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Introduction

Location

Headington

Course Length

Full time: 1 year

Why choose this course?

You will study a range of modules which will enable you to develop fundamental scientific, mathematical and academic skills in the life sciences, preparing you for your chosen degree programme.

This course will;

 equip you with an underpinning knowledge and understanding of biological and chemical sciences
 develop your confidence in mathematics for life scientists
 prepare you for degree level study by developing skills including academic writing and communication of information
 to introduce you to subjects that will help you to your progress to one of the relevant science degree courses.

Learning and teaching

Our teaching methods are designed to encourage and support students, and include;

 lectures with question-and-answer sessions
 demonstrations
 small-group tutorials
 practical work.

All modules make use of the Brookes Virtual Learning Environment (typically for additional module resources, but also for blended content, as well as quizzes and coursework submissions).

Overview

Our Foundation Year in Life Sciences provides you with the necessary scientific and mathematical background required for the degrees listed below.

This foundation year allows direct entry to the following science degrees at Oxford Brookes.

 BSc Animal Biology and Conservation
 BSc Biological Sciences
 BSc Biological Sciences (Genetics and Genomics)
 BSc Biological Sciences (Human Biosciences)
 BSc Biological Sciences (Zoology)
 BSc Biomedical Science
 BSc Medical Science
 BSc Nutrition
 BSc Sport and Exercise Science
 BSc Sport, Coaching and Physical Education
 BSc Physical Activity and Public Health
 BSc Equine Science
 MBiol Biological Sciences.

The foundation year will form the first year of a four-year degree (or five-year degree if a placement year or the MBiol integrated Masters is chosen).

Modules

Compulsory modules

Foundation Academic Skills

The module is designed as an introduction to the styles of learning and skills expected of students in higher education, and to the particular academic culture of Oxford Brookes University. You will develop a reflective approach to study, centred on learning new skills such as referencing, source evaluation, academic writing and communication skills. This will prepare you for your studies in other modules on the foundation year, as well as your undergraduate degree.

Foundation Biological Sciences

Biology is one of the most exciting and challenging sciences you can choose to study. This module aims to provide you with a fundamental understanding of biology, while at the same time developing your study skills to a level required for success on your undergraduate degree. You will be encouraged to explore and gain confidence in a broad range of topics including environmental science, biomedical science, ecology, anatomy and physiology.

Foundation Chemistry

This module is designed to improve your knowledge of the basic principles of chemistry that underpin a modern approach to the life sciences. It also aims to encourage you to ask fundamental questions of how science develops and to increase awareness of the experimental basis of scientific ideas. The overarching theme is the relationship between experiment, observations and the atomic model of matter. The module will also give you the opportunity to practise using simple mathematical ideas in more applied contexts.

Foundation Mathematics

This module is designed to give you the mathematical competence required to cope with degree level science modules. Throughout the module you will develop mathematical problem solving skills and the ability to present mathematical arguments clearly and succinctly.

Foundation Project

This module offers you the opportunity to build on the skills developed in your other modules and to apply skills of collaborative learning and independent study. You will have the opportunity to further your understanding of an area of interest you have by designing and carrying out a project, which may be literature based or experimental.

Entry Criteria

ENTRY REQUIRED DOCUMENTS
Home Office Share Code
For EU students only.

IF no Qualification
Please provide CV with at least 2 years of work experience, and employee reference letter.
Entry requirements

Specific entry requirements
GCSE: GCSE Science grade 4 and 2 further GCSE'S grade 4 normally to include Maths and English

Our standard entry requirement is three A-levels or equivalent qualifications. In some cases, courses have specific required subjects and additional GCSE requirements. In addition to A-levels, we accept a wide range of other qualifications including:

 the Welsh Baccalaureate
 the Access to Higher Education Diploma
 a BTEC National Certificate, Diploma or Extended Diploma at a good standard and in a relevant subject
 the International Baccalaureate Diploma
 the European Baccalaureate Diploma
 Scottish qualifications – five subjects in SCE with two at Higher level or one at Advanced Higher level, or three subjects in Scottish Highers or two at Advanced Higher level
 a recognised foundation course
 T-levels*.
 * T-levels are a relatively new qualification but are already included in the UCAS tariff. We welcome prospective students who are taking this qualification to apply. For some programmes with specific required subjects, particular subject areas or occupational specialisms may be required.

English language requirements

If English is not your first language then you will need to show that your English language skills are at a high enough level to succeed in your studies.

The entry requirement for your course will be expressed as an IELTS level and refers to the IELTS Academic version of this test. We are now also accepting the IELTS Indicator test, you can find out more about the test on the IELTS Indication site. The University however does accept a wide range of additional English language qualifications, which can be found below.

The university’s English language requirements in IELTS levels are as follows:

Course IELTS level
All other undergraduate courses 6.0 overall with 6.0 in reading and writing, 5.5 in listening and speaking
Law, Architecture, Interior Architecture, English Literature (including combined honours), English Literature and Creative Writing 6.5 overall with 6.0 in reading and writing, 5.5 in listening and speaking
Health and Social Care courses 6.5 or 7.0 overall with 6.5 or 7.0 in all components (see individual entries for course details)
Nutrition BSc (Hons) 6.5 overall with a minimum of 6.0 in each component
Built Environment Foundation,
Computing Foundation,
Engineering Foundation 6.0 with 6.0 in reading and writing, 5.5 in listening and speaking
International Foundation Business and Technology,
International Foundation Arts, Humanities and Law 5.5 overall with 5.5 in all skills
International Foundation Diploma 5.0 overall with 5.0 in all skills
If you need a student visa you must take an IELTS for UKVI test.
International Foundation Diploma (Extended pathway) 4.5 overall with 4.5 in all skills
If you need a student visa you must take an IELTS for UKVI test.



Assessment

ASSESSMENT METHODS

1. INTERNAL ENGLISH TEST if you don't have an English accredited certificate
2. Academic Interview

Assessment

We assess you through a variety of coursework methods, including:

 Essays
 laboratory/field notebooks
 scientific reports
 in class tests
 posters
 oral presentations.

Career Opportunities

The purpose of the foundation year is to allow you to progress onto one of our undergraduate science courses, rather than preparation for employment directly. Throughout the year you will be developing employability skills as part of your lectures, workshops and assessments. The potential careers the programme leads to will be dependent on the chosen degree.

Entry requirements

Wherever possible we make our conditional offers using the UCAS Tariff. The combination of A-level grades listed here would be just one way of achieving the UCAS Tariff points for this course.

Standard offer

UCAS Tariff Points: 32
A Level: N/A
IB Points: N/A
BTEC: PP

Further offer details

Applications are also welcomed for consideration from applicants with European qualifications, international qualifications or recognised foundation courses.

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+44 777 477 5759
+44 33 3303 4135

info@study4abetterfuture.uk
admissions@study4abetterfuture.uk

Hours

Monday - Friday:

09:00 am - 06:00 pm

Saturday - Sunday: Closed

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