Foundation year
Science

DNA strand

About this course

  • Entry year: 2012/13
  • Course code: BCF0
  • Applications: UCAS
  • Level: Undergraduate
  • Tariff points: Normally 120 minimum to include a pass in one GCE A Level
  • Department: Applied Sciences
  • Campus: Frenchay
  • Duration: One year
  • Delivery: Full-time
  • Study Abroad: No

Introduction

This course is intended for those who do not have the necessary qualifications for entry to the first year of named degree awards within the Department of Applied Sciences. On entry, you are admitted to one of the following named award routes which are extended by one year to include the Science Foundation Year:

  • Biological Sciences
  • Biomedical Sciences
  • Conservation Biology
  • Environmental Science
  • Forensic Biology
  • Forensic Chemistry
  • Forensic Science
  • Human Biology
  • Psychology 
  • Sports Biology

Taking as a base entry point GCSE grade C in Mathematics and in Sciences, material has been selected from areas of Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics, Information Technology and Physics to prepare you for the later years of the degree programme.

Applicants for the course must state which of the above named degree awards they wish to progress to.

Structure

Content

Whilst much of the formal science material is best taught in lecture, tutorial and practical sessions, the idea of student-centred learning is promoted in preparation for the degree environment. This is closely supervised in order to develop effective student-centred learning skills.

Past experience of students on similar courses has shown that where they have not succeeded at their previous studies, it is often due to a lack of study skills rather than any lack of innate ability. Students are therefore encouraged to develop these skills. For instance, library skills, information technology techniques, time management and presentation skills, both written and verbal, all form an important part of the foundation year.

All students study the following modules:
Organic MoleculesMatter and EnergyChemical Reactivity and Bonding
Information Technology and Study SkillsBiology 

Assessment

Progress into the degree year depends on the combined results of both continuous assessment and the end of year examinations.

Special Features

Careers/further study

Entry

Typical offers

  • Tariff points: Normally 120 minimum to include a pass in one GCE A Level
  • GCSE: English Language, Mathematics and Double Science at grade C or above.
  • Specific subjects: Science at GCE A or AS level
  • Relevant subjects: Maths
  • Access: Achievement of the Access to HE Diploma; achievement of level 3 credits in Science; achievement of Level 2 credits giving GCSE equivalence in English Language, Mathematics and Science.
  • Baccalaureate IB: 24

Advice on typical offers

In addition to the 'typical offer' given here, please read the general information about entry requirements.

How to apply

Please see the general information about applications.

The Foundation Year was designed to accept a wide range of people with different educational backgrounds. Each applicant will be considered on an individual basis.

For further information

Page last updated 14 December 2011

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