Nottingham Trent University Course Specification Basic Course Information 1 Awarding Institution: Nottingham Trent University 2 School/Campus: School of Animal, Rural & Environmental Sciences / Brackenhurst Campus 3 Final Award, Course Title and Modes of Study: BSc (Hons) Environmental Conservation (Full Time, Part Time, Sandwich) 4 Normal Duration: FT 3 years, SW 4 years, PT 5 years 5 UCAS code: DN42 6 Overview and general educational aims of the course The BSc Environmental Conservation gives you a wide understanding of the environment and prepares you for the type of work available in this field. The degree focuses on the technical and scientific skills and knowledge needed to understand environmental problems, including methods of ecological investigation and assessment of the social and economic issues associated with rural communities. Many potential vocational roles within the rural environment are therefore encompassed. The subjects studied range from the habitat management used to maintain and improve the environment through to environmental impact assessment and local planning for sustainability. You will develop the skills required to carry out ecological surveys (including the use of GIS and mapping), pollution monitoring and to manage a diversity of habitats giving you as wide a choice of careers as possible. A special feature of the course is that the estate at Brackenhurst is used for practice of wildlife surveying skills and practical conservation. You will also study the impact of human intervention on the land with visits to many local sites where you will see examples of intensive farming, former coal fields and urban sites. The course has strong links with industry with delivery by those involved in related industries on a number of modules, representing a broad range of countryside-related industries, statutory bodies, environmental consultancies and the voluntary sector. The course includes an optional sandwich placement of one year whereby you can be involved in environmental conservation with a company, organisation or charity. Students are encouraged to adopt a professional, modern and relevant outlook on the issues affecting environmental conservation; they will be shaping the environment of the future. Updated July 2014 1
In summary the aims of the course are to: enable the students to understand, evaluate and engage in the place and role of the countryside management professions on a local, national and international basis. develop the students understanding, appreciation and ability to critically examine the issues associated with the natural environment. enable students to interpret and analyse information gathered through surveys and data collection, in order to be effective in scientific research and the management of the environment. develop the students understanding and appreciation of habitat management principles, sustainable development, legislation and ethics in their application to the work within the conservation sector. encourage students to develop an innovative, creative and enterprising attitude to problem solving and a commitment to continuous learning, training and personal development within the community and workplace. encourage students to be proactive, develop the ability to conceptualise, and to generate policy and management initiatives in dealing with conservation issues. develop students understanding and personal transferable skills set. equip students with the skills and knowledge to make an effective contribution to their chosen career and to wider society. 7 Course outcomes Course outcomes describe what you should know and be able to do by the end of your course if you take advantage of the opportunities for learning that we provide. Knowledge and understanding. By the end of the course you should be able to: Critically evaluate environmental issues (including sustainability and environmental impact) and current research (B). Use scientific knowledge and an understanding of legal principles to manage a range of habitats and natural resources (B). Design and undertake investigations of habitats, species and natural resources and use research methods in a range of applications (B). Appraise ethical conflict, objectively analyse arguments and apply reasoning to resolve conservation and policy issues and scientific problems (B). (B) = indicates those outcomes having specific reference to the QAA Subject benchmark statements, Agriculture, horticulture, forestry, food and consumer sciences. Skills, qualities and attributes. By the end of the course you should be able to: Demonstrate a range of key transferable skills such as the ability to communicate with confidence, both orally and in writing; good visual presentational skills; good analytical and problem-solving skills (B). Demonstrate the capacity for independent critical thought, rational inquiry and Updated July 2014 2
self-directed learning (B). Demonstrate the skills and confidence to make an effective contribution to their chosen career by prioritising, planning work, using time effectively and demonstrate a capacity for leadership and the ability to work collaboratively in teams. Demonstrate the ability to communicate and interact in a professional and ethical manner with land-based professionals, representatives of the land-based industries, the voluntary sector and the general public. Demonstrate critical self-awareness and considered self-improvement, recognition of and respect for the views, rights and dignity of others, and constructive engagement in public discourse and responsibility. (B) = indicates those outcomes having specific reference to the QAA Subject benchmark statements, Academic standards - agriculture, forestry, agricultural sciences, food sciences and consumer sciences. 8 Teaching and Learning Methods The BSc (Hons) Environmental Conservation course is delivered with a strong emphasis on an interdisciplinary approach. In some sessions you will develop subject knowledge through participation in lectures supported by seminars and practical work. A hands-on approach allows you to become involved in the subjects; discussion is encouraged and assessments are used to enable you to reflect on what you have learnt. You will experience visits to sites and visiting speakers to enhance your understanding of the modules. You will also be involved in surveying and data analysis in field work and this will improve team working skills and broaden your practical experience. A final year individual research project allows you to specialise in an area of environmental conservation that particularly interests you. The research undertaken during the module could be valuable when looking for employment and might be valuable to conservation organisations. The course emphasises independent learning and is structured to facilitate greater learner autonomy and self-directed learning by the final year. You are encouraged to read widely throughout the course to supplement and consolidate what is being taught. Students will undertake some assessments such as practice reports, desktop studies and give seminar presentations which help develop their study and communication skills without contributing to the module grades. 9 Assessment Methods The course uses a variety of assessment techniques to ensure that you can demonstrate the range of learning outcomes. Subject knowledge and understanding is mainly tested through assignments, reports, projects, posters, presentations and unseen examinations. Updated July 2014 3
These also assess a range of transferable skills, including confidence in written and oral communication. Knowledge acquisition at levels 4 and 5 is assessed partly through examinations and tests but at each level there is individual project work to encourage independent thought. At level 6, assessments involve a greater emphasis on independent research and critical evaluation in order to synthesise research hypotheses and management recommendations. These are used to develop skills and to differentiate between the levels of attainment of individual students. Research and field work skills are developed during Mapping and Vocational Skills and Wildlife Surveying at level 4, then at level 5 through Experimental Design, with an increasing level of autonomy and difficulty leading to the completion of the dissertation at level 6. 10 Course structure and curriculum This course has the format of a typical honours degree course. It takes three years to complete (if taken full-time) and leads to a Bachelor of Science degree with Honours. A part-time route is available which normally takes 5 years to complete. A sandwich course is also available allowing students the option to spend one year working in industry, taken between years 2 and 3. The course has been designed to develop subject knowledge and, at the same time, the skills to help you become more employable. Modules have been included to enhance and develop these attributes; one such module, Skills for Scientists, is designed to support your transition to this level of study and to help you towards your future career. The following schedule of modules has been devised to enable you to achieve the course outcomes. A curriculum map is available on request to identify how each module contributes to the course outcomes. BSc (Hons) Environmental Conservation Level 4 Biodiversity Conservation (20 credits) Ecology - Terrestrial and Water (20 credits) Landscapes and Land Use (20 credits) Mapping and Vocational Skills (20 credits) Skills for Scientists (20 credits) Wildlife Surveying (20 credits) Level 5 Applied Habitat Management (20 credits) Updated July 2014 4
Environmental Law and Policy (20 credits) Planning and Recreation (20 credits) Environmental Monitoring and GIS (20 credits) Natural Resource Management (20 credits) Experimental Design and Analysis (20 credits) Level 6 Dissertation (40 credits) Environmental Assessment & Management (20 credits) Global Agriculture and Food Security (20 credits) Advanced Ecology (20 credits) You can choose one module from the following options: African Ecosystems (20 credits) Wildlife Management (20 credits) Environmental Politics, Issues and Ethics (20 credits) (Please note that occasionally we may not be able to offer an option in a given year). Sandwich Award Students have the opportunity of taking a placement for one year between years two and three with employers such as the Environment Agency and with environmental consultancies. The placements focus on developing employment skills and a deeper understanding of the chosen sector of industry. The students will acquire transferable skills through placement work, as well as the chance to achieve a professional development qualification. Students who undertake the sandwich placement will be eligible for a Placement Diploma in Professional Practice award if they: a) satisfactorily complete at least 36 weeks of supervised work experience; b) receive satisfactory reports from the placement tutor and/or workplace supervisor in respect of the competencies or learning outcomes or experience gained; c) submit a satisfactory placement report. These arrangements are consistent with the University s new guidelines on the certification of placement activity. Interim Awards At the end of level 4 students completing all modules successfully but not progressing further are eligible for the Certificate of Higher Education. Those completing level 5 successfully but not progressing further are awarded the Diploma in Higher Education. Students who successfully complete levels 4 and 5 of the course and 60 credit points at level 6 are awarded an ordinary degree. Updated July 2014 5
Part-time routes A flexible approach to study allows students to access this course on a part-time basis. 11 Admission to the course Entry requirements For current information regarding all entry requirements for this course, please see the `Applying tab on the course information web page. 12 Support for Learning Student support is provided in the first instance through an induction programme during Welcome Week when you will be given all of the essential information about the course and the support we provide for your learning. During the year, further support if provided through the tutorial process for pastoral and academic support. You will be encouraged to enhance your skills for employment by the use of personal development planning. This process will allow you to develop your study and communication skills through a structured process. Support will be given to enable you to access the online tools for this. You will be given the opportunity to take up additional support as you need it. The University s Student Support Services have a centre at the Brackenhurst Campus. Additional learning support is provided for students with specific learning needs such as dyslexia. 13 Graduate destinations/ employability Potential employers were asked to contribute to the development of the course outcomes and content at its inception. Continued relevance of the course is ensured through contact with industry representatives. Students are encouraged to develop skills for work through activities in sessions, field trips and additional opportunities offered such as the experience of bird-ringing on site. Students are also encouraged to work in the industry during holidays and at weekends, either paid or voluntarily and during to undertake the industrial placement available between years 2 and 3. There is an increasing demand for enthusiastic graduates in this area for posts such as junior consultants in environmental consultancies. For those wishing to experience practical conservation, positions are available in Country and National Parks for wardens and rangers which cover a variety of responsibilities including educational and habitat management functions. Careers are available with charities and voluntary organisations who require self-motivated individuals capable of working independently, such as the Farming and Wildlife Advisory Group and the Wildlife Trusts. Updated July 2014 6
In local government and statutory organisations it is likely that graduates would begin their careers in junior posts but with two or three years experience could progress into management roles such as Project Officers for statutory agencies, Community Development Officers or Conservation Officers in local authorities. Research is another option for the graduate, either continuing with study at the University or progressing to other research centres. 14 Course standards and quality The quality of this course will be monitored through induction questionnaires, mid-year reviews, end-of-year reviews, module feedback questionnaires, School end-of-year questionnaires, statistical data and external examiners. Students are involved in the reviews and contribute to the maintenance of quality of the course. In addition, student feedback is obtained during tutorials which help to address concerns as they arise. The outcomes of the above inform quality management committees through the annual reporting process and inform action plans for the following year, leading to curriculum modifications and development. An action plan produced as a result of monitoring provides a focus for the course teams and the School. This is monitored through the course committees to ensure that the action loops are closed and there are no outstanding issues. As part of the University's quality management and enhancement processes all Schools undergo a Periodic School Review. The School of ARES was reviewed in April 2010 with very successful outcomes. 15 Assessment regulations This course is subject to the University s Common Assessment Regulations (located in its Academic Standards and Quality Handbook). Any course-specific assessment features are described below: The award classification will be calculated using 20% of the aggregate mark for level 5 and 80% of the aggregate grade at level 6. 16 Additional Information Collaborative partner(s): Course referenced to national QAA Benchmark Statements: Course recognised by: Date this course specification approved: Any additional information: None QAA Subject benchmark statements, Agriculture, horticultutre, forestry, food and consumer sciences None May 2012 Updated July 2014 7
Students will have the opportunity to interact with others on related courses and exchange ideas, thus broadening their experiences through attending modules undertaken by other students on countryside management and animal science courses. Fieldwork Students will be expected to make a financial contribution to the cost any field courses they undertake. You could visit Africa as part of the optional module African Ecosystems, at Level 6, which includes a 12 day residential field course in South Africa. This incorporates vegetation, invertebrate and vertebrate surveying techniques and provides the students with a unique opportunity to investigate overseas ecosystems. Updated July 2014 8