Undergraduate Degrees

BSc Science (with a Foundation Year - Part time)

Attendance:: Part Time
Award:: Degree of Bachelor of Science
School of Study:: Chemistry
Brochure:: BSc Science with a Foundation Year course brochure (PDF)
Typical A-Level Offer:: CCC

Overview
Why Choose Us
Course Profile
Requirements
Fees and Funding
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The Foundation Year has been designed to specifically meet the requirements of students looking to embark on an undergraduate science degree, but who lack the typical academic qualifications. The course provides a strong platform from which to progress into various areas of science.

Students presenting with three A2 levels (or equivalent) of which two or more are science subjects (Mathematics, Chemistry, Physics, Biology) at Grade C (predicted or obtained) or will not normally be considered for this course.

All applicants should have GCSE English language and Mathematics (or equivalent) at a minimum of Grade C.

After successfully completing the Foundation Year, you may, depending on the standard of achievement, progress onto either, a full-time UEA Honours science degree in Chemistry, Biological Sciences, Computing Sciences, Environmental Sciences, Mathematics, Natural Sciences or Pharmacy or a part-time UEA Honours science degree in Biochemistry, Biological Sciences or Ecology. You may alternatively choose to continue on the BSc Science degree on a full-time or a part-time basis.

Full-time Courses available at UEA include:

Actuarial Science
Biochemistry, Biology, Biomedicine and Ecology
Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Chemistry
Computer Science
Environmental Science, Environmental Earth Science, Environmental Geophysics, Environmental Geography, Climate Science and Meteorology and Oceanography
Mathematics
Natural Science (incl. Physics)

Pharmacy

Part-time Courses available at UEA include:

Biochemistry

Biological Sciences
Ecology

For more information and advice about studying the BSc Science (with a Foundation Year), on a part-time basis at the UEA, please contact our staff in the Faculty of Science Admissions Office at sci.ug.admiss@uea.ac.uk

For details of the Medicine Foundation Year offered at UEA, please see https://www.uea.ac.uk/med/medicine-health-policy-and-practice/mbbs-medicine-with-a-foundation-year or contact med.ug.admiss@uea.ac.uk

Foundation Year Programme

The Foundation Year will be spread over two years. The first two years of the programme consists of foundation studies in Chemistry, Biology, Physics, Mathematics and Computing, building from a level that does not require AS level or A2 level studies in any of these topics, and progressing within two years to a standard where you can enrol on first year Honours degree units taught by the Faculty of Science at UEA after completion of the programme. All of our degree programmes have a credit-based learning structure and, for each of our Honours degree courses, students must study 120 credits.

In the first two years of the foundation course, you will study 120 credits overall. These are obtained by passing the annual course assessments, enabling you to gain enough to continue onto the full-time or part-time degree programme of your choice. Course units are assessed by a mixture of coursework and examination to produce an overall percentage grade and specific unit marks. It is these marks, combined with the 120 credits that are taken into consideration when progressing onto an Honours course.

BSc (Hons) Science Programme

The BSc Science programme consists of a number of core units drawn from the main undergraduate degree programmes in the Faculty of Science at UEA.

You will have a wide selection of science units to choose from, including Biology, Chemistry, Environmental Science, Mathematics and Computing Science, allowing you to tailor the course to meet your personal requirements. Guidance in your choice of path will be provided by your academic adviser and the course director.

During Year 1 (and Year 2 if your are studying the BSc Science degree on a part-time basis) students must take at least 120 credits from the units on offer, of which a minimum of 60 credits must be in one main discipline and a minimum of 20 credits in a subsidiary discipline.

The remaining years (2 years for full-time students and 4 years for part-time students) allow you flexibility in your choice of units. Students may carry out a research project in their final year or continue to broaden their knowledge, by studying units selected from a wide range of science disciplines, supported as appropriate by additional laboratory classes. You are allowed free choice from a variety of science-based topics, although some restrictions may apply.

Teaching and Assessment

The interdisciplinary research carried out in the Faculty of Science, enables us to teach a wide spectrum of topics, in the form of individual course units. A typical teaching week consists of around 20-25 hours of timetabled study.

This is taught with a combination of lectures, practical laboratory sessions and small-group tutorials and workshops, where you can discuss, in an informal setting, any points which were raised in lectures and find solutions to problem sheets distributed by tutors. You are also encouraged to discuss academic matters with tutors on a one-to-one basis.

In the laboratory, you will carry out experiments, based on the subject matter of your lecture programme. These sessions are supervised by your tutors and by postgraduate student demonstrators, who will ensure the safe execution of the experiments and discuss the theory behind them.

Units are assessed by a combination of coursework and examination. Marks from the Foundation Year do not count towards your final degree classification but are important for transfers to other degree programmes.

Help and Advice

On arrival at UEA, you will be introduced to a faculty member who will act as your adviser throughout your time with us. You will have regular discussions about the progress of your studies with your adviser, and he or she will also help with your selection of units and discuss any worries you may have about university life.

The bond between the advisor and student is often very strong and many graduates keep in touch with their advisers long after leaving UEA.

Course Organiser:Dr. G.Richard Stephenson

Why choose us?

During your first week at UEA, our staff will welcome you and provide a full induction programme; we aim to help our students settle in as quickly as possible. At the School of Chemistry we believe in offering each student individual care and guidance.

On your arrival at UEA you will be assigned to an adviser who will provide both academic and pastoral guidance. You will normally have the same adviser throughout your degree. We maintain an ‘open door policy’ so that students can see their adviser (or other members of staff) at any mutually convenient time. Your adviser will guide you through your academic career and provide a sympathetic ear during difficult times. If you study abroad for a year you will also be assigned an adviser at your host institution.

The University has excellent provision of specialist support services. Whatever the issue, be it financial, personal, academic or administrative - the University’s Dean of Students Office and the Union of UEA Students’ support services have experienced and sympathetic people, support groups and advice centres to help you.

Top-rated research

Research is a key activity in any major academic institution. It offers scope for advanced thinking, helps attract the keenest minds, and ensures that the institution’s work is at the cutting edge of the discipline. Most importantly, the creativity, resourcefulness and authority fostered by first class research feeds directly into the quality of teaching at the University. UEA’s School of Chemistry has an enviable reputation for its long and distinguished tradition of high quality research. In the latest RAE (Research Assessment Exercise) the School was ranked among the top 20 Chemistry departments. Our research work is currently financed by a grant holding of over £11 million won competitively from sources including the National Research Councils, charitable trusts (including the Wellcome and Wolfson Trusts), industrial companies (especially from the pharmaceutical industry) and the European Union. We have over 70 postgraduate research students, many of whom completed their undergraduate studies at UEA.

Key research in the School includes Physical and Analytical Chemistry, Synthetic Chemistry, Biological and Biophysical Chemistry, Nanoscience, Biomedicinal Chemistry and Forensic Chemistry.

Many of our core MChem degrees are accredited, and all other Chemistry programmes are recognised, by the Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC), the professional body for career chemists, or the Institute of Physics (IoP).

Reasons to choose us:

A top 20 research school (RAE 2008)
Research led, up-to-date teaching
The University has consistently been voted top five of English mainstream Universities for Student Satisfaction
Enthusiastic and friendly staff
Superb laboratory and IT facilities
Excellent academic and student support services
Varied and comprehensive range of degree programmes
A warm, welcoming campus environment
Active student social scene within the school
At the forefront of interdisciplinary research

Year 1
Year 2
Year 3
Year 4
Year 5
Year 6
Year 7
Year 8

This is the first year of your level 0 study

Option A Study (15 credits)

Students will select 15 credits from the following modules:

Name	Code	Credits
INTRODUCTORY BIOLOGY	CHE-0B31	15
A first module in biology for students who do not have an A-level in this subject. The module involves laboratory work.
INTRODUCTORY CHEMISTRY	CHE-0C31	15
A first module in Chemistry which is suited to students with no prior experience in the subject up to those who have studied the subject at GCSE or A Level, aimed at developing understanding of key basic concepts in the subject. Includes material up to and including AS Level. The module includes laboratory work. Reserved for students on the Science or Medicine Foundation Year programmes.
INTRODUCTORY PHYSICS WITH INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY	CHE-0P31	15
A first module in physics for students who do not have an A-level in this subject. The module covers a small amount of Information Technology and involves laboratory work.

Option B Study (15 credits)

Students will select 15 credits from the following modules:

Name	Code	Credits
BASIC MATHEMATICS I	MTH-0B91	15
Taught by lectures and seminars to bring students from Maths GCSE up to A-level standard. The module covers functions, polynomials, quadratics, trigonometry and differential calculus.
FOUNDATION MATHEMATICS FOR SCIENTISTS	CHE-0M35	15
For students who have studied Maths at GCSE level gaining grades of C or lower and/or more than two years ago. The course includes AS level material relevant to science. Reserved for students on the Science Foundation Year.
INTRODUCTORY MATHEMATICS FOR SCIENTISTS	CHE-0M33	15
A first module in mathematics for students who do not have a good recent GCSE in mathematics, intended to take students towards AS-level standard. Reserved for students on the Science Foundation Year.
PRINCIPLES OF MATHEMATICS FOR SCIENTISTS	CHE-0M37	15
For students who have studied Maths at GCSE level recently. The module includes AS level material. Reserved for students on the Science Foundation Year.

Option C Study (20 credits)

Students will select 20 credits from the following modules:

Name	Code	Credits
BASIC MATHEMATICS II	MTH-0B92	20
Brings students up to the standard needed to take first year Mathematics degree courses. The module covers trigonometric functions, integral calculus, complex numbers, vectors.
FURTHER BIOLOGY	CHE-0B02	20
A module in biology intended to take students to A-level standard. The module involves laboratory work.
FURTHER CHEMISTRY	CHE-0C02	20
A second semester module in Chemistry for Foundation Year students who have passed CHE-0C31. The module is intended to develop student knowledge and understanding of the subject up to A2 standard. The module involves laboratory work.
FURTHER FOUNDATION MATHEMATICS FOR SCIENTISTS	CHE-0M36	20
This module is designed to be a follow-on for students who have taken CHE-0M35 or CHE-0M37. Students from CHE-0M33 may use this module to extend their mathematical skills. Reserved for students on the Science Foundation Year.
FURTHER MATHEMATICS FOR SCIENTISTS	CHE-0M34	20
This module is designed to be a follow-on for students who have taken CHE-0M33. Students from CHE-0M35 may use this module to reinforce and extend their mathematical skills.
FURTHER PHYSICS	CHE-0P02	20
A course in physics for students who do not have an A-level in this subject. The unit involves laboratory work.

This is the second year of your level 0 study

Option A Study (30 credits)

Students will select 30 credits from the following modules:

Name	Code	Credits
INTRODUCTORY BIOLOGY	CHE-0B31	15
A first module in biology for students who do not have an A-level in this subject. The module involves laboratory work.
INTRODUCTORY CHEMISTRY	CHE-0C31	15
A first module in Chemistry which is suited to students with no prior experience in the subject up to those who have studied the subject at GCSE or A Level, aimed at developing understanding of key basic concepts in the subject. Includes material up to and including AS Level. The module includes laboratory work. Reserved for students on the Science or Medicine Foundation Year programmes.
INTRODUCTORY PHYSICS WITH INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY	CHE-0P31	15
A first module in physics for students who do not have an A-level in this subject. The module covers a small amount of Information Technology and involves laboratory work.

Option B Study (40 credits)

Students will select 40 credits from the following modules:

Name	Code	Credits
BASIC MATHEMATICS II	MTH-0B92	20
Brings students up to the standard needed to take first year Mathematics degree courses. The module covers trigonometric functions, integral calculus, complex numbers, vectors.
FURTHER BIOLOGY	CHE-0B02	20
A module in biology intended to take students to A-level standard. The module involves laboratory work.
FURTHER CHEMISTRY	CHE-0C02	20
A second semester module in Chemistry for Foundation Year students who have passed CHE-0C31. The module is intended to develop student knowledge and understanding of the subject up to A2 standard. The module involves laboratory work.
FURTHER FOUNDATION MATHEMATICS FOR SCIENTISTS	CHE-0M36	20
This module is designed to be a follow-on for students who have taken CHE-0M35 or CHE-0M37. Students from CHE-0M33 may use this module to extend their mathematical skills. Reserved for students on the Science Foundation Year.
FURTHER MATHEMATICS FOR SCIENTISTS	CHE-0M34	20
This module is designed to be a follow-on for students who have taken CHE-0M33. Students from CHE-0M35 may use this module to reinforce and extend their mathematical skills.
FURTHER PHYSICS	CHE-0P02	20
A course in physics for students who do not have an A-level in this subject. The unit involves laboratory work.

This is the first year of your Level 1 study. By the end of the 1U and 2U periods of study, students must have completed a total of at least 120 credits from the Level 1 Options Range A below, of which a minimum of 60 credits must be in one main Science discipline and a minimum of 20 credits in a subsidiary Science discipline.

Option A Study (40 credits)

Students will select 40 credits from the following modules:

Name	Code	Credits
ATMOSPHERE AND OCEAN	ENV-1A56	10
This module studies the physical processes occurring in the atmosphere and ocean, with emphasis on the links between the two. Radiation from the Sun and its effect on the Earth. Structure and circulation of the atmosphere. Ocean currents and the thermohaline circulation. Hydrostatic equation and pressure forces. Stability, air masses and fronts. Coriolis force and geostrophy. The effect of the wind on the ocean. Hydrological cycle. If you have not taken 1A25 Forces of Nature, a little background reading will help on concepts such as pressure, density, buoyancy and Coriolis force. Taught in the second half of semester.
BIODIVERSITY	BIO-1A03	20
An introduction to the evolution of the major groups of microorganisms, plants and animals. The module considers structural, physiological and life-cycle characteristics of these organisms. It charts the development of life on land and interprets evolutionary responses to changing environments.
BIODIVERSITY IN A CHANGING WORLD	ENV-1A26	10
Briefly introduces a wide range of major topics in conservation ecology, coupled with concepts relevant to the structure and functioning of the rapidly changing biosphere, from ecosystem, through community, population, behavioural, physiological to molecular ecology and conservation genetics. PREFERENCE WILL BE GIVEN TO STUDENTS REGISTERED IN THE SCHOOL OF ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES, AND ECOLOGY STUDENTS. Taught in second half of semester.
BONDING, STRUCTURE & PERIODICITY	CHE-1C3Y	20
This module is in part integrated with CHE-1C1Y. The first half of the module brings together fundamental concepts associated with the bonding and structure of inorganic and organic materials, including atomic structure, electron configurations, ionic and covalent bonding, and intermolecular forces. The second half of the module builds on the bonding and structural ideas to explain the structure of the Periodic Table. Trends, comparisons and contrasts will be drawn between the elements of the s/p block metals, non-metals and the transition metals. Spectroscopic and other experimental techniques are employed.
CALCULUS	MTH-1B2Y	30
(a) Differentiation and integration. Taylor and MacLaurin series. Applications: curve sketching, areas, arc length. (b) First order, second order constant coefficient ordinary differential equations. Reductions of order. Numerical solutions using MAPLE. Partial derivatives, chain rule. (c) Vectors and complex numbers. Line integrals. Multiple integrals including change of co-ordinates by Jacobians. Green's theorem in the plane. MAPLE integrated throughout. Students must have A-level Mathematics Grade 'C' or above or equivalent.
CHEMISTRY LABORATORY (A)	CHE-1C0Y	20
This 20 credit module comprises laboratory and related IT experiments/ modules relating to aspects of the core chemistry lecture modules.
CHEMISTRY LABORATORY (B)	CHE-1H0Y	10
This 10 credit module comprises laboratory and related IT experiments/ modules relating to aspects of the core chemistry lecture modules. Each student's choice of experiments will depend on the specific degree programme being followed.
CHEMISTRY LABORATORY (E)	CHE-1G0Y	10
This module comprises laboratory experiments and related IT exercises relating to aspects of some of the core chemistry modules. The material focuses on physical and analytical chemistry and does not contain any organic chemistry. This module is reserved for students on the Environmental Chemistry, Natural Sciences and Science (with a foundation year) programmes.
CHEMISTRY OF CARBON-BASED COMPOUNDS	CHE-1C1Y	20
Compatible with CHE 1C3Y, or a free-standing module with workload greater than average for 20 credits. The module introduces bonding and hybridisation, conjugation and aromaticity, mechanism and functional groups; principles which are elucidated in topics: electrophilic substitution and addition, organometallic nucleophiles, polar multiple bonds, enolate, Claisen, and Mannich reactions, the Strecker synthesis, stereochemistry (enantiomers and diastereoisomers), SN1/SN2 and E1/E2 reactions, and epoxidation / 1,2-addition to alkenes. Finally, synthesis (alkanes, alkenes, alkynes, alcohols, alkyl halides, ethers, amines, ketones, carboxylic acids) and bio-organic chemistry are introduced.
COMPUTING FUNDAMENTALS 1	CMPC1F02	20
The module introduces key concepts in discrete mathematics, logic and statistical analysis essential for any degree in computing. More...
COMPUTING SYSTEMS 1	CMPC1M01	20
The module is designed to introduce students to some of the principal technologies of contemporary computing systems and to software development in a web context. More...
COMPUTING SYSTEMS 2	CMPC1M02	20
The module is designed to provide students with: an overview of the organisational, cultural and technical context of current software development, experience of developing software in a web context, and an introduction to the principal architectures of contemporary computing systems. More...
DYNAMIC EARTH	ENV-1A67	10
The structure and behaviour of our dynamic planet are investigated. The module is underpinned by the theory of Plate Tectonics as a means of explaining Earth��s remarkable physiographic features, such as mountain belts and volcanoes and it also considers how processes of erosion and deposition modify them. The Module will introduce geological time and the 4.6 billion year record of changing conditions. It will introduce geological materials, resources and hazards. No prior knowledge of geology is assumed.
EARTH'S CHEMICAL PROCESSES II	ENV-1A34	10
This module provides an introduction to chemical processes in the atmosphere, hydrosphere, seawater, soils, sediments and rocks. Both the natural and anthropogenically perturbed system will be considered. Students taking this module are expected to have previous experience of Chemistry at A, AS Levels or equivalent. Taught in the second half of semester.
ENERGETICS AND SPECTROSCOPY	CHE-1C24	20
This module considers the way in which chemical systems, in the form of gases, liquids, solids and solutions, are described in terms of their energetics and dynamics. Topics include simple phase equilibria, the kinetic theory of gases, chemical kinetics and reaction mechanisms, thermodynamics in a chemical context, electrochemical cells, and acid base and redox equilibria. The module also includes a series of lectures on the principles of spectroscopy applied to chemical systems, i.e. how light interacts with matter. Content overlaps with PHAN1HE1.
EVOLUTION, BEHAVIOUR AND ECOLOGY	BIO-1A04	20
This module introduces the main ideas in behavioural ecology, evolutionary biology and ecology. It concentrates on outlining concepts as well as describing examples. Specific topics to be covered include the genetical basis of evolution by natural selection, systematics and phylogeny, the adaptive interpretation of animal sexual and social behaviour, ecological processes and population biology.
FORENSIC ANALYSIS AND INTERPRETATION	CHE-1H57	10
Students taking this module are required to have an A Level in Chemistry. Aim: introduction to forensic chemistry, sample and data gathering and interpretation. Objective: to familiarize students with critical thinking and evaluation of evidence. Content: history of forensic science, microscopy, glass refractive index, introduction to pattern recognition, forensic statistics and QA chain of custody issues. Teaching and learning methods: lectures, practicals and mentor groups (pbl). The students will be presented with a hypothetical criminal case on the UEA campus and during the duration of the module they will investigate simulated evidence material which addresses the taught basic science. To further the discussions in the mentor groups the students will have to research the literature and use the gathered information in the final report concerning the investigation of the supplied questioned material. The case report will have to be presented and defended in a mock court situation. Learning outcome: understanding of the basic requirements for forensic thinking, QA, pattern recognition, forensic statistics and microscopy. Preference will be given to FF41 (Forensic & Investigative Chemistry) and F1F4 students. Law Criminology students are invited to participate.
FUNDAMENTALS OF CELL BIOLOGY AND BIOCHEMISTRY	BIO-1A14	20
The unit aims to provide an introduction to the basic aspects of biochemistry, cell biology. Basic biochemical processes will be explored, as well as catalysis and enzymology. There will be an introduction to the nature of the living cell, its membranes, and organelles, how cells communicate and also how they are visualised. This unit will also provide an introduction to developmental biology.
FUNDAMENTALS OF MOLECULAR BIOLOGY AND GENETICS	BIO-1A13	20
The module aims to provide an introduction to the basic aspects of biochemistry, molecular biology and genetics. The module explores the fundamental properties of macromolecules, DNA structure, synthesis and replication, as well as the structure and function of proteins. The genetic code, genes and their expression will be covered as well as the rapidly expanding area of molecular biology. The module also covers chromosome structure, mechanisms of heredity, medical genetics and cytogenetics.
Global Environmental Challenges: Lectures only	ENV-1A69	10
What are the most pressing environmental challenges facing the world today? How do we understand these problems through cutting-edge environmental science research? What are the possibilities for building sustainable solutions to address these problems in policy and society? In this module you will tackle these questions by taking an interdisciplinary approach to consider major challenges relating to climate change, energy and water, natural hazards, and biodiversity and natural resources. In doing so you will gain an insight into environmental science research ��in action�� and develop essential academic study skills needed to explore these issues.
MATHEMATICS FOR COMPUTING A	CMPC1F1Y	20
The module is designed to provide students who have not studied A level Mathematics with sufficient understanding of basic algebra to give them confidence to embark on the study of computing fundamentals. Various topics in discrete and continuous mathematics which are fundamental to Computer Science will be introduced. More...
MATHEMATICS FOR COMPUTING B	CMPC1F3Y	20
This module is designed for students with an A level (or equivalent) in Mathematics. For these students it provides an introduction to the mathematics of counting and arrangements, a further development of the theory and practice of calculus, an introduction to linear algebra and its computing applications and a further development of the principles and computing applications of probability theory. In addition 3D Vectors are introduced and complex numbers are studied. More...
MATHEMATICS FOR SCIENTISTS 1	ENV-1A61	10
This module is designed for those students with good maths and a Grade C or above in 'A' level Mathematics. Topics include differentiation and integration, Taylor and Maclaurin series, complex numbers, vector algebra, partial differentiations. Previous knowledge of calculus is assumed.
MATHEMATICS FOR SCIENTISTS II	ENV-1A62	10
This module is the second in a series of four mathematical modules for students across the Faculty of Science. It continues the basic calculus of ENV-1A61 into the study of ordinary differential equations that are used to mathematically model many different systems across the sciences, and the use of further integrals to calculate lengths of lines, surface areas, and volumes. Power series expansions are used to represent and simplify functions, and an introduction to complex numbers is given. There is a continuing emphasis on applied examples, and the use of numerical computing software (Matlab).
MECHANICS AND MODELLING	MTH-1C32	10
Newton's laws of motion. Particle dynamics, orbits, conservation laws. Population dynamics.
PROGRAMMING 1	CMPC1M0Y	20
The purpose of the module is to give the student a solid grounding in the essential features of object-oriented computer programming using the Java programming language. The module is designed to meet the needs of a student who has not previously studied programming, although it is recognised that many will in fact have done so in some measure. On completing this module the student should be capable of developing, testing and documenting simple but non-trivial object-oriented programs, and of using the appropriate technical terminology in discussing these programs. More...
SUSTAINABILITY AND SOCIETY	ENV-1A28	10
Striking a balance between societal development, economic growth and environmental protection has proven difficult and controversial. The terms ��sustainability�� and ��sustainable development�� have been used in attempts to reconcile these three areas. Yet the ill-defined and contradictory nature of these concepts has also hampered their implementation. This module considers sustainability in theory and practice by examining the relationships between environment and society, through the contributions of a variety of social science disciplines. Taught in the first half of semester.

Option B Study (20 credits)

Students will select 20 credits from the following modules:

Name	Code	Credits

This is the second year of your level 1 study. By the end of the 1U and 2U periods of study, students must have completed a total of at least 120 credits from the Level 1 Options Range A, of which a minimum of 60 credits must be in one main Science discipline and a minimum of 20 credits in a subsidiary Science discipline. The 60 credits of Free Choice should normally be chosen from the modules provided by the Schools in the Science Faculty. Modules worth a total of 20 credits may be chosen without restriction (but with School approval) to make up the overall total for Year 2U to 120 credits.