessment and field work together with the opportunity to obtain industry specific experience or wider industry led qualifications including diving, boat handling and aquatic husbandry.

PS8. Student NumbersIn order to provide the optimum environment for academic standards to develop and the appropriate number of resources to be allocated, the following course numbers are given as guidance

Minimum student numbers per stage = 6

Target student numbers per stage = 25

Maximum student numbers per stage =34

PS9. Progression Route(s)Approved “progression route(s)” are those where successful achievement in this programme enables direct alignment to join a stage of another programme. This is an approach employed primarily for Foundation Degree students to “top-up” to complete a Bachelor degree, but may be employed for other award types.

This is in part an automated admissions criterion and therefore progression may be impacted on by availability of a position on the progression award; however progression opportunity, if not available in the first year of application, is guaranteed within 3 years.

Progression arrangements with institutions other than Plymouth University carry an increased element of risk. It is necessary for the delivering partner institution to obtain formal agreement from that institution to guarantee progression for existing students on the programme. For progression to Plymouth University, should there be the need to withdraw the progression route programme(s) then either this will be delayed to provide progression or appropriate solutions will be found. This arrangement is guaranteed for existing students that complete their programme of study with no suspensions or repeat years and who wish to progress immediately to the University.

Students completing the FdSc will be able to progress to stage 3 of the BSc (Hons) Environmental Resource Management /BSc (Hons) Environmental Science programme offered by Cornwall College and Plymouth University respectively.

There are a number of Plymouth University courses that past students have progressed to. This will be discussed during your academic year.

Students now also have the opportunity to progress on to the BSc (Hons) Zoology programme established at the Newquay branch of the College

Many students will choose to progress on to a range of honours degree programmes held at some of the most prestigious marine based universities within the UK and Europe, such as Plymouth, Southampton, Bangor


PS10. Admissions CriteriaQualification(s) Required for Entry to this Programme:

Details:

Level 2:- Functional Skills

requirement / Higher Level Diploma:

Level 2 Maths and English

and/or- GCSEs required at

Grade C or above: Maths C/grade 4, English C/grade 4, Science C/grade 4

Level 3: at least one of the following:

- AS/A Levels 48 UCAS points (to include at least 32 from A2 level) in a relevant subject

- Advanced Level Diploma:

48 UCAS points

- BTEC National Certificate/Diploma:

PPP grade for BTEC National Diploma

- VDA: AGNVQ, AVCE, AVS:

48 tariff points in a relevant subject

- Access to HE or Year 0 provision:

Successful completion of Access to HE Diploma with at least 45 credits at level 3 in an appropriate subject

- International Baccalaureate:

24 points

- Irish / Scottish Highers / Advanced Highers:

48 tariff points to include (32 for Scottish Advanced Highers and 32 for Irish Highers)

Work Experience: Normally assessed on interview

Other HE qualifications / non-standard awards or experiences:

Will be discussed and considered at interview

APEL / APCL3 possibilities:

http://www.holly.plymouth.ac.uk/studenthandbook/common/documents.asp

Interview / Portfolio requirements:

Mature students, over 21, with relevant experience, may be considered after interview.

Independent Safeguarding Agency (ISA) / Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) clearance required:

No

3 Accredited Prior Experiential Learning and Accredited Prior Certificated Learning


http://www.holly.plymouth.ac.uk/studenthandbook/common/documents.asp

PS11. Academic Standards and Quality EnhancementThe Programme Leader/Manager (or the descriptor) leads the Programme Committee in the Plymouth University’s annual programme monitoring process (APM), as titled at the time of approval. APM culminates in the production, maintenance and employment of a programme level Action Plan, which evidences appropriate management of the programme in terms of quality and standards. Any formally agreed changes to this process will continue to be followed by the Programme Leader/Manager (or other descriptor) and their Programme Committee.

Elements of this process include engaging with stakeholders. For this definitive document it is important to define:

Subject External Examiner(s):

An Interim visit by External Examiner (EE) (usually between January and February) will review work that has been marked, consult students and feed back to the programme manager and module leaders and course team.

Subject Assessment Panel (SAP) reviews the assessment marking and is scrutinised by the subject EE. Representatives of the team review and present their module marks for each student on the programme.

The annual Award Assessment Board (AAB) takes place with Programme Manager, the awarding body’s partnership member and the External to receive the students work and confer progression or award.

Additional stakeholders specific to this programme:

Students have the opportunity to discuss the programme independently, twice a year in the Student Review. This forms part of the discussion for the annual programme monitoring in the autumn and spring of each academic year.

The Student Perception Questionnaire (SPQ) is administered during the year and feeds into the programme review.

Students Representatives attend Annual Programme Monitoring (APM) to contribute student views alongside Module Leaders, the Programme Manager and the Assistant Registrar to monitor module delivery and the course provision.

Curriculum meetings take place once a month to review progression, department provision, resources and staffing


PS12. Programme Structure

College: Cornwall College, Falmouth Marine School Programme Title: FdSc Marine Science

Academic Year: 2019-2020Mode of AttendanceCourse Duration:

Full Time over 2 years

Plymouth Programme Code: 2784 Total Credits: 120 At Level 4120 At Level 5

FHEQ level: 4 & 5For: Full Time 2784

F/T Route YearWhen in Year? (I.e.

Autumn, Spring etc.)

Core or Option Module Credits Module

Year 1 – Stage 1Core 20 CORC1013 - Personal and Employability Skills DevelopmentCore 20 CORF107 - Practical Skills and Research MethodsCore 20 CORF108 - Coastal and Ocean ProcessesCore 10 CORF112 - Introduction to Marine ScienceCore 10 CORF113- Marine Resource ManagementCore 20 CORF122 - Benthic Biology ACore 20 CORF123 - Pelagic Biology A

Year 2 – Stage 2Core 20 CORF200 - Benthic Biology BCore 20 CORF246 – Marine Science in PracticeCore 20 CORF219 - Marine Spatial PlanningCore 20 CORF203 - Biology and Culture of Aquatic SpeciesCore 20 CORF204 - Oceanography and MeteorologyCore 20 CORF216 -Project

College: Cornwall College, Falmouth Programme Title: FdSc Marine Science


Marine School

Academic Year: 2019-2020Mode of AttendanceCourse Duration:

Full Time over 4 Years

Plymouth Programme Code: 5286 Total Credits: 120 At Level 4120 At Level 5

FHEQ level: 4 & 5For: Part Time 5286

F/T Route YearWhen in Year? (I.e.

Autumn, Spring etc.)

Core or Option Module Credits Module

Year 1 – Stage 1Core 20 CORC1013 - Personal and Employability Skills DevelopmentCore 20 CORF107 - Practical Skills and Research MethodsCore 10 CORF112 - Introduction to Marine ScienceCore 10 CORF113 - Marine Resource Management

Year 2 – Stage 1Core 20 CORF108 - Coastal and Ocean ProcessesCore 20 CORF122 - Benthic Biology ACore 20 CORF123 - Pelagic Biology A

Year 3 – Stage 2Core 20 CORF200 - Benthic Biology BCore 20 CORF246 – Marine Science in PracticeCore 20 CORF204 - Oceanography and Meteorology

Year 4 – Stage 2Core 20 CORF219 - Marine Spatial PlanningCore 20 CORF203 - Biology and Culture of Aquatic SpeciesCore 20 CORF216 - Project


PS13. Explanation and Mapping of Learning Outcomes, Teaching & Learning and Assessment

Developing graduate attributed and skills, at any level of HE, is dependent on the clarity of strategies and methods for identifying the attributes and skills relevant to the programme and where and how these are operationalised. The interrelated factors of Teaching, Learning and Assessment and how these are inclusive in nature, are fundamentally significant to these strategies and methods, as are where and how these are specifically distributed within the programme.

Ordered by graduate attributes and skills, the following table provides a map of the above, plus an exposition to describe and explain the ideas and strategy of each. Therefore, subsequent to the initial completion for approval, maintenance of this table as and when programme structure changes occur is also important:

FHEQ level: 4 & 5

Definitions of Graduate Attributes and Skills Relevant to this Programme

Teaching and Learning Strategy / Methods Prog Aims

Prog intended Learning Outcomes

Range of Assessments Related Core Modules

Knowledge / Understanding:

ES3-ref. 3.2Foundation degree ref. 27.1-4

By the end of this level of this programme the students will be able to demonstrate for a threshold pass:1. Identify the natural processes at work at

sea and on coastal regions2. Understand the international dimension in

marine science3. Determine appropriate and practical survey

strategies for coastal zones4. Apply practical techniques to sampling as

part of fieldwork based research

Primary: Assessed discussions Essays/projects/dissertations Examinations/tests Coursework/group work on

practical application questions

Secondary/Supplementary:None

1,2,3,4 1,2,3,4 (covering all outcomes)

Key knowledge and understanding is assessed via a combination of multiple choice tests, examinations, essays, presentations and seminar performances.

CORF 107 CORF 200CORF 108 CORF 203CORF 112 CORF 204CORF 113 CORF 216CORF 122 CORF 218CORF 219 CORF 219CORF 123


CORF 1013An explanation for embedding Knowledge and Understanding through Teaching & Learning and Assessment at this level of the programme:Teaching, learning and assessment are aligned to embed specific knowledge and understanding in the programme via a range of both applied and academic practices that reflects both the academic and vocational influences within the marine environment and employment fields.Cognitive and Intellectual Skills:ES3-ref. 3.3.4, 3.3.5, 3.3.8Foundation degree ref 27.5, 27.6By the end of this level of this programme the students will be able to demonstrate for a threshold pass:1. Integrate theory and practice2. Synthesise information /data from a variety

of sources3. Critically analyse and evaluate information4. Apply knowledge and understanding to

solve problems

Primary: Class exercises Tutorial/seminar discussions Feedback via coursework

assessment process (essays etc.)

Secondary/Supplementary: Policy and practice analysis

in surgeries Computer-based practical’s

on data and measurement problems

3,4 (covering all outcomes)

Assessed discussions Essays/projects/dissertations Examinations/tests Coursework/group work on


CORF 107 CORF 200CORF 108 CORF 203CORF 112 CORF 204CORF 113 CORF 216CORF 122 CORF 218CORF 219 CORF 219CORF 123CORF 1013

An explanation for embedding Cognitive and Intellectual Skills through Teaching & Learning and Assessment at this level of the programme:Teaching, learning and assessment are aligned to embed cognitive and intellectual skills in the programme via a range of both applied and academic practices that reflects both the academic and vocational influences within the marine environment and employment fields.Key Transferable Skills:ES3-ref. 3.3.6, 3.3.7, 3.3.9Foundation degree ref. 27.6, 27.8By the end of this level of this programme the students will be able to demonstrate for a threshold pass:1. Literary and information processing2. Self-management3. Communication (oral, written, CIT)4. Numeracy/quantitative skills (reflection

etc.)

Primary: Library and other research exercisesGroup work awareness and practiceComputer-based learning and assessmentSecondary/Supplementary:Class and seminar interactions

1,2,3,4 1,2,3,4 (covering all outcomes)

Coursework of all types Examination preparation and

completion Assessed discussions Group work assessments

CORF 107 CORF 200CORF 108 CORF 203CORF 112 CORF 204CORF 113 CORF 216CORF 122 CORF


and feedback 218CORF 219 CORF 219CORF 123CORF 1013

An explanation for embedding Key Transferable Skills through Teaching & Learning and Assessment at this level of the programme:Teaching, learning and assessment are aligned to embed transferable skills in the programme via a range of both applied and academic practices that reflects both the academic and vocational influences within the marine environment and employment fields.Employment Related Skills:

Fd ref – 27.8By the end of this level of this programme the students will be able to demonstrate for a threshold pass:Undertake further training and develop new skills within a structured and managed environment

Qualities and transferable skills necessary for employment requiring the exercise of personal responsibility

Primary: Assessed discussions Essays/projects/dissertations Coursework/group work on


Secondary/Supplementary:None.

3,4 (covering all)

Fd ref – 27.8

Assessed discussions Essays/projects/dissertations Examinations/tests Coursework/group work on


CORF 107 CORF 200CORF 108 CORF 203CORF 112 CORF 204CORF 113 CORF 216CORF 122 CORF 218CORF 219 CORF 219CORF 123CORF 1013

An explanation for embedding Employment Related Skills through Teaching & Learning and Assessment at this level of the programme:Teaching, learning and assessment are aligned to embed employment skills in the programme via a range of both applied and academic practices that reflects both the academic and vocational influences within the marine environment and employment fields.Practical Skills:ES3-ref. 3.3.5, 3.3.6, 3.3.7, 3.3.8Foundation degree ref 27.By the end of this level of this programme the students will be able to demonstrate for a threshold pass:1. Computer and information technology

skills

Primary: Laboratory work Projects Designated tasks Lectures and tutorials

1,2,3,4 (covering all)

ES3 ref – 3.3.5, 3.3.6, 3.3.7, 3.3.8Fd ref – 27.7

Project work

Competence in a range of business-related communication techniques

CORF 107 CORF 200CORF 108 CORF 203CORF 112 CORF


2. Presentation and oral communication skills3. Written communication4. Vocational specifics

Learning from work

Secondary/Supplementary:None.

(covering all)

204CORF 113 CORF 216CORF 122 CORF 218CORF 219 CORF 219CORF 123CORF 1013

An explanation for embedding Practical Skills through Teaching & Learning and Assessment at this level of the programme:Teaching, learning and assessment are aligned to embed specific practical skills in the programme via a range of both applied and academic practices that reflects both the academic and vocational influences within the marine environment and employment fields.


PS14. Work Based/ Related LearningWBL is an essential element of Foundation Degrees and therefore needs to be detailed here. However, for all types of HE Programmes there should be an element of employability focus through, at least, Work Related Learning, and therefore the following is applicable for all:

FHEQ level 4 & 5

WBL/WRL Activity: Logistics Prog Aim Prog Intended LO Range of Assessments Related Core Module(s)

Work experience period and reflection / log book

Learners are required to complete a minimum of 100 hours work experience and complete a log book evidencing the development of their work related practical skills

1,2Undertake and reflect upon a period of work experience

Work experience log book and associated reflection journal

CORF 218

An explanation of this map:Teaching, learning and assessment are aligned to embed WBL skills in the programme via a range of both applied and academic practices that reflects both the academic and vocational influences within the marine environment and employment fields.
