Marine Biology & Ecology BTEC National Diploma Who is this course for?
This course is for those interested in marine biology and environmental issues and wish to study in a hands-on way. The course is based on the nationally available BTEC National Diploma in Countryside Management and this will be the title on the certificate. However, most examples, assignments and visits will reflect the marine biological nature of the course. This course is an alternative to studying 3 A-levels (2 A-levels for Certificate). There are NO formal exams on this course, all assessments are coursework-based*. You can start studying marine biology at 16, you do not have to wait until you are 18. There are additional qualifications in numeracy, IT and literacy may also be taken alongside this qualification. These may involve formal exams. This course is for those wishing to go onto higher education but is also appropriate for those looking to go into employment. The environment industry is competitive but expanding.
What are the entry requirements?
You will need to get or have four grade Cs at GCSE English, Maths and the Sciences or grade Cs at GCSE English and Maths and a Pass grade in a science-based GNVQ or grade Cs at GCSE English and Maths and a Merit grade in at least a BTEC First Certificate in a science or countryside management-based subject. Other equivalent qualifications from different systems or countries will be considered on an individual basis. Mature students will be assessed on qualifications and previous life experience. All applicants should note that we can be flexible and can provide opportunities to improve the level of previous qualifications by using Key Skills qualifications.
What will I be doing on the course?
This fascinating, tough but very rewarding two-year course (qualification title: Countryside Management) offers you the opportunity to explore a range of subjects from studying the processes that shape the land and marine environment through to marine mammal behaviour. You will study by a mixture of lectures, field visits and practical activity including boat work. You will also have the opportunity to take part in original research through Falmouth Marine School's own research unit FMSR. This course is seen as an alternative to studying A-levels for higher education entry and should therefore be seen as a higher education preparation course. The units delivered are: Principles of Ecology, Ecological Concepts and Application, Fish Biology and Behaviour, Physical and Biological Environmental Processes, Identification of Organisms, Water Quality Environmental Issues and Policies, Coastal Management, Animal Biology, Animal Behaviour Environmental Interpretation in the Land-based Industries, Freshwater and Wetland Management, Principles of Plant and Soil Science, Animal Anatomy and Physiology, Chemistry for Biology Technicians, Land-based Estate Construction and Repair and Maintenance Skills. Investigative Project in the Countryside Management Sector occurs through the second year and is your opportunity to research a subject that you are most interested in. This can be original research undertaken through our research unit, FMSR. Work Related Experience in the Countryside Management Sector is delivered at the end of the course for four weeks and can either be your involvement in our summer marine centre, Beach, a placement at such marine-related businesses as the Marine Biological Association, Orca Sea-Faris, National Seal Sanctuary, National Lobster Hatchery or Blue Reef Aquarium or a mixture of both. Your practical activity through the course also counts towards your work related experience. In addition to this course, you will have the opportunity to study free-standing maths units to increase your skills in statistical mathematics and applied mathematics. These are very important to further marine biological study. These qualifications do have formal examinations. Furthermore, if you do not have passes in English, Maths or IT we will guide you to study the appropriate Key Skills qualifications.
How do I study the course?
You will study this course through a mixture of lectures, practicals and visits. There are no exams, but you will undertake a variety of coursework that will include formats that you will use in university and at work. Some of this coursework will have a practical nature.
If you are under 19 courses are usually FREE, however, there are some exceptions ie: Professional Accredited Courses (AAT,etc), Microsoft Academy and various short courses. Over 19s will be expected to pay a course fee, however, many people qualify for fee reductions, particularly those in receipt of benefits such as Job Seekers Allowance, Housing Benefit or Income Support. What can I do after this course?
You have a variety of career choices and industries to choose from such as: Research, Fisheries and Aquaculture, Conservation and Management Biology, Ecotourism, Environmental Education. There are also a variety of public and private employers both in the UK and internationally operate in these fields. Competition is tough and it is highly recommended that you do additional voluntary work during this course and during any higher education course that you progress to. Although it is possible to get employment after the course, your employment prospects are considerably improved by study at higher education. If you have thoroughly enjoyed studying at the Marine School you may wish to stay on for a further two years and undertake either of our Foundation Degrees (FdSc Marine Science depends on maths ability). These are more marine-focussed so you would not be repeating much content. From these you can progress to other universities including: University of Plymouth, where a further 1-2 years of study can convert your Foundation Degree to an Honours Degree. Alternatively, if you gain and Distinction-Merit-Merit (280 UCAS points) or above you can have the opportunity of studying for an Honours Degree. Past students have progressed to: University of Southampton, University of Wales, Bangor, University of Swansea, University of Cardiff, University of Portsmouth, University of Stirling, University of Plymouth. These are all great marine science universities with strong reputations.
Information regarding fees/costs
** There will be a centre fee of £25.00 payable at the start of the course that covers all consumable items used on the course. There will be additional costs for the field trip and PADI Open Water Diving, but we will endeavour to keep these as low as possible.
Concessions
** There are no fees payable for those under 19 on 1st September. No tuition fees for those in receipt of a means tested benefit. All fees are provisional and are subject to change.
Additional Information
You will need to have good outdoor clothing available when you are studying in the field or on board our college boats.
