International Foundation Pathway - Applied Biosciences

Introduction to Academic Language and Skills

This module is required for students who enter at IELTS level 4.5. 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 skills for managing successful study.

Developing your Academic Language and Skills

This module is required for students who enter at IELTS level 4.5 and 5.0. 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, and summarising and proofreading. It will also explore different types of assessment tasks used in universities.

Success in Academic Language and Skills

This module is required for students who enter at IELTS level 4.5, 5.0 and 5.5. 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, an appropriate academic style, and review key information about your destination degree course.

Compulsory

Up to three of the four modules below will be assigned to you, depending on which cohort and entry point you join within the academic year. Each module assigned to you is compulsory:

Introduction to Cell Biology

This module is designed to provide you with the cell biology knowledge and skills required for a successful transition to degree-level study in bioscience disciplines. The material covered is at a level corresponding to pre-university qualifications such as A levels in the UK. The module provides a foundation of knowledge in cell biology, and there is a strong emphasis on the application of 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, as well as their function, and genetics. You’ll progress to developing the skills required to use this knowledge and will also 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 material corresponds to A level qualifications in the UK. The module provides a foundation of knowledge and understanding of the main branches of chemistry. You will be introduced to the major aspects of chemical terminology, as well as 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). An introduction into the basic anatomical structures of the main biological systems in the human body is explored, while observing the function and purpose of these systems and how they help to regulate homeostasis.

Introduction to Health and Disease

This module introduces how ill health and diseases develop, and their effects on cellular systems, organs, organ systems and homeostatic control mechanisms at a chemical/molecular level. Along with exploring the relationship between pathophysiological changes to structure and function of body systems, and the most common causes of morbidity, mortality and sickness absence, you will also consider the inter-relationships between specific health issues and how they impact on homeostatic control, and therefore cause key signs and symptoms. We will also cover epidemiology, risk factors and preventative strategies. The module aims to help you understand the key pathophysiological changes that accompany a particular health issue or disease, and on the physiological and biochemical basis of current and possible future therapies. You will also bring together knowledge and understanding of how different areas of cell biology relate to each other and other areas of bioscience.

Compulsory