BSc ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES WITH A FOUNDATION YEAR

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),

MTHB3001A (20 Credits)

The module covers a range of GCSE and A-Level mathematics material, which will be used across a number of scientific degrees. It is aimed at students who have already studied Mathematics at A-Level, or have gained GSCE Mathematics grade 6 or above, or have equivalent experience. You will study functions, polynomials, and trigonometry. You will also be introduced to “calculus”, which includes differentiation (finding the slope of a function on a graph) and integration (finding the area under the curve of a function). You will learn how to differentiate simple functions directly, and how to use the product rule and chain rule to differentiate more complicated functions.

MTHB3002B (20 Credits)

This module follows on from Basic Mathematics I (MTHB3001A) studied in the Autumn Semester, and covers more of the A-Level mathematics content needed in scientific degrees. In the first half of the module, you will continue with your studies of calculus, and advance your knowledge of trigonometry, polynomials and exponentials with the object of integrating a wider range of functions. In the second half of the module, you will study two new topics: complex numbers and vectors. Complex numbers allow you to solve equations such as x^2+1=0 and have links to trigonometry. Vectors allow the convenient representation of positions and motion in three-dimensional space.

MTHB3005A (20 Credits)

This module covers GCSE and some early A-level material that is needed for a range of scientific degrees. It is aimed at students who have studied mathematics at GSCE gaining a grade 4/5 or equivalent. In this module, you will consolidate fundamental maths skills and increase your knowledge and confidence to support mathematical problem solving applicable to other areas of science. Topics include arithmetic and fractions, linear and quadratic functions and their graphs, exponentials and logarithms, and trigonometry.

MTHB3006B (20 Credits)

This module follows on from the Introductory Mathematics for Scientists module (MTHB3005A) in the first Semester. You will build on your knowledge gained there to study more advanced mathematical material that can be used in a range of scientific applications. In this module, you will study vectors and matrices, as well as learning about statistics and probability. You will also be introduced to calculus, which includes differentiation and integration. Differentiation can be used to find the slope of a graph, which tells you how quickly one quantity varies as you change another. Integration allows you to find the area under the curve on a graph, and can be used for quantifying cumulative effects.

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.

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.

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.

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.

CMP-3005A (20 Credits)

Introductory Programming introduces a number of programming concepts at the start of your programming career, using a modern programming language common to many digital industries. We structure learning through lectures, delivering core materials, and tutor supported exercises to reinforce learning, and to prepare students for programming in their following studies.

CMP-3006B (20 Credits)

This module follows on from Foundations of Computing 1. You will learn about a further range of topics that are fundamental to computing science. You will study areas such as database design, accessing databases via dynamic websites, an introduction to machine code, machine learning and an introduction to higher level languages.

DEV-3011A (20 Credits)

Global Challenges: Issues and Concepts in Development Studies 1 (GC1) takes a thematic approach to an introduction to the interdisciplinary subject of development studies. Key pressing global challenges will be explored, with case studies from specific contexts used to look at issues in more contextual detail. Key issues studied in GC1 include population change, inequality, HIV/AIDS, gender, migration, climate change, food security, governance and humanitarian communication. Global Challenges: Issues and Concepts in Developments Studies 2 is a related module in the Spring semester and Foundation Year students in the School of International Development will take both modules.

DEV-3012B (20 Credits)

Global Challenges: Issues and Concepts in Development Studies 2 is a progression from Global Challenges: Issues and Concepts in Development Studies 1 and Foundation Year students in the School of International Development will take both modules. Global Challenges 2 continues with a thematic approach to an introduction to the interdisciplinary subject of development studies. Key pressing global challenges will be addressed, with case studies from specific countries used to explore issues in more contextual detail. Key issues studied across the two modules could include such issues as inequality and poverty, population growth, climate change, democracy, HIV/AIDS, indigenous peoples, and migration and refugees.

PHY-3010B (20 Credits)

This module follows on from Introductory Physics and continues to introduce you to the fundamental principles of physics and uses them to explain a variety of physical phenomena. You will study gravitational, electric and magnetic fields, radioactivity and energy levels. There is some coursework based around the discharge of capacitors. The module finishes with you studying some aspects of thermal physics, conservation of momentum and simple harmonic motion.

PHY-3011A (20 Credits)

In this module you will begin your physics journey with units, accuracy and measurement. You will then progress through the topics of waves, light and sound, forces and dynamics, energy, materials and finish by studying aspects of electricity. The module has a piece of coursework which is based around PV cell technology.

In your the Foundation Year, you’ll study compulsory and optional modules. Spread across the year is the compulsory Environmental Science module. In each semester, you’ll also take a module to develop your numerical skills at a level that fits your ability and confidence. The other half of your foundation year study is from optional modules which you select from a choice of biology, chemistry, and physics, or you may opt for social science modules on global challenges. 

Over the year, you’ll explore various aspects of our natural environment when you will discover where your passions lie. This will help you decide which BSc, BA or MSci degree course to transfer to at the end of your Foundation Year. 

Your personal academic adviser and the Foundation Year course director will be on hand to support and advise you, ensuring that you make the most of the options and opportunities in this important first year. 

For the years of study beyond the Foundation Year, please see the full BSc Environmental Sciences course. 

Teaching 

Depending on your chosen optional modules, you are likely to have about 15 hours per week, experiencing a range of learning environments including lectures, seminars, laboratory practicals, field work and IT practicals. Together, these develop your subject knowledge and key skills whilst also developing your ability to think and communicate as a scientist. 

Most lectures are recorded and accessible throughout the rest of your degree. 

Independent study 

During your Foundation Year, you’ll read around content delivered in taught sessions to broaden your understanding and develop as in independent learner. This will help you gain critical skills in good time management and self-discipline as you balance taught sessions, independent study and any extra-curricular activities – skills that are essential for the rest of your course and beyond into graduate jobs. 

Alongside several modules we usually run optional support sessions, plus there are helpful extra resources for each module on Blackboard, our online learning support platform to help with your learning. 

COVD-19 

Teaching activities may be subject to restrictions relating to COVID-19 or other concerns. We remain committed to a full learning experience with in-person sessions where possible but may need to adapt to constraints imposed at the time, in which case we may need to offer alternatives or cancel in some cases. Opportunities mentioned in this document represent our normal offering. 

During your Foundation Year, you’ll be assessed based on your understanding of modules taken. The type of assessment depends on the modules you take, but is likely to include written reports, problem sheets, tests, presentations and exams. Some modules have two or more assessments which may be a combination of two or more of the above. 

For each module, you’ll have the chance to develop your skills with at least one practice or “formative” assignment that is similar to the summative (marked) assignment. Feedback on the formative assignment will help you improve the summative assessment.