Students following animal studies programmes at Coleg Ceredigion have been working closely with Aberystwyth University, getting hands-on in their research labs and learning about progression to university.

College lecturing staff have set-up regular visits so that students can experience learning within a university environment at university level.

So far, they have taken part in sessions which include parasites in sheep and how to evaluate the environmental impact of grazing areas with parasitic sheep.

They have also toured Aberystwyth School of Veterinary Science at the university and looked at the skeletal systems of multiple species which helped with their college biology module.

Atlantic mackerel dissection was another lab-based activity which studied the species adaptations to their environment both externally and internally and a practical session using a behavioural experiment with guppies to see what colour preferences a female guppy preferred.

Emma Fisher, Coleg Ceredigion animal studies lecturer said: “Both the college and the university are hoping to embed these visits for our level three, pre-university students throughout each academic year

“This will enhance the learners experience while on their college course giving them the opportunity to gain knowledge from academic lecturers who are at the top of their field of study undertaking current research and also to help students feel more confident with the prospect of accessing university education.”