BSc BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES WITH A FOUNDATION YEAR

Code: BIO-3001B Credits: 20

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.

Code: BIO-3001Y Credits: 20

Module description will be added soon.

Code: MTHB3001A Credits: 20

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.

Code: MTHB3002B Credits: 20

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.

Code: MTHB3005A Credits: 20

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.

Code: MTHB3006B Credits: 20

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.

Code: BIO-3002A Credits: 20

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.

Code: CHE-3003B Credits: 20

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.

Code: CHE-3004A Credits: 20

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.

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 skills for scientists, 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 full BSc Biological Sciences course. 

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’ll 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. 

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