Students Carry Out Mud Flat Survey
Two second year students on the Marine Science Foundation Degree at Falmouth Marine School enlisted the help of the first year students on the course, for their final research projects.
Alex Fowler and Jaydene Kerton planned a mud flat survey, briefed the students and oversaw the entire project which took place at three sites: the boatyard at Devoran, the Quay Garage and a site at Bissoe.
The 22 students were split into five groups before heading to the first site. Once there one group collected core samples which involves extracting tube sections of the mud. One carried out a bird survey and one a profile of the mud flats, which involved using poles to measure the gradient of the land. The other two groups took photographs and water samples.
As well as collecting all the necessary samples required for the research there were also a few incidents caused by the drizzly weather and the very soft mud. Beth Gay, who is also a student ambassador at the College, was collecting a core sample when she found herself sinking into a highly churned area of mud (due to the sampling). As Beth was pulled out by her friends, her welly and sock decided to stay put.
Kim Major, one of the first years who studied the Marine Biology & Ecology National Diploma at Falmouth Marine School before progressing onto the Foundation Degree had a similar experience last year. "The same thing happened to me when I was on the national diploma. I got stuck in the mud and lost a sock! But it's still a really good part of the course. It was great to get involved in the field work and be able to collect the samples rather than just doing the testing back in the lab. Alex and Jaydene did a really good job organising it. It's good for us to see as we'll have to do this next year."
All students studying Foundation Degrees at Falmouth Marine School are required to undertake a research project as part of their final assessment. They then get the chance to speak about their projects and display their results at the annual Falmouth Marine School Research day held at the National Maritime Museum Cornwall in June.
Claire Eatock, Course Manager, Marine Science Foundation Degree said: "Taking part in this survey not only helps Alex and Jaydene greatly with their research, but is also an invaluable experience for the first years who will be working on their own projects next year. Students learn so much by getting out in the field. Laughing while learning really makes it stick in the mind."
Dave Linnell OBE, Principal of Cornwall College commented: "It is good to see students getting together and helping each other out. It's also nice for the students to get out and do their work outside even if it is a bit muddy."