Undergraduate Studies in The Countryside and Environment.

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Undergraduate Studies in

The Countryside

and

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Enquiries to:

Undergraduate Admissions Tutor Institute of Biological, Environmental and Rural Sciences Aberystwyth University Penglais Campus Aberystwyth Ceredigion SY23 3DA

Tel:

+44 (0)1970 621904

Fax:

+44 (0)1970 611264

Why study the Countryside and

Environment at Aberystwyth?

2 What is the right level of course for you? 4

Our degree schemes

FdSc Countryside Management and

Conservation 6

BSc Countryside Conservation

8 BSc Countryside Management

10 BSc Ecology

12 BSc Environmental Biosciences

14 BSc Life Sciences

16 MSc Managing the environment

18 Visits and study tours

20 Student profiles

22 Careers 24

Meet the staff

25 About IBERS

26 Individual attention and support

28 Work experience and exchanges

29 Student life

30 Accolades 32

Application and entry requirements

33 Entrance tariffs and scholarships

34 Open Days and Visiting Days

35

Welcome

Welcome to our countryside courses brochure. As you will see, the Institute of Biological,

Environmental and Rural Sciences (IBERS) offers you a range of countryside and environmental courses at differing levels (Foundation Degree, Honours Degree and MSc) that have been designed to equip you with the skills and knowledge to obtain employment in a countryside or environmental capacity. All of our Foundation Degree and BSc courses include elements of work experience and some of the courses give you the opportunity to gain practical skills in the countryside, such as dry stone walling and hedging. We also offer you the flexibility to move between courses and to progress to higher qualifications.

Foundation Degree Countryside Management and Conservation BSc Countryside Conservation BSc Countryside Management BSc Ecology BSc Environmental Biosciences BSc Life Sciences

MSc Managing the Environment

The Institute has an international reputation for the vocational and applied nature of its research and course provision. In addition, Aberystwyth offers an excellent place to study the countryside and environment with an abundance of local countryside resources for you to study.

So for the very best foundation towards your future career read on!

www.aber.ac.uk/en/ibers The information contained in this booklet is correct at the time of going to press (March 2014) but no guarantee can be given that it will not be amended before the commencement of, or during the course to which it refers. Such amendments, if any, will be made in accordance with any statement of reservations that is set out in the Aberystwyth University Prospectus.

Top 10 in the UK for facilities.

Times Higher Education Student Survey 2013

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Almost 90% of

Aberystwyth

graduates are in

employment and/

or further study

6 months after

graduation.

Our superb location

It’s our very own natural laboratory. As a student you will make frequent visits to the countryside around Aberystwyth as an important element of your course. After all how can you study the countryside or environmental issues without getting into it! Aberystwyth has:

• 3 National Parks within close reach (Snowdonia, Pembrokeshire Coast and the Brecon Beacons) • The Dyfi National Nature Reserve on our doorstep

(bog, dunes, salt marsh and estuary)

• The Cambrian Mountains as a backdrop to the town • The RSPB Ynys Hir reserve just up the road (as featured

on Spring Watch!)

• The unspoiled and beautiful Ceredigion Heritage Coast • Cardigan Bay with its population of bottlenose

dolphins and harbour porpoises

• Numerous sites of special scientific interest (SSSI’s) • Great opportunities for outdoor sports such as walking,

mountain biking, surfing, sailing and canoeing

Countryside and Environment

at Aberystwyth?

Success in gaining careers

Aberystwyth has been running courses associated with the countryside and environment since the mid-1980s and we are without doubt one of the best places to gain the training you need to get you the job that you want. Our past students are now employed by a range of organisations associated with conservation, countryside management and environmental protection, such at the National Trust, national parks, DEFRA, the Welsh Government, the Environment Agency and local authority countryside services. Other students progress into a range of other non-environmental careers whilst others choose to stay in higher education progressing to a Masters Degree or PhD.

The staff

Any course is only as good as the staff who teach on it! At Aberystwyth you will come into contact with some of the best in the business. Many have an international reputation with regard to research, others have a background of working in the industry and all are dedicated to providing high-quality education and training. Be assured, we are here to help you in your studies and are very approachable and friendly.

Why study the

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What is the right level of course for you?

We run a wide variety of levels of course with clear

progression routes between them. You can start on a Foundation Degree and end up with a PhD. It has happened!

BSc Life Sciences (Level 0)

This honours degree scheme is designed to provide you with a route to higher education in Biological, Environmental or Rural Sciences if you:

• are qualified to enter higher education but lack adequate qualifications in science

• have a non-traditional background for entry into higher education

• have not achieved your full academic potential Having completed a foundation year you can

progress onto any of the three-year degree schemes offered within the Institute.

Foundation Degree Countryside

Management and Conservation

This course provides a vocational training in countryside management and conservation. It also provides an excellent entry route onto a full honours BSc degree in Countryside Management or Countryside Conservation for those who do not have the initial qualifications for BSc entry. As such, a Foundation Degree may appeal to mature students over 21 years of age. The course can be taken as a two-year course with a six week work placement in the summer between years 1 and 2, or as a three-year course which includes a nine month work placement.

BSc

Bachelor of Science (BSc) honours degrees are high-level qualifications that will challenge you to think analytically and develop a wide range of skills and knowledge. They usually consist of three years of study in the University.

Progression

between courses

From Foundation

Degree to PhD

Changing between courses at the

same level

Many students find new interests once they have registered on one of our courses, and wish to change their course to another that better fits their developing interests. This is often possible and there is considerable flexibility to move between courses.

Progressing from one qualification

to another

Progression is possible and encouraged between our Foundation Degrees and full Honours Degrees. It’s up to you how far you wish to progress. All you will need to do is meet certain academic standards. Please see the diagram below for details of the progression options available to you. For more details contact us.

Progression from BSc to MSc

The normal entry requirement is a good second class degree in an agricultural, geographical, environmental or biological science area, or closely related discipline.

Postgraduate Degrees

The Institute runs an MSc (Master of Science) and a Post Graduate Diploma in Managing the Environment. This includes specialist pathways in: • Bioenergy and Environmental Change • Environmental Sustainability • Habitat Restoration and Conservation • Marine and Freshwater Systems

Details of this course can be found within this brochure.

a

120 credits of FDSc modules

a

Summer Work Placement

a

Foundation

Degree 2 yr

a

120 credits of BSc modules

a

BSc

Pass

BSc

a

Year 1 Year 2 Year 3

Progression between courses

a

120 credits of MSc modules

a

MSc

Pass

MSc

a a

a

Good second class honours degree 90 credits at Merit or above Pass Foundation Degree

<

a

Foundation

Degree 3 yr

<

a

9 Month Work Placement

a

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Countryside Management and

Conservation

- FdSc (Foundation Degree)

UCAS code – D440 for 2 year and

D4C1 for 3 year including year in employment

Is this the course for me?

The countryside is a not only a beautiful landscape and home to a vast array of plants and animals, it is also a factory floor where food and timber is produced. As well as these sometimes competing uses there are millions of people wanting access for walking, fishing, horse riding and the hundreds of other activities that go on in the countryside. To conserve the natural resources of our countryside we must understand the pressures that wildlife and its associated habitats are facing. Land for conservation

Work experience year

On the Foundation Degree course you are required to undertake either 6 weeks or 9 months of work experience. The placement for this course can be in any area related to countryside management or conservation and will be for an organisation such as a local authority countryside service, Natural Resources Wales, The National Trust, the RSPB, a local wildlife trust or a national park.

What type of projects

will I be involved in?

Each module will have an element of coursework. This may involve making presentations, writing reports or examining case studies. The emphasis throughout the course will be on relevance to the practical management of countryside issues. Examples of course work include:

• Creating a management plan for a conservation site

• Undertaking a botanical survey

Year 1

Countryside organisations Ecology

Geology and geomorphology Information technology Landscape history Land use Life and study skills Practical estate skills Rural communities Tourism and recreation

Summer Year 1 or Year 2

Work experience – 6 weeks or 9 months of work experience in a position related to countryside management or conservation.

Year 2 / Year 3

Advanced practical skills Farming and conservation Geographical Information Systems Human impact on the environment Landscape / planning assessment Professional skills

Project

Site management planning Statistics and research methods Visitor management

Wildlife and habitat management

Example subject areas

• Planning the visitor management of a site or recreational trail

• Undertaking a landscape assessment

• On-site practical project planning

• Producing publicity material and newspaper press releases

Are there any visits or study tours?

Yes there are. Getting out into the countryside is an important part of the course. During visits, theory developed in lectures can be applied to the real world. The countryside around Aberystwyth has a wide variety of habitat types, conservation designations and managing organisations. This provides plenty of high quality learning situations and case studies. In year one there is a week’s study tour within the UK that develops field biology skills and knowledge of ecology, conservation and landscape/land use issues.graduates will have developed communication, numerical, computing and problem solving skills, which will give them the flexibility required for a wide range of careers in, or outside, science.

is a limited resource and efficient management of our wildlife and the habitats they live in is essential if there is to be a diverse and vibrant countryside. Foundations degrees as well as being good qualifications in themselves also provide an entry route onto a full honours degree for those who do not have the initial entry requirements. This course is an excellent step towards a countryside management or conservation career.

Practical estate skills

In year one you will spend one day a week learning the skills required to carry out practical estate work. This will include such crafts as dry stone walling, hedge laying, fencing, tree planting and rights of way work such as bridges, gates, steps and stiles. There is a final year module developing professional management skills and an option to take advanced practical skills in which you will learn first aid and which will lead to relevant industry certification in areas such as chainsaw and brush cutter.

Further information

Graham Harris, Course Director, IBERS

University of Wales Aberystwyth Penglais Campus,

Aberystwyth, SY23 3DA Tel: 01970-624471 E-mail: gph@aber.ac.uk

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Countryside Conservation

- BSc (Hons)

UCAS code – D447

What is the course all about?

With the increasing pressures man is placing upon the environment the need for conservation has never been higher. Associated with this are an increasing number of people employed to look after the conservation aspects of the countryside. This course will provide you with the skills and knowledge required to pursue a career in conservation.

Whilst the core of this course is related to conservation, wider subject matter from the Countryside Management course is also an essential component of the course as any conservationist needs to have an understanding of landscape, rural communities countryside planning and recreation.

What sort of assignments will I do?

You will be assessed through a mixture of continuous assessment and formal examination. Continuous assessment is in the form of

assignments, which are designed to be as realistic as possible and will develop your skills as well as your knowledge. Example assignments include:

• Species survey and monitoring project

• Production of a countryside management plan

• Landscape assessment and development plan

• Environmental impacts of agriculture

Are there any visits or study tours?

Yes there are. Getting out into the countryside is an important part of the course. During visits theory developed in lectures can be applied to the real world. The countryside around Aberystwyth has a wide variety of habitat types, conservation designations and managing organisations. The five day, year 1 ‘Studying the Dynamic Countryside’ tour is based within the UK. In year 3 you can spend a week in Wales looking at countryside management in practice, you could travel to Ireland to study the terrestrial ecology of the Burren, or fly to Borneo to experience tropical rainforest ecology.

Sounds all very well, but when I finish

can I get a job?

Graduates have had little difficulty in finding employment in a conservation capacity. Past students are now employed on a variety of nature reserves as wildlife rangers and wardens, as ornithological researchers or as policy and planning officers. Organisations that will employ students from this course include wildlife trusts, the RSPB, local authorities, Natural England, Natural Resources Wales, national parks and environmental consultancies. Year 1 Academic skills Countryside organisations Countryside recreation Farming

Geology and geomorphology Introduction to biology Study tour

The historic countryside Rural communities Vegetation and ecosystems Vertebrates and invertebrates

Year 2

Ecological surveying

Food, farming and the environment Landscape

Habitat and wildlife management Human impacts on the environment Introduction to Geographical Information Systems

Planning and development control Research methods and statistics Work experience Year 3 Communicating research Dissertation Global biodiversity The agri-environment Wildlife conservation

Tour - Countryside management in practice (Wales)

Tour – Terrestrial ecology (Ireland) Tour – Tropical Rainforest Ecology (Borneo)

Example subject areas

Ian Keirle,

Course Director, IBERS

Aberystwyth, SY23 3DA Tel: 01970-624471 Fax: 01970-611264 E-mail: ike@aber.ac.uk

For details of entry requirements for this course please refer to page 33

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Countryside Management

- BSc (Hons)

UCAS code – D455

What is the course all about?

With increasing pressures on the countryside the need to manage this precious resource becomes ever more important. Countryside Management seeks to marry the sometimes-conflicting

requirements of rural communities, and recreational users of the countryside, whilst conserving the essential qualities that make the countryside such a special place (landscape, wildlife, tranquillity…). This vocational course provides an in depth understanding of the processes underlying countryside change, through a combination of lectures, visits, study tours and work related assignments. Its integrated approach develops an

understanding of both the social and environmental pressures on the countryside, and prepares you for a professional career in the private, public or voluntary sector.

What sort of assignments will I do?

You will be assessed through a mixture of continuous assessment and formal examination. Continuous assessment is in the form of

assignments, which are designed to be as realistic as possible and will develop your skills as well as your knowledge. Example assignments include:

• Production of a countryside management plan

• Design of an interpretive panel

• Rural community assessment

• Conservation survey of a countryside site

Are there any visits or study tours?

Yes there are. Getting out into the countryside is an important part of the course. During visits theory developed in lectures can be applied to the real world. The diverse countryside around Aberystwyth and the range of organisations that manage it, provide plenty of learning situations and case studies. The five day, year 1 ‘Studying the Dynamic Countryside’ study tour is based within the UK. In year 3 the Countryside Management in Practice study week visits countryside management projects across Wales.

Sounds all very well, but when I finish

can I get a job?

Yes you can. We are proud of our record of turning students into employees. Typical employment includes countryside rangers and wardens, access officers, conservation officers, community workers, environmental interpreters and educators. Organisations employing such staff include national parks, the National Trust, the Forestry Commission and local authorities.

Year 1

Academic skills Countryside organisations Countryside recreation Farming

Geology and geomorphology Introduction to biology Rural communities Study tour

The historic countryside Tourism principles and impacts Vegetation and ecosystems

Year 2

Access, rights of way management and countryside law

Ecological surveying

Food, farming and the environment Human impacts on the environment Introduction to Geographical Information Systems Landscape

Habitat and wildlife management Planning and development control Research methods and statistics Visitor management Work experience Year 3 Communicating research Dissertation

Environmental education Global biodiversity

Interpretation Sustainable tourism The agri-environment

Tour - Countryside management in practice (Wales )

Wildlife conservation

Example subject areas

Ian Keirle,

Course Director, IBERS

Aberystwyth, SY23 3DA Tel: 01970-624471 E-mail: ike@aber.ac.uk

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Ecology

- BSc (Hons)

UCAS code – C180

What is the course all about?

Ecology is the study of how a wide range of organisms interact with each other and the environment. Such knowledge underpins our understanding about how biodiversity responds to both current and future environmental threats including climate change and habitat destruction. It also provides us with an insight into the way the natural world operates. IBERS is internationally recognised as a centre for excellence with world-leading research and teaching in this area. Here we provide students with a tool bag of field and

surveying skills. This is achieved by accessing local semi-natural habitats including the Cardigan Bay coastline, freshwater environments, woodlands, heaths, moorland and alpine habitats. We are also within easy reach of several National Nature Reserves and National Parks including Snowdonia and the Brecon Beacons. We also have established links with the British Trust for Conservation Volunteers, the National Botanic Garden of Wales, Natural Resources Wales, RSPB and various Wildlife and Woodland Trusts. We offer field experiences in Swedish Lapland (Arctic ecosystems) and Borneo (Tropical rainforests) as part of this degree scheme.

What will I study?

During the first year of this course you will take core and optional modules which provide knowledge and understanding of ecology upon which you can build during your second and third years. You will also develop knowledge and understanding of general biology and the environment. This culminates in a field course which integrates theoretical learning into practice.

In years 2 and 3 the course aims to provide students with a core and breadth of in-depth knowledge in Ecology. Through optional modules students can further gain more specialist knowledge focussing either on the more biological elements, applications (e.g. conservation) or learning about marine and freshwater systems.

What kind of Year 3 dissertation will I do?

Ecologists are provided with real research experience via their dissertation which accounts for a quarter of the final year. Examples of topics researched include plant and animal responses to pollution and climate change, human disturbance and habitat destruction; biodiversity and species conservation. Our students gain access to specialist staff, state of the art natural environments and world class research laboratories, equipment and other facilities.

Year 1

Core areas Animal diversity

Biological molecules and methods Biology of the cell

Development and management of British habitats

Evolution of the UK landscape (includes field course). Genetics

Metabolism Microbes and diversity

Study and communication skills The biosphere

Vegetation and ecosystems

Year 2

Core areas

Climate change and ecosystems Ecological surveying (includes field week). Freshwater biology Research methods Work experience Optional areas Aquatic plants

Advances in invertebrate zoology Marine biology

Microbial ecology

Monitoring environmental quality. Vertebrate anatomy

Year 3

Core areas Ecology dissertation

Population and community ecology Optional areas

Biodiversity of birds

Conservation genetics Environmental animal physiology

Fish biology, fisheries and aquaculture Human threats to ecosystems Terrestrial ecology field course Wildlife Conservation

SUBJECT AREAS you will study on the course include:

How will I be assessed?

Assessment is through examination and term time assessments, which can include essays, laboratory reports, seminars, literature reviews, debates and problem solving.

Job opportunities

Ecology graduates are particularly well qualified to find jobs and research posts in conservation and environmental protection. This includes working in government or commercial laboratories, local or national government, environmental consultancy, publishing and public services. Our graduates are excellently placed to apply for jobs with the Environment Agency, Natural Resources Wales, Natural England, ADAS, the Forestry Commission etc. The breadth of the course also presents a sound basis for a career in teaching either in schools and colleges or in field centres.

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Environmental Biosciences

- BSc (Hons)

UCAS code – C151

What is the course all about?

This course focuses on the interface between biotic (including human) systems and the physical environment and exploits our easy access to managed and semi-natural habitats (e.g. BBC Springwatch location) to provide field experience of these interactions. Core elements range from ecosystem function to environmental monitoring and economic/legal instruments of environmental management. These build on foundations in relevant aspects of biology, ecology, landscape and physical geography. Students choose options in specific ecosystem types, environmental management, or surface physical geography. Human impacts on the environment and ecosystem responses are a recurring theme. The breadth and flexibility incorporates natural and social sciences, providing skills and experience in practical and theoretical aspects of these fields.

Specialists from Biological, Environmental and Rural Sciences and from Geography and Earth Sciences contribute to this degree in aspects of environmental pollution, biology, ecology, physical geography, and in quantitative, statistical and computer-based analysis.

What will I study?

Environmental Biosciences students study a first year course that provides the broad base of skills and knowledge needed to support more advanced studies. This ensures that you have the prerequisites needed to select from a range of modules in later years. Second and third year modules develop further your understanding of core elements of the discipline and specialist interests through your choice of optional modules. Core modules cover topics such as climate change, threats to natural ecosystems, environmental economics and policy and environmental law. Building on field work experience in years 1 and 2, more advanced terrestrial ecology field experience can be gained locally and overseas, including the possibility of working in the Swedish Arctic or Borneo. You can also explore your interests in different terrestrial or aquatic ecosystems or in selected areas of physical geography.

What kind of Year 3 dissertation will I do?

Environmental Biosciences students complete a dissertation which accounts for 25% of the final year. You get involved in real research, perhaps working with a research team, and engaged with a topic that absorbs you. Most dissertations are conducted over the summer period and students are expected to develop their own research project. Examples of topics include: :

• studies of metal pollution in aquatic systems

• surveys of human disturbance and impacts of biodiversity

• investigating the effects of climate change on animal habitats. You will have access to specialist staff and state of the art research laboratories, equipment and other facilities..

How will I be assessed?

Assessment is through examination and term-time assessments, including essays, laboratory reports, seminars, debates and problem solving.

Job opportunities

Environmental graduates from Aberystwyth gain a diverse range of employment. Some directly apply their environmental knowledge working for environmental regulators or consultancies, others deploy their broader graduate skills in accountancy, retailing, transport, teaching, local government and management. Many continue in higher education, undertaking full-time research for PhDs or studying for Masters degrees.

Year 1

Core areas

Animal diversity Biosphere Evolution of the UK landscape Microbial diversity

Study and communication skills Vegetation and ecosystems Optional areas

Atmosphere and the water cycle Climate change

Year 2

Core areas

Climate change and ecosystems Environmental monitoring Environmental policy Ecological surveying Research methods Work experience Optional areas Coastal environments Environmental management Food and the environment Freshwater biology Geohazards Marine biology Microbial ecology Year 3 Communicating research Environmental Biosciences dissertation Environmental education Environmental law Human threats to ecosystems Terrestrial ecology field course Optional areas

Geographical information systems Dynamic biogeography Population & community ecology Agri-environments

Global biodiversity and conservation

SUBJECT AREAS you will study on the course include:

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Life Sciences

- BSc (Hons)

UCAS code – C990

What is the course all about?

You will start the Life Sciences scheme with a foundation year which is taught by staff within the Institute of Biological, Environmental and Rural Sciences. It consists of a fully integrated programme of lectures, practicals, seminars and tutorials in biology and associated subjects. This combination will provide you with a wide range of knowledge and fundamental skills in biology and related sciences.

If you complete the foundation year successfully, you will then register for any one of the three-year degree schemes offered by the Institute including:

• Agriculture (BSc -D401)

• Agriculture with Animal Science (BSc - D4D3)

• Agriculture with Countryside Management (BSc - D444) • Animal Behaviour (BSc - C120) • Animal Science (BSc - D360) • Biochemistry (BSc - C700) • Biology (BSc - C100) • Countryside Conservation (BSc - D447) • Countryside Management (BSc - D455) • Ecology (BSc –C180) • Environmental Biosciences (BSc – C151) • Equine Science (BSc - D322) • Genetics (BSc - C400)

• Genetics and Biochemistry (BSc - CC47)

• Marine and Freshwater Biology (BSc - C164)

• Microbiology (BSc C500)

• Microbiology and Zoology (BSc - CC35)

• Plant Biology (BSc - C200)

• Zoology (BSc - C300)

• Zoology and Microbiology (CC35)

It is also possible to follow approved degree programmes in some other departments.

What will I study?

In the foundation year of the Life Sciences scheme you will follow a fixed course covering the following subjects:

• Biochemistry

• Biological field and laboratory techniques

• Botany • Cell biology • Ecology • Evolution • Genetics • Microbiology • Study skills • Zoology

In subsequent years the subjects you will study will depend on the choice of your three-year degree scheme.

How will I be assessed?

You will have written examinations at the end of semesters and term time assessments which can include essays, lab reports, seminars, literature reviews, debates and problems to solve.

Entry requirements

This course is not intended for students who have taken A levels and failed to achieve the required grades to gain entry onto one of our 3-year BSc courses. The purpose of this BSc course is to provide you with a route to higher education in the Biological Sciences if you: Are qualified to enter higher education but have not attempted relevant qualifications in science at A level or equivalent. OR

Have a non-traditional background for entry into higher education. OR

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Managing the Environment

- MSc

UCAS code – C198

What is the course all about?

This course has been designed to meet the needs of a future environmental professional. It provides vocational and skills and training to allow you to professionally respond and find solutions to environmental problems, opportunities and challenges. We provide core environmental management training as well as specialist training via the following pathways:

• Environmental Sustainability

• BioEnergy and Environmental Change

• Marine and Freshwater Systems

• Habitat Restoration and Conservation.

These pathways provide specialist training and modules to enable you to target your future career in the Environmental sector:

Why study at IBERS?

We have a long and distinguished history of environmental teaching and world class research at IBERS. This course and structure was also designed with employers from industry, environmental agencies and organisation from governmental and non-governmental organisations. Students benefit from interaction with these external bodies and develop skills that environmental employers target when recruiting.

What will I study?

The MSc combines vocational and professional training in environmental management but also introduces new technological advances and developments. We provide a programme at the cutting edge of the subject and via the pathways allow you to interact and develop a network of contacts that will help you to establish your future career.

Further information: Dr John Scullion (jos@aber.ac.uk) Tel: +44(0) 01970 622304 MSc Managing the Environment Course Coordinator Michelle Allen (myd@aber.ac.uk ) IBERS Postgraduate Admissions Officer,

Abersytwyth University, Ceredigion, SY23 3AL Tel: +44(0)1970 624471/622315 www.aber.ac.uk/ibers

Core modules for all pathways Pathways Pathway specific modules

C

OURSE STRUC

TURE

• Professional Skills in Managing the Environment

• Data Management and Handling • Frontiers in the biosciences • Introduction to Environmental Law • Environmental Impact Assessment • Critical Evaluation in Environmental Management

Environmental Sustainability

BioEnergy and Environmental Change

Marine and Freshwater Systems

Habitat Restoration and Conservation

• Environmental Sustainability • Sustainability in Practice • Research Dissertation • Environmental Sustainability • BioEnergy in Practice • Research Dissertation • Sampling Techniques in Practice • Management in Practice – Marine

and Freshwater Systems • Research Dissertation • Sampling Techniques in Practice • Management in Practice –

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Visits and study tours

Visits

It is impossible to fully understand the countryside or environment without getting out into it. Visits and excursions are therefore an important element within all of our courses. Fortunately Aberystwyth is blessed with a diverse countryside managed by a range of organisations with a mixture of objectives. For example, is surrounded by a broad range of habitats that include sand dunes, salt marshes, upland grassland, woodlands and bogs.

The following are a small sample of the type of visits you may go on:

• Studying the rocks that make up Cadair Idris and the forces that have shaped it.

• Visiting a local authority planning meeting

• Carrying out ecological surveys in local conservation sites

• Site visits prior to developing a conservation management plan

• Considering conservation management on a farm

• Visiting a wind farm

• Visiting a local community tourism project

• Visit to investigate the relationship between species diversity and habitat age, isolation and complexity.

• Visiting to a Forestry Commission managed visitor site

• Environmental education visit to an RSPB reserve

Such visits develop and integrate lecture material and provide a focus for applying knowledge developed in the lecture theatre. They also bring students into contact with a diverse range of environmental organisations and frequently our ex-students!

Study tours

There are a number of study tours linked into specific courses. Please refer to the course you are interested in to see if these tours apply to you. Tours are important because they provide focused and concentrated learning away from the classroom. In addition, they allow staff and students to get to know each other better and share rewarding experiences. Tours are a lot of fun as well as being stimulating learning. Whilst the University contributes finance towards study tours, students are normally expected to make a contribution, with the amount depending on the cost of the study tour.

Year 1

The Dynamic Countryside

In recent years this residential study week has been based at the Field Studies Council centre at Preston Montford in Shropshire. It looks at a range of habitats and considers the forces creating change in the countryside. You will visit a number of conservation sites, carry out range of ecological survey techniques and learn important plant identification skills.

Year 3

Countryside Management in Practice

study week - Wales

This study week provides students with an opportunity to integrate course material through a series of visits to countryside sites across Wales. Example visits include Skomer Island, the RSPB reserve at Lake Vynwy, Cwm Idwal National Nature Reserve and the Wildfowl and Wetland Trust centre at Llanelli. These visits consider the diverse issues associated with managing the countryside and provide examples of some of the management solutions being used, by different countryside organisations.

Terrestrial Ecology - Ireland

This residential week of study is designed to introduce students to the major ecological plant communities associated with the limestone of the Burren, in the west of Ireland. A major part of the course will involve collection and analysis of field data to be incorporated in a series of assessed reports investigating those factors that limit the distribution of selected higher plants, animals, mosses, lichens and fungi.

Tropical Rainforest Ecology – Borneo

This exciting field course will provide students with research training in bioinventory, ecology and conservation in the tropical forests of Borneo. Students will gain core skills in how to classify complex taxa from first principles and use this to facilitate subsequent ecological research. During the module DNA barcode data will be utilised in order to aid traditional morphological approaches. The course will also build an appreciation of the threats facing tropical environments and the challenges facing their conservation.

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“The course gave me a great overview of all the different organisations involved in managing the countryside as well as detailed insight into the relevant legislation and policy. The quality of the course tutors is what really made it for me though – they really brought the subject alive”.

Helen - BSc Countryside Conservation

Warden for Snowdon, Snowdonia National Park Authority

Like everyone I speak to who has studied at Aberystwyth I cannot rate the course highly enough. The lecturers are fantastic and their experience of working in the field combined with research of their particular subject areas means the content of the course is up-to-date.

Anna - BSc Countryside Management

Westgate Parks Development Officer, Kent County Council

I developed my survey skills for protected species such as great crested newt, reptiles, birds, mammals and habitat surveys during and following my time at Aberystwyth University.

Agri-environment schemes, habitat management for sustaining rare liverworts, statistical analysis and use of geographical information systems (GIS) were all studied at Aberystwyth and I still use this knowledge today as a baseline for developing ideas for capturing large scale survey results and mitigation measures to protect and enhance nature conservation.

Neil - BSc Countryside Management

Environmental Scientist, Ecology Matters

I was and still am very impressed by the breadth of scientific knowledge and practical skills that the BSc Countryside Management course provided me with. The BSc Countryside Management course has proven to be the most useful component of my education career so far. I’d highly recommend the course to anyone who wants a head start in the environmental sector. And there couldn’t be a better place to study than Aberystwyth!

Luke - BSc Countryside Management

Wildlife Biologist, Stantec Consulting Ltd., Canada

Student profiles

Aberystwyth provided excellent support in the teaching of conservation, from good facilities to enthusiastic and eccentric staff. There was always someone to ask for guidance and advice. Also it was extremely beneficial that the course was split between theoretical based lecture work and practical site visits.

Sophie - BSc Countryside Conservation

Conservation Officer, The Wildlife Trust for Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire & Northamptonshire

The course provided me with a background to a wide range of subjects and countryside issues which I have drawn on throughout my countryside career. The course taught me excellent scientific and analytical skills. I thoroughly enjoyed the course and my time at Aberystwyth and feel that it has enabled me to pursue and progress my countryside career.

Paul - BSc Countryside Management

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Career Opportunities

The variety of jobs and organisations that our

courses equip you for is truly very exciting. Past students are now have successful careers for organisations such as national parks, DEFRA, the National Trust, the RSPB, the Environment Agency, County Wildlife Trusts, the Forestry Commission and local authority countryside services to name a few. Within these organisations there are a range of job areas relating to:

• Environmental education and interpretation

• Environmental protection

• Estate management

• Habitat and species conservation

• Pollution control

• Practical estate work

• Rangering and wardening

• Recreation management

• Rights of way and access

No two jobs are the same and all are very rewarding and will always be challenging.

What some of our other past students

are now doing

Paul - Director, Eurasia Programme, Fauna & Flora International

Chris – Research assistant RSPB

Phil – Lecturer in Countryside Management Bicton College

Alister – Forestry Commission Scotland Gary – Environmental Consultant Aaron – National Trust, North Wales Cadi – Natural Resources Wales, North Wales Sarah – Breeding bird atlas coordinator, British Trust for Ornithology

Vikki – Project Officer, National Trust Tom – Ranger, Sussex

Daryl – Radnorshire Wildlife Trust Jasper – PhD student Dundee University Simon – Countryside Contractor

Gareth – Site manager, Natural Resources Wales Helen – Biodiversity Officer, Ceredigion County Council

John – Ranger, Ceredigion County Council Wendy – Public Rights of Way Officer, Ceredigion County Council

Kirsten – Ranger, Lulworth Cove

Gareth – East Harbour Regional Park, New Zealand Gareth – Reserves Officer, Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust

Dewi - National Trust, Lead Ranger, Carneddau and Glyderau mountains

Phil – Access Officer, Natural Resources Wales Russell – Rustic Solutions, Independent Countryside Contractor

Cellan – Area Manager, RSPB Cymru

Nick – Area Manager, South Downs National Park Dax – Food for the Future

Pierre-Andre – Project Officer. Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources, Seycelles Richard – Environmental Consultant Sally – Site Manager, Great Orme

Nick – Area Manager, Natural Resources Wales

Meet the countryside staff

Mike Christie

Mike Christie is an environmental and natural resource economist, specialising in valuing natural resources. A key focus of his research has been on developing the ‘ecosystem services’ approach to valuation. Other area of expertise include: natural conservation, outdoor recreation, tourism, agri-environment and geo-diversity.

Peter Dennis

Peter is a wildlife and landscape ecologist, specializing in grazing ecology and entomology. His teaching interests lie in wildlife management and habitat ecology, ecological survey techniques, the agri-environment and global biodiversity conservation.

Brian Garrod

Brian is a Senior Lecturer in Tourism Management. His research interests span all aspects of tourism and recreation, but focus particularly on sustainable tourism, ecotourism and heritage tourism. He has published four books, and written over thirty journal papers and book chapters.

Graham Harris

Graham is the course manager for the Foundation Degree in Countryside Management and Conservation course. His main interests are in the impacts of agriculture on biodiversity, species conservation, and global biodiversity conservation. He also teaches modules about the food supply system and its impact on the environment.

Dylan Jones

Dylan is Senior Lecturer in plant ecology and is course manager for the BSc in Ecology. His main area of research interest focuses on climate change impacts on plant and ecosystems. He conducts much of research at high latitudes including Arctic Sweden and Norway.

Ian Keirle

Ian is the course manager for the BSc Countryside Degree schemes. His interests lie in the management of recreation in the countryside and in the development of interpretation. He is the author of a popular text book on the management of countryside recreation sites.

Iwan Owen

Iwan lectures in forestry and woodland management as well as grassland agronomy. His particular interest is in continuous cover forestry and woodland regeneration. Iwan has responsibility in the Institute for Welsh medium teaching and has been closely involved with other colleges in developing teaching materials

Dave Powell

Dave is an ecologist, whose main interests lies in ecological change (particularly in upland habitats), global environmental issues and the role of organisations in the management of the countryside for conservation. He teaches fieldwork techniques and takes a keen interest in the application of information technology.

John Scullion

John is a soil scientist with research interests in the relationships between soil ecology and function, human impacts on these relationships and, in particular, their interactions with Carbon cycling. His undergraduate teaching covers soil systems, soil management, environmental pollution and monitoring.

John Warren

John Warren has a fondness for watching flowers waving in the breeze and counting the numbers of petals on buttercups. He will try and convince you that understanding plants and ecology is the only way to save the planet. John is a plant ecologist; with research interests in the maintenance of diversity and enhancement of conservation value particularly within agricultural ecosystems.

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About IBERS

Institute of Biological, Environmental and Rural

Sciences

The Institute of Biological, Environmental and Rural Sciences (IBERS) is a world class research and education centre. With 360 members of staff, IBERS is the largest Institute within Aberystwyth University, teaching 1350 undergraduate students and more than 150 postgraduate students.

Facilities

The Institute has benefited in recent years from large scale investment in buildings, staff and equipment. We now have a superb, energy-efficient teaching and staff building complete with café. We also have well-equipped laboratories, superb computing facilities and internationally renowned staff making this an ideal place to study animal behaviour, biology, ecology, biochemistry, genetics, marine and freshwater biology, microbiology, molecular biology and zoology. Other facilities at the Institute include:

• Advanced microscopy and bio-imaging laboratory

• Computer modelling laboratory

• Controlled plant growth rooms

• Extensive land resources

• Facilities for high-throughput (next generation) DNA sequencing, metabolomics and

proteomics

• Marine and freshwater aquaria

• Molecular biology / biotechnology laboratories

• Mass spectrometry and analytical unit

• Plant genetic resources and databases

• Temperate and tropical glasshouses

• The National Plant Phenomics Centre

• Trophic interaction facility

IBERS conducts fundamental

and applied biological research

to tackle some of humanities

most urgent challenges

Our vision is to become one

of the top three land-based

University departments in the

World.

Eleanor Parish: Biology Student of the Year, finalist in 2013 European Science, Engineering and Technology Awards.

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Individual attention and support

At Aberystwyth we believe in treating you as an

individual and work with you to maximise your personal development. We do this through:

• One-to-one tutorials with a personal tutor

• An open-door policy so that you can get help when you need it

• A first year ‘tutorial’ module that seeks to develop your learning skills such as essay writing, giving presentations, library skills, exam technique and computer skills.

• A virtual learning environment called ‘Blackboard’ where support material for modules, such as lecture notes, timetables and supportive reading materials are always available

• Central support services to help students with problems such as weakness in English or learning difficulties such as dyslexia.

• Small class sizes.

If you need help in any way there will be someone there for you.

Variety in teaching / development of

skills

We are here to help you learn. However, don’t expect just to sit back and be taught. Active discussion is encouraged in all areas and lectures are frequently interactive. In addition to learning, you will develop a range of skills appropriate to the nature of your course. This is carried out in a number of ways including: • Assignment work • Laboratory work • Practicals • Tutorials • Role-plays • Seminars • Workshops

• Visits and study tours

Class sizes are not normally large and range from 70 in year 1 and falling to classes of 30 or less in years 2 and 3. Some generic modules shared with other schemes may be more than this but this is not the norm.

Variety in assessment

Throughout your time in Aberystwyth you will be assessed in a variety of ways. This is not just to enable us to ‘grade’ you, but also forms an important part of your learning experience, developing and applying your knowledge and skills. Most modules are partly assessed through traditional examinations but you will also be assessed through coursework assignments. These come in a wide variety of forms including: • Essays • Group work • Plans • Posters • Practical write-ups • Presentations • Projects • Reports

The vocational nature of our courses means that assignment work is normally applied to real-world situations to give you the best possible preparation for employment. Rest assured you will never be short of something to do!

Work experience and foreign study

opportunities

Gaining experience of working within the industry that you are studying will help you to develop your skills, knowledge and confidence and supply you with experience and a reference to help you gain a job when you leave the University. The courses that we run offer a range of work experience opportunities. In addition, on some of our courses, you can study for part of your course in a university in Europe or America.

Foundation Degrees

If you register for one of our Foundation Degrees you will be required to undertake a period of work experience. There are two options for this.

1. A minimum of six weeks of work experience in between years one and two. This will make the Foundation Degree a two year course. 2. Nine months of work experience (you can

do more if you wish!). This will make the Foundation Degree a three year course. Students have in the past worked for a range of organisations including:

National Parks, the National Trust, the Countryside Council for Wales, the RSPB, Country Parks, County Wildlife Trusts and County Councils.

BSc

On BSc courses you will take a work experience module that will require you to work for a relevant organisation for a minimum of 50 hours during the summer between years 1 and 2. If you wish to gain further industry experience you can take a year ‘out’ from university through the ‘year in employment’ scheme. For information on how the careers advisory service can help you find work experience please refer to http://careers.aber.ac.uk

Erasmus

This European-funded scheme means that in your second or third year you can take half or a whole year in a university in another European country. All marks you get whilst away from Aberystwyth will contribute to your final degree grade. Students studying countryside and environmental courses have been to universities in the Netherlands, Denmark and Sweden. In these institutions courses are taught through the medium of English.

In addition, we have exchange agreements with a number of universities in the USA. For example, several students have studied at the University of Montana. Information on European and American exchanges can be found at http://www.aber.ac.uk/en/international/ study-abroad/

Phil goes to Montana

Countryside Management student Phil spent year 2 of his course at the University of Montana, USA. He had a busy social life benefiting from regular snowboarding, ice climbing and hunting

trips. He also got to study at one of the best schools of Forestry and Wildlife Biology which improved his global understanding of the management of wilderness areas.

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The Town and University

Where you study is important, because the place determines the quality of life you enjoy, the opportunities open to you and the time available for academic study and personal development. Aberystwyth is a distinctive town on the beautiful shores of Cardigan Bay on the west coast of Wales. Its rich history is immediately apparent; the town’s elegant Victorian seafront and picturesque harbour is overlooked by the ruins of a medieval castle and an iron-age hill fort. Aberystwyth is set in unspoilt surroundings, offering a fine coastline and expanses of rolling moorland and wooded valleys immediately inland. The Cambrian Mountains and Snowdonia National Park are within easy reach and provide access to a host of outdoor activities.

Student Life

at Aberystwyth

All first year

students are

guaranteed

rooms in Halls of

Residence, most

within a short

walking distance

of the campus.

Student Life

Everything in Aberystwyth is accessible and within walking distance, and the town is served by frequent rail and bus services. There are no time-consuming, costly and frustrating journeys to work or leisure activities in this small, pollution-free, and safe university town. All students are guaranteed accommodation in their first year, and many students choose to live in university accommodation for their final year. The majority of second year students live in privately rented housing in the town. The fact that most students live on campus or in town creates very favourable conditions for the active student life for which Aberystwyth is famous. The Students’ Union offers a wide range of excellent student services, with clubs and societies that cover academic, musical, religious, political and recreational interests. Sports clubs flourish in Aberystwyth given the excellent facilities available at the University and in the town. Membership gives free or cheap access to many facilities on campus - bars, music, cinema, theatre, shops, launderette and travel agency. The Arts Centre on the campus provides an excellent programme of music, comedy, drama, dance and exhibitions.

The Students

Today, housed on a splendid campus site, the University has expanded to more than 9000 students. It has a cosmopolitan atmosphere, with students from over 70 nations welcomed annually to undertake their chosen course. In recent years, students have been drawn in roughly equal number from Wales, and the rest of Britain and Ireland. All who study here acknowledge that Aberystwyth remains a very special place, which they remember with affection. Aberystwyth has a dynamic student community, an excellent social life, and a stunning location.

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Aberystwyth University is one of the very best for

teaching and learning

As well as being the Top University in the country for both student satisfaction and student experience, Aberystwyth University has been voted one of the very best universities for teaching and learning in the UK. The fourth position published in the Times Higher Education’s Student Experience Survey is even more impressive considering that more than 11,000 full-time undergraduates in 104 universities took part in the Opinion Panel survey.

Aberystwyth is the safest place in the UK to be a

student

According to the Daily Mail’s Complete University Guide 2013, Aberystwyth is the safest place in England and Wales. This is supported by the findings of the

International Student Barometer 2012 that rate Aberystwyth as the safest place in the world to be a student. The same survey also placed Aberystwyth 1st in the world for making friends and 2nd in the world for its reasonable living costs.

Aberystwyth is voted the best student town in the UK

Aberystwyth has recently been voted the UK’s top student town for community spirit and facilities according to the findings of a survey published on accommodationforstudents.com.

The findings are based on over 36,000 student reviews from 56 university towns around the UK.

World Leading Excellence in our Departments

The outcomes of the latest Research Assessment Exercise (RAE) showed that

85% of research at Aberystwyth University is of an international standard or better, with “World Leading” research found in 15 of the 16 subject areas.

Best bursaries in the UK

Aberystwyth University is the best university in the UK for its bursaries and scholarships, according to the YouthSight Higher Expectations Report 2013.

Accolades

Application

and

entry requirements

How to apply for one of our courses

You need to apply for our courses though the UCAS (University and Colleges Admissions Service) system. Details of how to do this can be found at the UCAS web site at http://www.ucas.com/.

What we look for is a combination of proven academic ability and a genuine interest in the Biological Sciences. We accept a wide range of qualifications in addition to A-levels, including National Diplomas, Baccalaureates and many more. All offers are made on an individual basis following careful consideration by an IBERS Admissions Tutor. We also require grade C in Maths and English or Welsh at GCSE level or an equivalent. Offers are not based upon interviews but applicants to whom offers are made are encouraged to attend one of our Visiting Days held during the spring. We welcome applications from mature students without standard qualifications and decisions are made on an individual basis based upon an interview, qualifications and experience. Speak to us and we will advise you on your suitability.

Please note that entrance requirements can change and you are advised to check the University web site at

http://www.aber.ac.uk/en/undergrad/requirements/

for up to date details or give us a call at the number above.

What grades do you need to gain a place?

For more information on

admissions contact us for a chat

by phoning 01970-621904

or e mailing

ibers-admissions@aber.ac.uk

Additional subject requirements

A level applicants

• For BSc Countryside Management we require a grade C at A level in a science subject such as biology, physics, chemistry, geography, environmental science or maths.

• For BSc Ecology and BSc Environmental Bioscience we require B in A level Biology/ Human Biology, or C in Biology/Human Biology plus C in another relevant Science

Mature students

Applicants over 21 count as mature. We take a more flexible approach to these applicants and if you apply we would normally invite you for a one to one interview to consider your background experience and qualifications. We can then make a decision if you are suitable for one of our courses and what level is right for you.

Course

FdSc Countryside Management and Conservation BSc Countryside Conservation BSc Countryside Management BSc Ecology BSc Environmental Biosciences Code D440 / D4C1 D447 D455 C180 C151

UCAS points for A level applicants 120 240 240 280 - 320 280 – 320

UCAS points for BTEC applicants 160 280 280 320 320

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Open Days and Visiting Days

During the year, Aberystwyth University hosts several main Open Days, where you can visit any part of the University. During your Open Day you will be able to:

• look at our accommodation

• visit the departments

• tour our campus and facilities

• find out about our bursaries and scholarships

• speak to our current students

For more information and to reserve your place on an Aberystwyth University Open Day visit our website

www.aber.ac.uk/info/open-day, or contact us on 01970 622065, or email openday@aber.ac.uk

Once you’ve applied for a place at Aberystwyth, you will automatically be invited to attend a Visiting Day. These visits focus on the course in which you’ve shown an interest, and are an opportunity to speak in more depth with tutors and current students.

Entrance tariffs and scholarships

A guide to UCAS tariff points

A Levels AS Levels BTEC level

3 Extended Diploma A* = 140 A* = 70 D*D*D* = 420 A = 120 A = 60 D*D*D = 400 B = 100 B = 50 D*DD = 380 C = 80 C = 40 DDD = 360 D = 60 D = 30 DDM = 320 E = 40 E = 20 DMM = 280 MMM = 240 MMP = 200 MPP = 160 PPP = 120

Scholarships, Bursaries and Awards

The Scholarships, Bursaries and Awards offered at Aberystwyth are amongst the most valuable and extensive available at any British university. Our awards provide valuable financial support to ensure that students of all backgrounds can enjoy the benefits of higher education.

Amongst the awards available are:

• Aberystwyth Bursaries

• Excellence Scholarships

• Entrance Scholarships – worth up to £1,200 a year

• Residential Bursaries – worth £400

• Music Scholarships – worth £500 a year

• Sports Scholarships – worth £500 a year

• Care Leaver Bursaries – worth up to £1,800 a year

• International Excellence Undergraduate Scholarships

Additional scholarships are available for students studying part or the whole of their course through the medium of Welsh.

* Please note that not all of these awards can be held together, but many can in different combinations.

Further information can be found on the website

(www.aber.ac.uk/en/scholarships)

or by contacting the

University’s Marketing and Recruitment Office on

01970 622065, or by emailing

marketing@aber.ac.uk.

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For further information about courses

and admissions contact:

Institute of Biological, Environmental and Rural Science Aberystwyth University Penglais Campus Aberystwyth Ceredigion SY23 3DA Telephone: (01970) 621904 Email: ibers-admissions@aber.ac.uk

Undergraduate Studies in The Countryside and Environment.