INTERNATIONAL FOUNDATION YEAR IN SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING

Academic English Skills aims to provide thorough training in the language and related academic skills which will enable international students to best achieve their academic potential at university. Our Academic English programme is validated by UK ENIC, the UK government agency responsible for providing information and expert opinion on qualifications and skills worldwide.

You will develop awareness and competency in a range of language-related academic skills, including the processes of academic writing, effective and extensive reading strategies, effective participation in seminars and delivery of presentations, and listening to and recording information effectively from lectures. You will also develop the accuracy and range of written and spoken language required to use language effectively and appropriately, with clarity and confidence in an academic context.

Alongside your classes, your studies will be supported by an online learning platform, providing you with a range of tasks and activities specifically designed to develop and extend your language and academic skills outside the classroom and to give you more control over your own learning.

Students will be assessed in all four skills areas: listening, reading, speaking and writing, this is assessed through examinations, coursework, seminars and presentations.

The recommended text for this module is Academic Writing Skills for International Students by Read and English for Academic Study: Reading Course Book by Slaght.

In this modules, students will undergo an experimental project that they will design and lead. They will be monitored by 1-2-1’s and given the 2nd term to complete an investigation into their chosen topic. This module will also allow students to develop methods of research and analysis appropriate to their specific progression route. The reflective skills taught on this course will allow students to be able to develop resilience in future university work.

This module is assessed by a reflective portfolio and an artefact.

Recommended texts for this module include Glasman-Deal H (2010) Science Research Writing For Non-Native Speakers Of English: A Guide for Non-Native Speakers of English. ICP. ISBN-10: 184816310.

Biological Sciences

• Lab Skills
• Foundation Biology
• Foundation Chemistry
• Advanced Biology
• Advanced Chemistry

Chemistry

• Lab Skills
• Foundation Chemistry
• Core Foundation Mathematics
• Pure Mathematics and Mechanics
• Advanced Chemistry

Computer Science

• Core Foundation Mathematics
• Proof and Logic
• Pure Mathematics and Decision
• Computer Science

Engineering/Physics

• Lab Skills
• Core Foundation Mathematics
• Foundation Physics
• Pure Mathematics and Mechanics
• Advanced Physics

Earth Sciences/Environmental Geosciences/Geology/Geoscience/Geophysics

• Core Foundation Mathematics
• Foundation Chemistry
• Pure Mathematics and Mechanics
• Geography 

Mathematics

• Core Foundation Mathematics
• Proof and Logic
• Pure Mathematics and Mechanics
• Further Pure Mathematics and Statistics 

Psychology

• Foundation Biology
• Core Foundation Mathematics
• Foundations of Psychology
• Foundations of Statistics

Advanced Biology

This module seeks to develop the knowledge of biological sciences among students to the level required prior to entering an undergraduate course in that subject. It will cover how cell communication processes share common features that reflect a shared evolutionary history, and the structures and functions of cells and organisms.

This module is assessed by an invigilated examination and a Lab report.

Recommended texts for this module include A-Level Biology Exam Board: AQA: Complete Revision and Practice, CGP Books, Charlotte Burrows, Rachel Ward, Christopher Lindle, McGarry Christopher, Sarah Pattison, Claire Plowman, Rachael Rogers, Hayley Thompson, and Cambridge International AS & A Level Complete Biology Enhanced Online & Print Student Book Pack Author Stephanie Fowler, Author Glenn Toole, Author Susan Toole, Author Beverlyn Nathan, Author Padmajyothi Sripada.

Advanced Chemistry

This module will develop a student’s knowledge of chemical synthesis and physical process that explain chemical theory. The module will cover complexes, the starting point for catalyst production and biological molecules; organic synthesis, the starting point of drug production; and physical theories such as rate equations and entropy to ensure a robust knowledge of chemistry to support progression to a physical science degree. The module will develop scientific writing and further experimental understanding.

This module is assessed by a Lab report and an invigilated examination.

Recommended texts for this module include Clark, J. (2000). Calculations in AS/A Level Chemistry. Harlow: Longman. And Facer, G. (2010). Edexcel AS Chemistry. 2nd Edition. London: Hodder Education. And Fullick, A. and McDuell, B. (2008). Edexcel A2 Chemistry, Students Book. London: Pearson.

Advanced Physics

The aim of this module is to develop knowledge of key physical phenomena including electric and magnetic fields, particle and quantum physics, logic circuits and astrophysics. Students will be able to solve key problems in these subject areas and complete Lab experiments that confirm the theoretical understanding of the world. The module will develop scientific writing and further experimental understanding.

This module is assessed by a Lab report and an invigilated examination.

Recommended texts for this module include Adams, S. and Allday, J. (2013). Advanced Physics (Advanced Sciences). 2nd Edition. Oxford: Oxford University Press. And England, N., Pollard, J., Thomas, N. and Davenport, C. (2015). AQA A Level Physics Student, Book 1. London: Hodder Education. And Hambley, A (2018). Electrical engineering: principles and applications. 5th Edition. London: Pearson. And Johnson, K., Hewett, S., Holt, S. and Miller, J. (2015). Advanced Physics for You. 2nd Edition. Oxford: Oxford University Press. 

Computer Science

This module is designed to develop fundamental understanding of computer systems and basic coding in python. Term 1 will be focused on programming to solve known problems, using appropriate functions in Python. In term 2 students will develop their understanding of computer systems ensuring they know computer hierarchy and logic functions.

This module is assessed by an invigilated examination and a controlled assessment.

Recommended texts for this module include Bailey, S. (2015). Academic Writing: A handbook for International Students. Fourth Edn.. London: Routledge. And Grus, J. (2015). Data Science from Scratch: First Principles with Python, California: O'Reilly Media. And Harris, D. and Harris, S. (2013). Digital Design and Computer Architecture. Waltham: Elsevier. And VanderPlas, J. (2016). Python Data Science Handbook: Essential tools for working with data, California: O’Reilly Media.

Core Foundation Maths

This one-term module reviews and builds on many of the topics typically studied in mathematics in the latter years of high school. This module hopes to improve confidence in algebraic manipulation through the study of mathematical techniques and development of investigative skills. It will introduce and develop a knowledge of logarithms and their uses. The module also seeks to introduce and develop a knowledge of a range of standard techniques for differentiation and integration.

This module is assessed by an invigilated examination.

Recommended texts for this module are Edexcel AS and A level Mathematics, Pure Mathematics Year 1 and Edexcel AS and A level Mathematics, Pure Mathematics Year 2.

Foundation Biology

This module focuses on human biology and human health. Key processes in the human body are explained, common diseases that affect those systems identified and then ways to overcome these issues are identified. This focus on ways to explain how healthy living is important and supports the student’s development in their degree focus, including sports science, psychology, and biological sciences.

This module is assessed by an invigilated examination.

Recommended texts for this module include And Freeman, S., Quilin, K., Allison, L., Black, M., Podgorski, G. and Carmichael, J. (2017). Biological Science. 6th edition. London: Pearson Education. And Hillis, D., Heller, C. H., Hacker, S. D., Hall, D., Sadava, D. and Laskowski, M. (2020). Life: The Science of Biology. 12th Edition. New York: WH Freeman. And Lowrie, P. and Smith, M. (2019). AQA A Level Biology. London: Hodder Education.

Foundation Chemistry

This module focuses on the intrinsic knowledge of chemistry including atomic structure, periodicity, and reactivity. The module will give knowledge will introduce a range of lab equipment while also developing students’ confidence and ability in handling chemical calculations.

This module is assessed by an invigilated examination.

Recommended texts for this module include Adams, S. and Allday, J. (2013). Advanced Physics (Advanced Sciences). 2nd Edition. Oxford: Oxford University Press. And England, N., Pollard, J., Thomas, N. and Davenport, C. (2015). AQA A Level Physics Student, Book 1. London: Hodder Education. And Hambley, A (2018). Electrical engineering: principles and applications. 5th Edition. London: Pearson. And Johnson, K., Hewett, S., Holt, S. and Miller, J. (2015). Advanced Physics for You. 2nd Edition. Oxford: Oxford University Press. 

Foundations of Psychology

This module provides students with a general introduction to the psychological processes underlying human behaviour. It will provide an awareness of application, and limitations of psychological theories. It will familiarise students with the scientific approach to interpreting data. it will provide students with an introduction to the psychological processes of cognitive development, conditioning, and social psychology. Students will develop scientific essay writing skills.

This module is assessed by an invigilated examination and an essay.

Recommended texts for this module include Gleitman, H., Gross, J. and Reisberg, D. (2011). Psychology (8th edition – international student edition). New York. Norton. And Walker, I. (2010). Research Methods and Statistics. Hampshire: Palgrave MacMillan.

Foundation Physics

This module will encourage students to develop confidence in their own abilities in a science subject, it will introduce and develop understanding of physics concepts, and will develop students' ability to apply physics concepts to problem solving. This course will develop confidence and ability in handling physics calculations, and will develop confidence in a laboratory situation, and observational and interpretive skills, as well as a problem solving approach. It will help to develop scientific report-writing, data handling and critical evaluation develop confidence and ability in handling physics calculations.

This module is assessed by an invigilated examination.

Recommended texts for this module include Adams, S. and Allday, J. (2013). Advanced Physics (Advanced Sciences). 2nd Edition. Oxford: Oxford University Press. And England, N., Pollard, J., Thomas, N. and Davenport, C. (2015). AQA A Level Physics Student, Book 1. London: Hodder Education. And Hambley, A (2018). Electrical engineering: principles and applications. 5th Edition. London: Pearson. And Johnson, K., Hewett, S., Holt, S. and Miller, J. (2015). Advanced Physics for You. 2nd Edition. Oxford: Oxford University Press. 

Further Pure Mathematics and Statistics

This advanced two term module starts by introducing some fundamental techniques in Statistics. Students will spend the second term building upon some of the key topics studied in their pure mathematics module, as well as introducing some new complex abstract concepts. The module content includes data exploration, correlation and regression, probability distributions, hypothesis testing, further algebra, further calculus, vectors, Maclaurin Series, further matrices, further complex numbers and polar coordinates.

This module is assessed by two invigilated examinations.

Recommended texts for this module are Edexcel AS and A Level Mathematics – Core Pure Mathematics Book 1 and Edexcel AS and A Level Mathematics – Core Pure Mathematics Book 2.

Geography

This module seeks to develop knowledge and understanding of selected human and physical geographical processes. Students will be encouraged to develop observational, interpretative, and independent study skills. They will also use a range of skills and techniques, including the use of maps and images at different scales necessary for geographical study. It will also be possible for students to carry out research and fieldwork as appropriate to the topics selected.

This module is assessed by an exam and essay.

Recommended reading texts for this module are The Geography of Tourism and Recreation; Environment Place and Space 4th Edition and Fundamentals of the Physical Environment 4th Edition.

Proof and Logic

This one-term module provides the opportunity for students to engage in logical reasoning using mathematical notation and develop the skills of formulation of mathematical derivations and proofs. The module content includes set theory, logic, Boolean algebra, logic gates, number systems, tracing algorithms, proof (direct, contradiction, contrapositive, existence, and induction) and relations and functions.

This module is assessed by an invigilated examination.

Recommended text for this module is Discrete Mathematics with Application 4th Edition. 

Pure Maths and Decision

This two-term module starts by building on some of the key topics studied in Core Foundation Mathematics, as well as introducing some new concepts. In the pure mathematics component of the module, students will explore the boundary of mathematics and pure reason. Pure mathematics has been described as "that part of mathematical activity that is done without explicit or immediate consideration of direct application," although what is "pure" in one era often becomes applied later. Students will spend the second term of the of the module studying some fundamental concepts in Decision mathematics, a branch of mathematics which deals with the discipline of applying advanced analytical methods to help make better decisions. The module content includes calculus, trigonometry, complex numbers, algorithms, graph theory and linear programming.

This module is assessed by two invigilated examinations.

Recommended texts for this module are Edexcel AS and a Level Mathematics, Pure Mathematics Year 2 and Edexcel AS and A Level Further Mathematics – Decision Mathematics 1.

Pure Maths and Mechanics

This two-term module starts by building on some of the key topics studied in Core Foundation Mathematics, as well as introducing some new concepts in pure mathematics. Students will spend the first term studying pure mathematics which has been described as "that part of mathematical activity that is done without explicit or immediate consideration of direct application," although what is "pure" in one era often becomes applied later. In the second term of the module, students study some fundamental concepts in mechanics, a branch of mathematics which deals with the motion of, and forces on, objects. The module content includes calculus, trigonometry, complex numbers, kinematics, statics, dynamics, and conservation of momentum.

This module is assessed by two invigilated examinations.

Recommended texts for this module are Edexcel AS and A Level Mathematics, Pure Mathematics Year 2 and Edexcel AS and A Level Mathematics – Statistics & Mechanics Year 1.