International Foundation Year - Biosciences 2021/22 entry

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Course code:

CUCIFY (various - see overview section)

Study options:

1 year full-time

 

Location:

Coventry University (Coventry)

Starting:

May 2022

 

Fees:

£16,000

Find out more

Get in touch


generalenquiries.io@coventry.ac.uk

Overview

This course has been designed to introduce international students from different educational and language backgrounds to life and study at UK universities. It aims to give you a deep understanding of the academic culture that will allow you to flourish in your degree studies.

As well as providing a thorough academic orientation and induction, on successful completion it also supports you to develop the appropriate level of academic language, study skills and content knowledge to meet the entry requirements of your destination degree programme. This solid foundation aims to enable you to ‘hit the ground running’ on your degree, help you take a critical approach, reflect on your learning, organise your studies and be an independent learner.

You can study this course via the following pathways: 

  • CUCIFY22 (IELTS 4.5)
  • CUCIFY23 (IELTS 5.0)
  • CUCIFY24 (IELTS 5.5)

On successful completion of the International Foundation Year (Biosciences) you will be eligible to progress onto the following Coventry University degrees (subject to meeting the specified entry criteria):

*If you plan to progress onto this degree you must already have an IELTS score of 5.5 or above before starting the International Foundation Year (Biosciences).

Progression onto some degrees requires achievement of a specific score(s) in your International Foundation Year, as outlined:

Course Degree Entry Criteria required upon completion of the International Foundation Year (Biosciences)
Biological and Forensic Sciences BSc (Hons) 65% Average score in subject-specialist module
Biomedical Science BSc (Hons) 65% Average score in subject-specialist modules
Dietetics BSc (Hons) IELTS 7.0 and 70% Average score in subject-specialist modules (with at least 68% in Foundations of Anatomy and Physiology)
Food Safety, Inspection and Control BSc (Hons) 65% Average score in subject specific modules
Food Science BSc (Hons) 65% Average score in subject specific modules
Human Biosciences BSc (Hons) 65% Average score in subject-specialist modules
Pharmacology BSc (Hons) 65% Average score in subject-specialist modules
Physiotherapy BSc (Hons) IELTS 7.0 with no component less than 6.5 and 75% Average score overall with no pass score less than 65% in any module

Course information

The International Foundation Year (Biosciences) consists of six modules – three academic language and skills modules and three subject-specialist modules. Depending on your SELT score, you could have the opportunity to join the course at the second or third language and skills module, subject to meeting the minimum requirements.

 

Modules

Overview

Modules

  • Introduction to Academic Language and Skills

    This module aims to introduce you to life and study at UK universities. It explores some of the key academic language and skills needed for successful study and reviews teaching methods and ways to communicate with the wider university, including asking for help. It also introduces research, reporting and presentation skills, and key study skills for managing successful study.

  • Developing your Academic Language and Skills

    This module aims to provide an in-depth exploration of academic language and skills. This includes strategies for approaching academic assignments, structuring academic writing and presentations, developing a reasoned argument, incorporating supporting evidence, summarising and proofreading. It will also explore different types of assessment tasks used in universities.

  • Success in Academic Language and Skills

    This module aims to review and refine your academic skills and language. You will analyse examples of academic work to identify successful approaches and strategies, deepen reading and listening skills for gathering information, and explore different ways of organising arguments and incorporating source material appropriately. You will also have the opportunity to develop critical thinking skills and an appropriate academic style and review key information about your destination degree course.

  • Introduction to Cell Biology

    This module is designed to provide you with the cell biology knowledge and skills required to transition to degree-level study in bioscience disciplines successfully. It provides a foundation of knowledge in cell biology, and there is a strong emphasis on applying the subject in bioscience contexts.

    You will examine the facts, principles, and concepts of cell biology, such as the key molecular components of cells and organelles and their function, and genetics. You’ll progress to developing the skills required to use this knowledge and learn to understand scientific methods, advances in technology relevant to cell biology and their effects on society.

    You will also bring together knowledge and understanding of how different areas of cell biology relate to each other and other areas of bioscience.

  • Foundation of Chemistry

    Foundation of Chemistry aims to equip you with the knowledge and skills of chemistry to progress to degree-level study.

    The module provides a foundation of knowledge and understanding of the main branches of chemistry. We will introduce you to the major aspects of chemical terminology and a range of organic and inorganic materials and physical chemistry. You'll also develop an understanding of scientific methods and the link between theory and practical experiments, as there is a strong emphasis on the practical application of the subject in the context of biosciences.

    You will bring together knowledge of how different areas of chemistry relate to each other and other areas of bioscience and the use of chemistry in society.

  • Foundation of Anatomy and Physiology

    Here, we focus on physiological systems in the human body and how these systems interact to create a steady state (homeostasis). You’ll explore the basic anatomical structures of the main biological systems in the human body while observing the function and purpose of these systems and how they help regulate homeostasis.

  • Study and employability skills

    If you do not need to complete all three English modules because of your English language score, there will be an additional module:

    This module aims to give you a deeper understanding of, and an opportunity to develop and practice, key skills that support successful university study, and you can transfer to the workplace. You will explore skills and approaches including teamwork and collaboration, communication, information gathering, analytical and problem-solving, what it means to be ‘professional’, taking a global perspective and intercultural awareness. You will produce a portfolio of work during the module and present reflections and findings to your peers and other university group stakeholders.

In more detail...

How you'll be taught

This International Foundation Year will be delivered by CU, part of the Coventry University Group, for and on behalf of Coventry University. You will be taught using various approaches, which may include lessons and individual and group tutorials. You will also have self-study materials to follow outside of the classroom.

Each one of the modules requires the equivalent of between 225 and 300 study hours. They run over a six-week period and are taught consecutively, with a combination of assessments in each six-week block.

You will receive approximately 18 hours of teaching contact hours per week. This will be a combination of lectures (which may take place in person on-campus or live online). There will also be regular small group or individual tutorials. The remaining study hours required for the module will be self-guided.*

The university may deliver certain contact hours and assessments via emerging online technologies and methods across all courses. In response to the Covid-19 pandemic, we are prepared for courses due to start in or after the 2020/2021 academic year to be delivered in a variety of forms. The form of delivery will be determined in accordance with Government and Public Health guidance. Whether on campus or online, our key priority is staff and student safety.

Due to the ongoing restrictions relating to Covid-19, some facilities (including some teaching and learning spaces) and some non-academic offerings (particularly in relation to international experiences), may vary from those advertised and may have reduced availability or restrictions on their use.

*We set out the typical teaching contact hours that you will receive on this course. Teaching contact hours will vary in different semesters/blocks and years of study and may vary due to module selection (if applicable). In addition to the contact hours detailed, we offer the opportunity to attend additional optional sessions or to meet with staff during their advice and feedback hours.

How you'll be assessed

You will be assessed on the first three academic language and skills modules of the International Foundation Year through a combination of continuous, formative and final assessments. Formative assessments will be delivered at the end of module one and two, and there will be continuous assessment of your performance and output throughout each module.

For your subject-specialist modules the learning outcomes of modules, assignments and projects will be clearly stated. Your work will be marked according to how well you achieve these learning outcomes and your final feedback will refer to each outcome, as well as providing an overall percentage grade.

The Coventry University Group assessment strategy ensures that our courses are fairly assessed and allows us to monitor student progression towards achieving the intended learning outcomes.

On completion

On successful completion of your modules, including the subject-specific modules, you will have had the opportunity to:

  • Understand approaches to learning in UK universities and expectations in your chosen subject area.
  • Write an extended piece of academic writing that requires elements of research and follows standard academic conventions
  • Express facts, information and ideas with effective grammatical accuracy and accuracy, using an appropriate range of academic and subject specific vocabulary
  • Communicate effectively in everyday situations within the university environment and more generally in English-speaking contexts
  • Deliver a well-structured presentation on an academic topic
  • Participate in seminar discussions on academic topics
  • Access academic texts in order to select relevant information
  • Differentiate between different academic genres of writing
  • Comprehend extended academic listening texts and record relevant information
  • Access online materials and demonstrate increased digital literacy
  • Organise academic study and manage your time
  • Reflect on learning
  • Understand, engage with and critically evaluate knowledge relating to global issues
  • Apply your knowledge and language skills to a realistic learning opportunity and assessment, at an appropriate academic level.

On successful completion of the International Foundation Year (Biosciences), you will be eligible to progress onto the following Coventry University degrees (subject to meeting the specified entry criteria):

Additional Degree Entry Criteria

Progression onto some degrees requires achievement of a specific score(s) in your International Foundation Year, as outlined:

Course Degree Entry Criteria required upon completion of the International Foundation Year (Biosciences)
Biological and Forensic Sciences BSc (Hons) 65% Average score in subject-specialist module
Biomedical Science BSc (Hons) 65% Average score in subject-specialist modules
Human Biosciences BSc (Hons) 65% Average score in subject-specialist modules
Pharmacology BSc (Hons) 65% Average score in subject-specialist modules

The subject-specific modules and the academic language and skills modules are all non-credit bearing. A progression meeting is held at the end of your modules to determine whether you can progress to the degree course.

Entry Requirements

Applicants must have a valid Secure English Language Test (SELT), which is listed on the UKVI’s ‘List of approved tests and providers’.

Non-Student visa students may be accepted with equivalent scores on Cambridge Preliminary (PET), First (FCE) or Advanced (CAE); PTE Academic; TOEFL iBT; or the Coventry University English Test (CUET), on a case-by-case basis.

Depending upon the SELT score already obtained, you will have the opportunity to join the course at the second or third module, subject to meeting the minimum requirements.

Entry to the course on the first or second Language and Skills Modules requires a SELT. Direct entry on to the third Language and Skills Modules requires students to have obtained CEFR Level B2 or above; evidence of B2 level competence can take the form of a non- SELT language test.

Once your application form has been processed you will receive the outcome of your application by email.

Please be aware you will need the following information to make your application:

  • Copies of your full (final) and up to date academic transcripts
  • Copies of degree/diploma certificates or work reference if employed
  • An English Language test result or certificate
  • One academic reference letter
  • Your personal statement supporting your application to study at Coventry University
  • Copy of your current passport.

  • Please see the list of entry requirements by country. If your country is not represented, please contact us at generalenquiries.io@coventry.ac.uk for more information.

    Country Entry Requirements - International Foundation Year
    Angola Completion of Secondary School Certificate (Grade 12) with pass grades
    Albania Completion of high school education with Certificate of Maturity with pass grades
    Armenia Certificate of Secondary Education (Mijnakarg Yndhanur Krtoutian Attestat) with pass grades
    Azerbaijan Certificate of Secondary Education (Attestat) with pass grades
    Bahrain Tawjihiya/Thanawihya/General Secondary School Certificate with pass grades
    Bangladesh Senior School Certificate/Higher Secondary Certificate with pass grades
    Botswana Cambridge Overseas School Certificate with pass grades
    Brazil Certificado de Ensino Medio with grade 6 average
    Brunei Darussalam Brunei Cambridge O-level with pass grades
    Cameroon Baccalaureat or Certificat de Probation with pass grades in relevant subjects
    China Completion of Senior Secondary School Year 3 with 60% average
    Completion of Senior Secondary School Year 2 with 70% average
    Gambia West African School Certificate or Senior School Certificate with pass grades
    Georgia Certificate of Secondary Education with pass grades
    Ghana West African School Certificate or Senior School Certificate with pass grades
    Hong Kong Successful completion of Form 5 with pass grades in relevant subjects OR HKDSE with passes in 3 relevant subjects
    India Completion of Year X with average 65% Completion of Year XI with average 50% Completion of Year XII with average 40%
    Indonesia SMU 2 with an average of 7.0
    SMU 3 with an average of 6.5
    Iran Islamic Republic of Successful completion of High School Diploma with pass grades
    Japan Upper Secondary School Year 2 with GPA 2.5
    Upper Secondary School Year 3 with GPA 2.0
    Jordan Tawjihiya/General Secondary School Certificate with pass grades
    Kazakhstan Diploma of Completed Secondary Education (Attaestat) with pass grades
    Kenya East African School Certificate/Cambridge Overseas School Certificate/KCSE with pass grades
    Kuwait Tawjihiya/Thanawihya/General Secondary School Certificate with pass grades
    Lebanon Lebanese Baccalaureate or French Baccalaureate with pass grades
    Libya Secondary Education Certificate
    Macao iGCSE/O-levels/ Completion of Form 5 or Senior Middle 2 with average grades
    Malaysia SPM (Malaysia Certificate of Education) (or forecast) with average grades/UEC with pass grades
    Myanmar High School Matriculation with pass grades in relevant subjects
    Nigeria West African School Certificate or Senior School Certificate with pass grades
    Oman Tawjihiya/Thanawihya/General Secondary School Certificate with pass grades
    Pakistan Higher Secondary Certificate with pass grades
    Qatar Tawjihiya/Thanawihya/Senior Schooling Certificate with pass grades
    Russian Federation Certificate of Secondary Education with good grades in relevant subjects
    Saudi Arabia Tawjihiya/Thanawihya/General Secondary School Certificate with pass grades
    Singapore Singapore/Cambridge O-level/iGCSE with pass grades
    Republic of Korea Senior High School 2 with average 4th grade in relevant subjects/Senior High School 3 with average 6th grade
    in relevant subjects/School Leaving Certificate with average 60%
    Sri Lanka O-levels with average grades
    Taiwan Senior High School Year 2 with 60% average/Senior High School Year 3 with 55% average
    Thailand Mathayom (MAW) 5 with GPA 2.5
    Mathayom (MAW) 6 with GPA 2.0
    Turkey Successful completion of Devlet Lise Birtme Diplomasi OR High School Year 3 with pass grades
    United Arab Emirates Tawjihiya/Thanawihya/General Secondary School Certificate with pass grades OR Technical Diploma: min. 60%
    Uzbekistan Diploma of Completed Secondary Education with pass grades
    Vietnam Completion of Year 12 with an average Grade 5.0
    Completion of Year 11 with an average Grade 7.0
    Zambia Zambia School Certificate with pass grades
    Zimbabwe ZIMSEC O-level – 5 passes A–C inc. English and Maths

Tuition Fees

Starts

Fee

May 2022

£16,000 (per year)

Tuition Fees

We pride ourselves on offering competitive tuition fees, which we review on an annual basis. Course fees are calculated based on what it costs to teach each course, and we aim for total financial transparency.

Fees breakdown:

Course Code Fee
International Foundation Year Biosciences (IELTS 4.5) CUCIFY22 £16,000
International Foundation Year Biosciences (IELTS 5.0) CUCIFY23 £16,000
International Foundation Year Biosciences (IELTS 5.5) CUCIFY24 £16,000

Career prospects

If you successfully pass the International Foundation Year (Biosciences), you will be guaranteed a place on a relevant degree course at Coventry University (listed in the Overview section), subject to meeting the specified entry criteria.

We are here not only to provide high-quality education for students but also to teach you skills for your future career. We provide extensive support through our Talent Team.