Applied Biosciences Foundation Year

Study level: Foundation year
Applied Biosciences students in a laboratory, looking at samples

This course provides a preparatory period of study before progressing onto a degree in a range of bioscience, health and care subjects.

Year of entry

Location

CU Coventry (Coventry)

Study mode

Full-time
Part-time

Duration

1 year full-time

Course code

FC31

Start date

July 2023

How to apply
Book an Open Day
Download a prospectus
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Course overview

Essential academic skills are embedded into all the work to support future learning.

This foundation course is also useful if you have the academic ability to succeed at degree-level study, but do not have the appropriate subject background knowledge. Successful completion of all modules in this course means you could progress onto year one of your chosen degree.

Why CU Coventry

We offer a style of education which is flexible and designed to fit around your life, allowing you to benefit from a modern, forward-thinking higher education institution, reinforced by the quality and reputation of Coventry University. We aim to provide career-focused courses, wherever possible, coupled with placement opportunities to help prepare you for the world of work. We are dedicated to making higher education accessible and enjoyable to everyone, so we keep our fees low and made it a policy to cover one module at a time, allowing you to become a specialist in each topic before moving onto the next.

How can we help?

How can we help?

Chat with an advisor now or leave a message and we’ll get back to you as soon as we can.

What you'll study

We aim to provide the skills and knowledge relevant for successful progression onto a degree in bioscience, health or care subjects. It also sets a foundation for your journey to employment, creating opportunities for professional and academic development.

Modules

  • 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.

    As well as 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’ll also cover epidemiology, risk factors and preventative strategies. Emphasis is placed on understanding 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.

    Compulsory

  • Here, we focus on physiological systems in the human body and how these systems interact to create a steady state (homeostatis). 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.

    Compulsory

  • 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.

    Compulsory

  • 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. 

    Compulsory

We regularly review our course content, to make it relevant and current for the benefit of our students. For these reasons, course modules may be updated.

How you'll learn

At CU Coventry, students learn through a variety of modes. The foundation year programme is focused on applied learning geared to high intensity teaching and study throughout the programme, requiring full commitment from students. The delivery of course content is a blend of lectures, tutorials and online mediums.

Unlike traditional institutions, there are no end of year exams. Instead, learning is assessed through coursework and phase tests, which is more reflective of a working environment.

Full-time
If you choose to study full-time you can expect up to 20 hours of learning activities per week, made up of face-to-face teaching, individual and group tutorials, online classes and independent learning.

Part-time
If you choose to study part-time you'll usually receive up to eleven hours per week of blended learning, including classes, tutorials and online learning. Outside of this, there will also be independent study and online support. Please note: part-time courses run subject to numbers.

Assessment

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.

Assessment methods vary and include practical class and project performance, written practical reports, project thesis, oral presentations, tutorial tasks and assessments which take place at the end of each six-week block.

Course Breakdown:

  • Coursework
  • Phase tests

Job ready

On completion, you will understand:

  • Relevant theories and concepts of the appropriate scientific disciplines studied in biosciences and chemistry.
  • Health and safety regulations applicable to a laboratory environment.
  • Mathematical principles and techniques relevant to an undergraduate degree in health and life sciences or related workplace.
  • How information technology is used in the workplace and contributes to the study and advancement of health and life sciences.
  • The principles of independent and self-managed learning.
  • The principles of academic research skills to apply critical and detailed thinking.

Entry requirements

Typical offer for 2022/23 entry.

40 UCAS tariff points. All Foundation courses require 5 GCSEs at 9-4/A* - C including Maths and English, and at least one A2 level or a BTEC equivalent qualification. It is advantageous to have studied one A level in a Science, preferably Biology, Chemistry or equivalent.

If you don’t fulfil the entry criteria your application may be considered on an individual basis, taking into account any work experience, other qualifications and/or any training you have completed. Speak to one of our advisers today to find out how we can help you.

Chat with UK admissions

40 UCAS tariff points. All Foundation courses require 5 GCSEs at 9-4/A* - C including Maths and English, and at least one A2 level or a BTEC equivalent qualification. It is advantageous to have studied one A level in a Science, preferably Biology, Chemistry or equivalent.

If you don’t fulfil the entry criteria your application may be considered on an individual basis, taking in to account any work experience, other qualifications and/or any training you have completed. 

Visit our International hub for further advice and guidance on how to apply and travelling to and living in the UK.

English language requirements

  • IELTS: 6.0

If you don't meet the English language requirements, you can achieve the level you need by successfully completing a pre-sessional English programme before you start your course. 

Chat with International admissions

Tuition Fees

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

Student Full-time Part-time
UK £8,050 per year £8,050
International £16,650 per year Not available

  • We carry out an initial fee status assessment based on the information you provide in your application. Your fee status determines your tuition fees, and what financial support and scholarships may be available to you. The rules about who pays UK (home) or international (overseas) fees for higher education courses in England are set by the government's Department for Education. The regulations identify all the different categories of student who can insist on paying the home rate. The regulations can be difficult to understand, so the UK Council for International Student Affairs (UKCISA) has provided fee status guidance to help you identify whether you are eligible to pay the home or overseas rate.

    If you meet all the criteria required by any one category, including any residence requirements, your institution must charge you the home rate. You only need to find one category that you fit into.

Facilities

All our facilities are located at Mile Lane. Our building has been designed to enable collaboration, creativity and innovation to flourish, and includes (subject to availability):

  • Indoor and outdoor social spaces, including a café
  • A library that includes loan laptops, over 115,000 eBooks and a silent study area
  • Open access IT suites and 83-inch teaching screens
  • Engineering lab, science lab and a moot courtroom
  • Student support and careers advice teams

Careers and opportunities

The strength of the course lies in preparing students for further study, cementing the core principles of health and science ready to expand on this knowledge at degree level. 

If you successfully pass this Foundation Year, you are guaranteed a place on a relevant degree course at CU Coventry, subject to meeting specific entrance criteria, including:

How to apply

  • Student Contract

    By accepting your offer of a place and enrolling with us, a Student Contract will be formed between you and the CU Group. A copy of the 2022/23 contract can be found here. The Contract details your rights and the obligations you will be bound by during your time as a student and contains the obligations that the CU Group will owe to you. You should read the Contract before you accept an offer of a place and before you enrol at CU Coventry.

    Tuition fees

    The tuition fee for the course that is stated on the course webpage and in the prospectus for the first year of study will apply. We will review our tuition fees each year. For UK and EU students, if Parliament permit an increase in tuition fees, we may increase fees for each subsequent year of study in line with any such changes. Note that any increase is expected to be in line with inflation. Following the UK’s exit from the European Union, EU students should be aware that there may be a change to UK laws following the UK’s exit, this may change their student status, their eligibility to study part time, and/or their eligibility for student finance. We will act in accordance with the UK’s laws in force in relation to student tuition fees and finance from time to time.

    For International students the tuition fee that is stated on the course webpage and in the prospectus for the first year of study will apply. We will review our tuition fees each year. For international students, we may increase fees for each subsequent year of study but such increases will be no more than 5% above inflation.

    Accreditations

    Many of our courses have been formally recognised by professional bodies, which means the courses have been reviewed and tested to ensure they reach a set standard. In some instances, studying on an accredited course can give you additional benefits such as exemptions from professional exams (subject to availability, fees may apply). Accreditations, partnerships, exemptions and memberships shall be renewed in accordance with the relevant bodies’ standard review process and subject to the CU Group maintaining the same high standards of course delivery. 

    Facilities

    Facilities mentioned on this page may not be relevant for every course. 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.

    Placements and study abroad opportunities

    Please note that we are unable to guarantee any placement or study abroad opportunities and that all such opportunities may be subject to additional costs (e.g. travel, visas and accommodation etc.), competitive application, availability and/or meeting any applicable visa requirements. To ensure that you fully understand the requirements in this regard, please contact the International Office for further details if you are an EU or International student.

    Additional costs

    This course may incur additional costs associated with any field trips, placements or work experience, study abroad opportunities or any other opportunity (whether required or optional), which could include (but is not limited to), equipment, materials, bench fees, studio or facilities hire, travel, accommodation and visas.

Your next steps

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