Using a similar format to 'Dragons’ Den' students studying the Marine Science Foundation Degree, pitched their project ideas to a panel of industry experts: Mark Sansom, Harbour Master, John Langan, Harbour Commissioner, Harriet Knowles, Maritime Sustainability Officer, and Falmouth Marine School academic staff Dr Claire Eatock and Trudy Russell MSC.
The projects, which are sponsored by the Falmouth Harbour Commissioners (FHC) will count towards the students’ final grades for their degree-level course and provide FHC with an overview of the environmental habitats in and around the Fal Estuary.
Mark Sansom, Harbour Master said: "We are extremely impressed with the professionalism and enthusiasm of the students. This is valuable research for us that we don't have the resources to gather ourselves."
The event provides students with the opportunity to test their communication and research skills and actively engage with the business community. Dr Claire Eatock, Programme Manager, said: "The importance of researching current issues and interacting with the business community is a vital developmental element of the degree-level programme. The event provides first year students with the opportunity to demonstrate their own research specialities and to experience presenting and communicating within a real business context in preparation for their final assessment and presentation next year.”
Harriet Knowles from FHC, said: "It was great to see the enthusiasm and excitement the students had for their projects. The depth of knowledge and skills each individual already holds was evident, their career is already mapping itself. I’ve really enjoyed being part of the event."
Student Jess Herron said: "It was a great opportunity to get some feedback on my project. I believe that my research is very relevant to the current dredging dilemma so being able to engage with the experts working on this was fantastic."
The students now have the opportunity to develop their projects over the summer based on the feedback given. Once completed they will present them at Falmouth Marine School's annual research day held at the National Maritime Museum, to which the panel and additional industry experts will be invited.
Dave Linnell, Principal of Cornwall College of which Falmouth Marine School is part, commented: “The College has 30 years of experience in providing degree-level courses and degree programmes are designed with employers to ensure they meet the needs of industry. Lecturers at the College are industry professionals, often with years of experience working in the field that they are now teaching in which all helps students graduate with the skills and experience necessary to hit the workplace running.”
All undergraduate courses at Falmouth Marine School are approved by the University of Plymouth.
If you are interested in studying at Falmouth Marine School call: 01326 310310,
email: falenquiries@cornwall.ac.uk or visit www.falmouthmarineschool.ac.uk.
The College is holding an open event on Saturday 18th June from 10am to 12noon where tutors will be available to talk about courses on offer.
Ends
Download full press release