Cornwall College

BSc (Hons) Applied Marine Zoology

UCAS course code 0B4X
Institution code C78
Duration

3 years
Course type

Full-time
Study location Cornwall College (Newquay)
Apply at UCAS.com
The Cornwall College Group offers a wide range of undergraduate courses across seven 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

    CORN1000
    Fundamentals of Biology

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

    CORN1002
    Diversity, Classification and Evolution

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

    CORN1005
    Key Professional Skills

    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

    CORN1009
    Ocean Ecology and Conservation

    There has never been a more urgent need to understand the life of our oceans and how this intricately and intrinsically linked to global health and our own well-being. This module aims (in compliment with the global ocean science module) to produce students who understand ocean ecology and are ocean literate by the definitions promoted by UNESCO.

    CORN1010
    Global Ocean Science

    The ocean covers 70% of the planet but remains poorly explored and understood. This module aims to explore the physical and chemical interdependencies of the ocean, and the terrestrial sphere. Complementary with the Ocean Ecology and Conservation module, it aims to produce students who can understand and communicate UNESCO ocean literacy principles.

    CORN1011
    Marine Survey Techniques

    This module is designed to introduce the skills needed to investigate marine life and habitats safely and responsibly. Theory of effective survey design is taught practically through a series of field, laboratory workshops. These will be reviewed, underpinned with class sessions to develop skills and understanding of survey design, data collection, data handling and analysis. Students will be introduced to the principles of GIS and how to use this to produce maps.

  • Year 2

  • Core modules

    CORN276
    Research Methods and GIS for Zoology

    CORN290
    Fish Ecology

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

    CORN291
    Marine Invertebrates

    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.

    CORN2018
    Marine Vertebrate Biology and Conservation

    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.

    Optional modules

    CORN236
    Marine Conservation in Practice

    CORN273
    Population Genetics and Community Ecology

    CORN2016
    Global Conservation Issues

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

  • Final year

  • Core modules

    CORN316
    Monitoring Marine Ecosystems

    CORN317
    GIS and Marine Environmental Management

    CORN328
    Honours Project

    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

    CORN305
    Communicating Zoology

    In this module you will explore how zoological science is effectively and appropriately communicated to a range of audiences and extend your skills in using a variety of media and evaluating their effectiveness in the delivery of coherent messages.

    CORN314
    Conservation Project Management

    CORN315
    Conservation Genetics

    CORN318
    Marine Pollution and Ecotoxicology

    CORN3006
    Applications of Zoology

    This module enables students to study and develop ideas related to selected zoological themes relevant to the work place or research situation. The student will explore these themes through the literature seminars and tutorials developing their own research skills

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.

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.

* UK Government announcement on tuition fees

On Monday 4 November 2024, the UK Government announced a proposal to increase tuition fees for home undergraduate students from £9,250 to £9,535 per annum from September 2025 onwards. The University of Plymouth intends to apply this new fee from September 2025. However, implementation of this increase will be subject to parliamentary procedure. This change applies to new students starting their studies in September 2025. For current and returning students, the University is reviewing fees and will update you as soon as possible.

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.

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