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 Pure Mathematics
• Mechanics
• Advanced Chemistry

Computer Science

• Core Pure Mathematics
• Computer Science
• Decision Maths
• Programming

Engineering/Physics

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

Earth Sciences/Environmental Geosciences/Geology/Geoscience/Geophysics

• Core Pure Mathematics
• Foundation Chemistry
• Geography
• Mechanics

Mathematics

• Core Pure Mathematics
• Further Pure Mathematics and Statistics
• Mechanics

Psychology

• Foundation Biology
• Foundations of Psychology
• Foundations of Statistics
• Methods in Psychology

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.

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 psychology and some of the core topics. Across this module, students will study a range of behaviours from different psychological perspectives including the biological, psychodynamic, cognitive, developmental, and behavioural perspectives. Students will apply theories to real-world situations and acquire an awareness of the limitations of these psychological theories. Students will develop both scientific essay writing skills and critical thinking 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). New York. Norton.

Gross, R. D. (2020). Psychology: The Science of Mind and Behaviour. Hodder Education.

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.

Decision Mathematics

Decision mathematics involves the application of advanced analytical methods to help make better decisions and solve problems. 

The module includes the study of sorting and network algorithms and their application to various types of problem. In addition, students will learn how to optimise an objective function subject to constraints using graphical methods and the simplex algorithm.

This module is assessed by an invigilated examination.

Recommended texts for this module are Edexcel AS and A Level Further Mathematics – Decision

Mathematics 1 and Edexcel AS and A Level Further Mathematics – Decision Mathematics 2.

Mechanics

Mechanics is a branch of mathematics which studies the motion of, and forces on, objects. Throughout this module, students will apply their logical reasoning skills and use mathematical models to predict outcomes.
Topics studied include kinematics with constant and variable acceleration, statics and equilibrium (including limiting equilibrium and inclined planes), dynamics (including connected particles and the application of friction), conservation of momentum and moments.

This module is assessed by an invigilated examination.

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

Methods in Psychology

This module provides students with an essential introduction to some of the main research methods that are used in psychology. Research methods covered include lab, field and natural experiments, questionnaires, interviews, case studies and longitudinal studies.  In addition to developing critical evaluation skills, students will also become familiar with important considerations in psychological research; for example, validity and reliability, sampling, experimenter effects, and research ethics.

The module is assessed by an invigilated examination.

Recommended texts for this module: any textbook that covers research methods in psychology. Two good examples are:

Walker, I. (2010). Research Methods and Statistics. Hampshire: Palgrave MacMillan.

Wilson, S., & MacLean, R. (2011). Research Methods and Data Analysis for Psychology. McGraw-Hill Education.

Programming

This module provides a hands-on introduction to core programming concepts, starting from writing your first lines of code to working with real-world data. You'll learn how to design and implement Python programs to solve practical problems, gaining confidence in both the logic and structure of coding.
As the module progresses, you'll explore powerful tools widely used in scientific and data-driven fields, including NumPy for numerical computing, Pandas for data manipulation, and Matplotlib for data visualization. These skills will be essential for success in both the Extended Project and Computer Science modules, equipping you with a strong foundation for further study.

This module is assessed by a controlled assessment.

Recommended texts for this module include Grus, J. (2015). Data Science from Scratch: First Principles with Python. California: O'Reilly Media. And VanderPlas, J. (2016). Python Data Science Handbook: Essential Tools for Working with Data. California: O'Reilly Media.