BSc Biological Sciences with a Foundation Year

Key details

BSC BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES WITH A FOUNDATION YEAR

Start Year

2022

Attendance

Full Time

Award

Degree of Bachelor of Science

UCAS course code

8C91

Entry Requirements

CCC

Wherever your interests lie in the vast world of biological sciences, the Foundation Year will pique your curiosity and quench your thirst for answers to important scientific questions. You’ll have contact with academics and researchers from across the Faculty of Science, many of whom are world-leaders in their chosen research areas. In the most recent Times Higher Education REF Analysis (2021), we were ranked 17th overall for research quality in Biological Science. And beyond the timetabled lecture series, you’ll have the opportunity to attend talks by guest lecturers and speakers.

You’ll cover current scientific topics that have significance and importance for society, such as the changing global climate, the emergence of infectious diseases, and the challenging field of bioethics. And you’ll be encouraged to develop your critical thinking skills by evaluating sources of scientific evidence and including such sources in your own written work. At UEA we are uniquely partnered with the Norwich Research Park, providing you with access to a learning experience that is dynamic and fascinating – and fuelled by research that is happening right here, right now.

About

Our Biological Sciences with a Foundation Year course is designed to help you gain the skills, knowledge and confidence you need to progress on to a degree in biological sciences.

During your foundation year you’ll be assigned an adviser from the School of Biological Sciences who’ll guide you through your course to make sure that you’re ready to progress onto the specific degree course of your choice.

It’s the ideal choice if you’re looking for a solid foundation in the core subjects relating to the study of life and the processes and interactions driving life on Earth. You’ll learn alongside students from across the other Science Schools, and at the end of the Foundation Year you will be equipped with the fundamental skills you need to succeed in your future studies in your chosen area of biological science – and to unleash your learning potential.

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We’re 17th for research quality!

UEA is ranked 17th overall in the Times Higher Education REF 2021 Analysis for research quality in Biological Science

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Important Information

Whilst the University will make every effort to offer the courses listed, changes may sometimes be made arising from the regular review of course programmes. Where this activity leads to significant (but not minor) changes to programmes, there will normally be prior consultation of students and others. Changes may for example consist of variations to the content and method of delivery of programmes, courses and other services, to discontinue programmes, courses and other services and to merge or combine programmes or courses. The University will endeavour to keep such changes to a minimum, and will inform students.

Assessment for Year 1

Each module will be assessed through a combination of coursework and formal tests or examinations. Feedback will be offered after each assessment.

Structure

You’ll cover a combination of modules from the core subjects fundamental to studying the science of life. One third of your Foundation Year programme will be spent studying biology modules, which will take you from the very small, cellular level through to aspects of whole organisms and ecosystems. You’ll also study crucial processes such as metabolic pathways and nutrient flow within the environment. The focus of the majority of your biology studies will relate to the drivers and processes contributing to the evolution of life on Earth. You’ll explore the role of fossils as evidence for evolution, the inheritance of genetic disorders, and the processes driving diversity within populations, including specific examples on topics such as antimicrobial resistance. The remaining two-thirds of your Foundation Year will be comprised of modules in mathematics and chemistry, the exact combination of which will be based on your previous studies and your intended future course.

Once you’ve successfully completed your Foundation Year, you’ll progress on to one of the main degree programmes within the School of Biological Sciences. The progression criteria for these courses varies, but a typical example might be 60% overall and 60% in the biology and maths or chemistry modules for progression to Biomedicine. Passing all of your Foundation Year modules (the pass mark is 40%) will make you eligible for our main Biological Sciences programmes as well as our Ecology and Conservation or Molecular Biology and Genetics degree courses. For the years of study beyond the Foundation Year, please see the course pages specific to those degree programmes.

Teaching and Learning

Taught by leading academics from across our Faculty of Science, this course will develop your academic skills through a combination of lectures, seminars and laboratory-based practicals. The lecture series will provide you with the fundamentals of scientific knowledge, which you will develop further through other taught and practical sessions, as well as our complementary online learning resources. Small group sessions will enable you to further develop your analytical and critical thinking skills, giving you opportunities to put the topics in context and bring the science to life.

Independent Study

The Foundation Year programme provides a balance between independent thinking and taught study skills. It will help you become a self-motivated learner, an expert researcher and an analytical thinker. Along with formal taught sessions, you’ll undertake research, written assignments, practical work and group tasks. You’ll have access to our state-of-the-art library, and you’ll be given guidance and constructive feedback, to help you improve and develop your skills.

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Open Days

Assessment for Year 2

We use a range of assessment methods throughout the course to best reflect the subject matter in hand. These include formal examinations, project reports, course tests, practical and fieldwork reports, poster and oral presentations, essays and worksheets. The balance of coursework and examinations will vary in accordance with your module choices. For example, many of our modules are split 40% coursework, 60% examination, but a small number are 100% coursework.

Structure

In the first year of your degree, you’ll be given a thorough introduction to Biological Sciences, alongside other core elements relating to the study of science, such as mathematics. You’ll also begin to develop the key scientific skills essential to your future research projects.

Teaching and Learning

Our School is home to world-class academics and internationally recognised researchers. And we’re proud to say we have some of the best facilities in the country, including our fantastic undergraduate practical laboratories. The majority of your learning will take place in lectures, seminars, practical laboratory sessions and fieldwork, where you'll gain hands-on experience and benefit from invaluable contact time with lecturers. In each of your modules you’ll undertake applied work in collecting, analysing and reviewing data, plus making observations on biological processes, with a particular emphasis on the critical assessment of existing knowledge. In seminars and group discussions you’ll hone your problem posing and solving skills. And in your first year you’ll focus heavily on cultivating your mathematical and statistical skills.

Independent Study

You’ll have plenty of opportunities for independent study using our state-of-the-art University library throughout your course. During your final year dissertation project you’ll develop your skills in research design and analysis, growing the independent study skills you’ll use throughout your career. You’ll also be assigned an Academic Adviser who will help you identify and work on areas for improvement across all your studies.

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Assessment for Year 3

Structure

Your second year will enable you to pursue your interests in specialist biological subjects through a range of optional modules. Meanwhile a defined choice module will allow you to select a topic from other Science Schools or even a language, subject to the approval of the desired School of study.

Teaching and Learning

Independent Study

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Open Days

Assessment for Year 4

Structure

In your final year you’ll have an even greater range of modules to choose from, which will focus on specific biological issues ranging from molecular plant-microbe interactions to cancer biology. You’ll also study some topics in more depth and can choose to take modules that will support your research as you conduct your substantial independent research project.

Teaching and Learning

Independent Study

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Open Days

Year 0 (Foundation Year)

Compulsory Modules (60 Credits)

INTRODUCTORY BIOLOGY

Code BIO-3002A (20 Credits)

The topics covered on the module will give you a basic grounding in biological processes including the fundamental characteristics of living things; basic metabolic processes; an understanding of evolution and knowledge of the levels of biological organisation with some focus given to organ systems. This module also gives you the opportunity to develop key transferable skills which may include lab skills, report writing, assignment preparation, researching and evaluating evidence, giving and responding to presentations.

FURTHER BIOLOGY

Code BIO-3001B (20 Credits)

The topics covered will give you a basic grounding in biological processes including the fundamental characteristics of living things; basic metabolic processes; an understanding of evolution and knowledge of the levels of biological organisation with some focus given to organ systems. This module also gives you the opportunity to develop key transferable skills such as lab skills, report writing, assignment preparation, researching and evaluating evidence, giving and responding to presentations.

INTRODUCTORY CHEMISTRY

Code CHE-3004A (20 Credits)

A module designed for you, if you are on a Science Faculty degree with a Foundation Year. You will receive an introduction to the structure and electronic configuration of the atom. You will learn how to predict the nature of bonding given the position of elements in the periodic table and therefore. You will be introduced to the chemistry of key groups of elements. You will become familiar with key measures such as the mole and the determination of concentrations. The module includes laboratory work. No prior knowledge of chemistry is assumed.

Optional A Modules (20 Credits)

BASIC MATHEMATICS I

Code MTHB3001A (20 Credits)

Taught by lectures and seminars to bring students from Maths GCSE towards A-level standard, this module covers several algebraic topics including functions, polynomials and quadratic equations. Trigonometry is approached both geometrically up to Sine and Cosine Rule and as a collection of waves and other functions. The main new topic is Differential Calculus including the Product and Chain Rules. We will also introduce Integral Calculus and apply it to areas. Students should have a strong understanding of GCSE Mathematics.

INTRODUCTORY MATHEMATICS FOR SCIENTISTS

Code MTHB3005A (20 Credits)

This is a course in mathematics for students who have studied Maths at GCSE level gaining a grade B/C or equivalent and/or more than two years ago. The course includes some AS level material relevant to science. This module is reserved for students on the Chemistry, Biology, Pharmacy, Environmental Science or Computing Foundation Years.

Optional B Modules (40 Credits)

FURTHER CHEMISTRY

Code CHE-3003B (20 Credits)

A course in chemistry intended to take you to the level required to begin a relevant degree in the Faculty of Science. The module will help you to develop an understanding of: reactions of functional groups in organic chemistry; basic thermodynamics; spectroscopic techniques; transition metal chemistry and practical laboratory skills.

ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES

Code ENV-3001Y (20 Credits)

In this module you will learn about the interdisciplinary nature of environmental sciences through discussion of current hot topics, and carrying out projects on environmental topics that are challenging us today ; you will acquire skills in field work, data analysis, and writing scientific reports. Through the year-long module you will gain an understanding of the breadth of environmental science topics, the multidisciplinary and interdisciplinary nature of environmental systems. You will develop skills in verbal and written scientific communication skills, critically analyse environmental problems and discuss solutions to the challenges of sustainable management of our environment. These skills will be of benefit to you through the rest of your degree. This module is optional for DEV foundation year students and may be taken by BIO foundation year students as a concession (agreed with the module organiser and BIO course director).

BASIC MATHEMATICS II

Code MTHB3002B (20 Credits)

Following MTHB3001A (Basic Mathematics I), this module brings students up to the standard needed to begin year one of a range of degree courses. The first half covers Integral Calculus including Integration by Parts and Substitution. Trigonometric identities, polynomial expressions, partial fractions and exponential functions are explored, all with the object of integrating a wider range of functions. The second half of the module is split into two: Complex Numbers and Vectors. We will meet and use the imaginary number i (the square root of negative one), represent it on a diagram, solve equations using it and link it to trigonometry and exponential functions. Strange but true: imaginary numbers are useful in the real world. The last section is practical rather than abstract too; we will be looking at three dimensional position and movement and solving geometric problems through vector techniques.

FURTHER MATHEMATICS FOR SCIENTISTS

Code MTHB3006B (20 Credits)

This module is ideal for you if you are studying a Science Faculty degree with a Foundation Year or Computing with a Foundation Year and have completed study of the module Introductory Mathematics for Scientists. You will build on the knowledge gained during the Mathematics for Scientists introduction module and advance your skills.

For further years' module information please check out our BSc Biological Sciences.

Important Information:

Whilst the University will make every effort to offer the modules listed, changes may sometimes be made arising from the annual monitoring and review of modules. Where this activity leads to significant change to a programme and modules, the University will endeavour to consult with affected students. The University may not be able to offer a module for reasons outside of its control, such as the illness of a member of staff. Availability of optional modules may be restricted owing to timetabling, lack of demand, or limited places. Where this is the case, you will be asked to make alternative module choices and you will be supported during this process.

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Entry Requirements

A Levels

CCC

T Levels

Obtain an overall Pass including a C in the core of the T Level and a Pass in the Occupational Specialism. Acceptable pathways: Design, Surveying and Planning for Construction or Digital Production, Design and Development or Education and Childcare

BTEC

MMM

Scottish highers

BBCCC

Scottish highers advanced

DDD

Irish leaving certificate

6 subjects at H4.

Access course

Pass the Access to HE Diploma with 45 credits at Level 3.

European Baccalaureate

60%

International Baccalaureate

28 points.

GCSE offer

You are required to have Mathematics and English Language at a minimum of Grade C or Grade 4 or above at GCSE.

Additional entry requirements

A-Level General Studies and Critical Thinking are not accepted.  Science A-Levels must include a pass in the practical element.

We welcome applications from students with non-traditional academic backgrounds.  If you have been out of study for the last three years and you do not have the entry grades for our three year degree, we will consider your educational and employment history, along with your personal statement and reference to gain a holistic view of your suitability for the course. You will still need to meet our GCSE English Language and Mathematics requirements. 

If you are currently studying your level 3 qualifications, we may be able to give you a reduced grade offer based on these circumstances: 

• You live in an area with low progression to higher education (we use Polar 4, quintile 1 & 2 data) 

• You will be 21 years of age or over at the start of the course 

• You have been in Local Authority care  

• You are studying at a school which our Outreach Team are working closely with

Alternative Entry Requirements

UEA recognises that some students take a mixture of International Baccalaureate IB or International Baccalaureate Career-related Programme IBCP study rather than the full diploma, taking Higher levels in addition to A levels and/or BTEC qualifications. At UEA we do consider a combination of qualifications for entry, provided a minimum of three qualifications are taken at a higher Level. In addition some degree programmes require specific subjects at a higher level.

Important note

Once enrolled onto your course at UEA, your progression and continuation (which may include your eligibility for study abroad, overseas experience, placement or year in industry opportunities) is contingent on meeting the assessment requirements which are relevant to the course on which you are enrolled.

Students for whom english is a foreign language

Applications from students whose first language is not English are welcome. We require evidence of proficiency in English (including writing, speaking, listening and reading): 

IELTS: 6.5 overall (minimum 5.5 in all components)

We also accept a number of other English language tests. Please click here to see our full list.

Interviews

Most applicants will not be called for an interview and a decision will be made via UCAS Track. However, for some applicants an interview will be requested. Where an interview is required the Admissions Service will contact you directly to arrange a time.

Gap year

We welcome applications from students who have already taken or intend to take a gap year.  We believe that a year between school and university can be of substantial benefit. You are advised to indicate your reason for wishing to defer entry on your UCAS application.