2 Teaching Institution / Moulton College
3 Programmed Accreditation / n/a
4 Final Award / FdSc
5 Programme/Route/Pathway title / Countryside & Wildlife Management
6 UCAS Code / See Admissions Tutor
7 QAA Benchmarking Groups / Agriculture, Forestry, Agricultural Sciences, Food Sciences and Consumer Sciences.
Foundation Degree.
8 Educational Aims of Programme
The FdSc Countryside & Wildlife Management provides students with applied, vocationally relevant training to facilitate countryside and wildlife management best practice, with an emphasis on the application of ecological theory to practical countryside management practice. This helps to develop essential practical skills for use in the workplace. The Countryside and Wildlife Management course aims to provide students with a relevant, progressive and challenging vocationally-focused educational experience.
The central aims of the programme are:
i. To produce graduates equipped with the knowledge and practical skills required for employment within the countryside and wildlife management industry.
ii. To enable students to demonstrate a detailed knowledge and understanding of the scientific process and methods of inquiry associated with the science and practice of countryside and wildlife management, and in the ways in which these have been developed.
iii. To encourage students to acquire and critically apply underlying concepts and principles outside the context at which they were first studied, and employ those principles to the land-based industry.
iv. To allow students to demonstrate the main methods of enquiry of a wide range of theoretical, practical and management skills associated with the countryside management field, and to critically evaluate and apply the appropriateness of differing approaches to problem solving in a work-related context.
v. To encourage students to understand the limits of their knowledge and act on how this influences analyses and interpretations based on that knowledge in countryside management related contexts. .
Holders of this qualification will be able to:
vi. Use a range of established techniques to initiate and undertake critical analysis of ecological information, and to propose practical solutions to problems arising from that analysis in the field of habitat and species management.
vii. Effectively communicate information, arguments, and analysis in a variety of forms, to specialist and non-specialist audiences, and deploy key techniques of the practice of countryside management effectively and in a work-related context.
viii. Develop existing skills and acquire new competences that will enable them to assume significant employment responsibilities within the environmental sector.
And holders will:
ix. Promote the cooperation and the exchange of ideas amongst conservation practitioners and thus develop the qualities and transferable skills necessary for employment and progression to other qualifications requiring the exercise of personal responsibility and decision-making.
The main purposes of the course are to:
· Provide a rational, flexibly structured and practical, vocationally relevant coherent programme of study which is relevant to the needs of employers, facilitates the professional development of the student and lays the foundations for a successful career to the benefit of society;
· Provide a sound knowledge-base in the fields studied and develop the wider process skills of Information Technology, Communication, Problem Solving, Groupwork, Application of Number, Information Skills and taking responsibility to Manage the Learning Process. ;
· Foster the development of an inquiring, open-minded and creative attitude, tempered with scientific discipline and social awareness, which encourages lifelong learning.
9 Programme Outcomes and Teaching, Learning and Assessment Strategies
Programme Outcomes - the programme provides opportunities for students to develop and demonstrate knowledge and understanding, qualities, skills and other attributes in the following areas:
A Knowledge and understanding
It is expected that upon completion of FdSc Countryside & Wildlife Management all students will be able to:
A1. Understand the principles and dynamics of ecology and key ecological concepts as applied to human, plant and animal communities that underpin conservation decision-making (ENV1002).
A2. Implement specialist knowledge of the mechanisms and actions of a range of countryside management practices to effectively provide a solution to practical problems in managed and unmanaged landscapes of the rural environment (LEM1002).
A3. Demonstrate a keen awareness of social, economic, cultural, ethical and environmental issues and models pertaining to global sustainability and land use planning in a creative manner (LEM1001, ENV2025).
A4. Attain proficiency in ecological survey methods for flora and fauna, and additional practical methods used in terrestrial and aquatic habitat management (LEM1005, LEM2036).
A5. Develop detailed knowledge of British wildlife and habitats with competent natural history identification skills for a wide range of common plant and animal taxa (PTI, ANW2032, ENV2019).
A6. Evaluate appropriate ecological research, recognising the strengths and weaknesses of different explanatory paradigms and types of relevant data (ANW1020).
A7. Be trained in the practice of practical estate skills and husbandry of livestock in countryside management (LEM1040).
A8. Undertake critical analysis of UK and EU legislation governing the protection of habitats, species and funding through grants, subsidies and resource protection (ENV2018, LEM1002)
A9. Confidently evaluate processes for the integration of landscape conservation management plans for species and habitats to resolve conflicts within managed and unmanaged landscapes (LEM2003).
A.10 Demonstrate an awareness of the role of the natural sciences in project planning and decision-making in the workplace (LEM2001, ANW2036).
A.11 Mitigate outdoor recreational impacts by implementing the principles of environmental education and interpretation (LEM1002, SPM2011).
A12. Evaluate processes and strategies in managing contemporary issues in countryside management incorporating agriculture, landscape, heritage, access and biodiversity to meet the requirements of a career in environmental management (LEM1002, LEM2001).
Major module linkages are specified in parentheses. / A Teaching/learning methods
A variety of teaching and learning methods are used with a strong commitment to an experiential student-centred approach. There is a clear focus on encouraging and developing self-evaluation, reflection and critical awareness. There are relevant industrial links throughout the course. This allows students to gain experience within industry, and apply academic teaching and assessment to real life situations.
Modes of learning include practicals, observations, lectures, visits, seminars, workshops, tutorials, fieldwork and independent study across all of the aims A1-12.
A: Key Assessment Methods
Assessment methods are specified in each module guide. All learning outcomes in a module are assessed and the mode of assessment is specified for each outcome. Assessments at Levels 4 and 5 implement a range of varying assessment methods. There is assessment differentiation between the different academic levels of this course. For example, time-constrained assessments (TCA’s) are used in preference to exams at Level 4 to help promote student confidence and develop appropriate examination techniques. The nature of the coursework varies from module to module, although there is an emphasis on developing presentation skills including report-writing, oral presentations and posters.
The following assessment methods are utilised:
· Practical (A1-2, A4-7, A9-11)
· Formal examination (A3, A5)
· Time-constrained assessments (A1-8, A11-12)
· Written assignments & reports (A2-5, A7-12)
· Group presentations (A2-5)
· Individual presentations (A4-5, A10)
· Group projects (A3)
· Individual portfolio (A5)
· Practical assessment (A1, A4-5, A7-8, A12)
· Industrial placement (A10)
· Open book test (A8, A12)
Lectures, seminars, practical work and fieldwork predominates both Levels 4 and 5 in compulsory modules. In terms of synthesis of scientific literature, there is a progression: at Level 4 where the emphasis is placed on core texts; and at Level 5 where the emphasis is moved to primary sources.
B Subject specific/practical skills
It is expected that upon completion of FdSc Countryside & Wildlife Management all students will be able to demonstrate the practical skills and abilities to:
B1. Carry out practical estate skills including those required in the construction and maintenance of boundaries and the management of wildlife habitats to a standard that is commensurate with industry requirements.
B2. Develop livestock husbandry skills of grazing livestock used in conservation grazing projects.
B3. Design, implement, record and evaluate complex ecological surveys that are essential for wildlife management.
B4. Review and recall the cycle of planning, organising, coordinating and evaluating on successful project management based in the workplace.
B5. Develop environmental education and leadership skills to successfully lead conservation activities for volunteers and others and create innovative interpretation to manage visitors in the countryside.
B6. Research and apply conservation management plans as a tool for promoting historical and contemporary countryside management.
B7. Demonstrate sound wildlife identification skills for a range of flora and fauna as underpinning skills for ecological purposes and habitat classification.
B8. Develop fieldcraft and wildlife skills throughout the duration of the course and apply this knowledge to a range of real-life situations. / B Teaching/Learning methods
The knowledge, understanding and skills associated with Foundation Degrees may be delivered through a diverse and innovative range of methods that will reflect the diversity of learners' needs. With a vocational focus, relevance to the needs of employers is paramount.
Subject practical skills are developed in a coordinated and progressive manner throughout both levels of the programme. At stage 1, attention is focused on the acquisition of basic skills and safe working practices through prescribed exercises, while at stage 2 more advanced techniques and non-prescribed exercises are introduced. The integration of theory with applied management is an important aspect of practical work.
Practical, field and classroom based work operates at all levels.
B Assessment
A variety of assessment methods are used to assess practical skills B1-B8. The emphasis is on formal reports and practical observations, although other methods such as presentations are used in order to assess the ability to meet agreed courses of action, accuracy, industry, initiative and professional conduct.
Work related learning also underpins the relevance of practical skills to this programme in a compulsory way e.g.: LEM2001, informal duties, NUPAD work.
C Key skills
In accordance with The University of Northampton key skills framework, Level 4 students will be able to develop and achieve basic competence the main key skill areas. At level 5, students will have increased confidence and competence in the key skill areas.
C1. Students will be able to:
· Express, discuss and present knowledge, ideas and viewpoints to a variety of audiences with confidence, flair and clarity (Communication Skills).
· Demonstrate a clear ability to work independently and as part of a team in a variety of roles, demonstrating awareness of group dynamics and appropriate inter-personal and interactional skills (Groupwork).
· Possess the skills and abilities to apply scientific concepts, principles, techniques and methods to solve problems (Problem-Solving).
· Implement and effectively use key information technology and appropriate software to develop personal skills through research and retrieval, communication and manipulation of information (Use of IT).
· Understand, interpret and use numerical and graphical information accurately and effectively (Application of Number).
· Monitor and review learning progress to overcome difficulties (Managing the Learning Process).
· Organise and use information efficiently for academic and professional purpose, and identify and evaluate information needs (Information Skills).
· Attain practical competency in the use of appropriate equipment and techniques for the workplace.
C2. Students will be able to use their individual skills for:
· Relate, research, retrieve information and reference effectively.
· planning and organising their work effectively and efficiently,
· the manipulation and interpretation of data using a range of statistical methods and the extraction of other relevant information,
· the communication of observations, ideas and arguments in a logical, concise manner and in appropriate terms,
· interpretation of scientific data (both their own and of others) to recognise pattern, to solve problems and deduce relationships,
· make sound decisions based on the examination of evidence and arguments.
· use appropriate tools, laboratory and field equipment competently and safely. / Teaching/learning methods
C1 - Teaching/learning methods
All levels.
C1 - Assessment
All written work, experiential learning, oral and graphical presentations.
C2 - Teaching/learning methods
All levels.
C2 - Assessment
All, but especially relevant for LEM2001 and ANW2036.
10 Key Skills Strategy
For key skills map
The key skills strategy for the FdSc Countryside & Wildlife Management award has been drawn up within the University Modular Framework and incorporates the following principles:i) for each ‘skill’ area, the principle of progression has been established, where possible, to ensure a logical and progressive programme of development.
ii) the reinforcement of particular skills being both acceptable and desirable, as well as their application in different contexts. Thus, for example, ENV1002 will teach, develop and assess the principles of report writing but this will be reinforced and developed both within this module and in others at Levels 5 that have a workplace and industry-related focus, e.g.: LEM2001.
The use of Personal Academic Tutors and NUPAD processes reinforce key skills development throughout the programme. The design and integration of key skills in this award facilitates progression to Degree ‘top-up’ awards with a research and dissertation element.
11 Assessment Strategy and Map
The University of Northampton Academic Regulations pertaining to assessment regulations for taught programmes applies. The award will encourage a diversity of assessment modes, providing a balance of formative and summative assessment, variety of forms of coursework related to the development of different intellectual and generic skills and differentiation of methods between stages 1 and 2
All assessments will:
· Support student learning;
· Measure student progress objectively against set learning outcomes;
· Maintain a consistent standard throughout the programme in line with national benchmarks.
In addition to the compulsory industry experience (LEM2001 & ANW2036), simulations of work-related learning is carried out wherever possible, and includes team teaching of primary school children for environmental education (LEM1002, SPM2011), the drafting of landscape conservation management plans (LEM2005), phase I, II and III ecological audits using standardised methods (ENV2018, ANW2032) and leading and implementing practical conservation and habitat management activities (LEM1040, LEM1005).
The assessment strategy for each module has been related to this scheme, though a number of principles have been agreed for the award as a whole.