Science Foundation
Course Summary
If you would like to study for a science degree, but do not have the necessary qualifications, then the Science Foundation course may be appropriate for you. It has been designed to provide a preliminary year for those students who lack the necessary qualifications but aspire to study on a science or health related degree.
Entry Requirements
Typical entry requirements are 160 UCAS tariff points (or equivalent). Mature students can be accepted on the strength of their experience and their enthusiasm for the subject and should contact the course leader in the first instance.
Course Aims
The aims of the science foundation course are to provide students with the subject knowledge, study skills and personal confidence to succeed at degree level in a science related subject.
Core Skills
A range of skills are developed, including scientific, analytical, laboratory, communication, organisational and time management skills. These are all developed so as to enable the student to access a science or health related degree.
Module Framework and Module Description
The course consists of six modules delivered over two semesters and assessed at the end of each semester. It is delivered over three days and involves 15 hours of contact time per week. Subjects studied include: Biology; Health and Nutrition, Anatomy and Physiology; Problem Solving and Investigational Techniques, and Study Skills.
Teaching, Learning and Assessment
A range of teaching and learning methods will be used to deliver the course. Methods most suited to each module will be used and include lectures, practical work, discussions and tutorials. The aim is to provide the students with the necessary skills, knowledge and confidence to succeed at a higher education level, whilst at the same time encouraging them to become self-motivated learners. As well as attending lectures, practicals and seminars there will be a degree of unsupervised study time - as a rough guide, at least four hours per module per week.
Students will undertake a variety of assignments: practicals, essays, reports, presentations, tests, research projects, portfolios, evaluations and case studies.
Timetabling
The course consists of six modules delivered over two semesters and assessed at the end of each semester. It is delivered over three days. It involves 15 hours of contact time per week
Work Experience
There is no specific work experience module on this course, however students would be encouraged and supported in gaining work experience to help inform further progression
Tutorial and Study Support
There is a range of tutorial and study support available for students
The Course Leader is responsible for the general management of the course, such as co-ordinating the teaching, implementing changes to modules and an overview of the course.
The Personal Tutor is responsible for specific issues concerning the course and the students’ progress. He/she will be available during specified tutorial times to guide and advise about non-academic issues.
Student Services provide a range of services, including welfare, financial, educational, careers guidance and personal counselling.
Opportunities on Completion of the Course
Most successful students progress to a science degree e.g. BSc (Hons) Nutrition & Human Health or BSc (Hons) Sport & Exercise Science at University Campus Suffolk, or a health related degree, such as radiography or nursing.
Further course information|