Applied Biosciences Foundation Year

Study level: Foundation year
Two Applied Biosciences students in a laboratory using a bunsen burner

The Applied Biosciences foundation year course offers an introduction to your chosen subject and helps you develop the necessary skills for degree-level study.

Year of entry

Location

CU London (Dagenham, London)

Study mode

Full-time

Duration

1 year full-time

Course code

C910

Start date

September 2023
November 2023
January 2024
March 2024
April 2024
June 2024

How to apply
Open days
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Course overview

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

This 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 undergradaute degree.

Why you should study this course

The Applied Biosciences foundation year:

  • Supports you to gain the academic skills required for degree-level study
  • Provides a grounding in key areas of biosciences

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.

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What you'll study

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 (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.

    Compulsory

  • This module is designed to provide you with the cell biology knowledge and skills required for a successful transition to year one 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 will have the opportunity to develope 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 will also have the opportunity to 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 London, you will 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 you. 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, which is more reflective of a working environment.

Teaching contact hours

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.

Additionally, you will be expected to undertake significant self-directed study of approximately 30 hours each week, depending on the demands of individual modules.

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.

Course Breakdown:

  • Coursework

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. 

International experience opportunities 

All students may have the opportunity to attend international visits2 with academic or industry collaborative partners. Furthermore, a number of modules across the course have collaborative online international learning (COIL) projects embedded within them, allowing students to gain valuable experience working with peers, both at Coventry University and global partner institutions.

Entry requirements

Typical offer for 2023/24 entry.

Foundation Applied Biosciences

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. Please call or email for further information.

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Are you eligible for the CU Support Scheme?

We believe every student should have the opportunity to dream big, reach their potential and succeed, regardless of their background.

CU Support Scheme

Foundation Applied Biosciences

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. 

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Fees and funding

Student Full-time Part-time
UK £7,950 per year Not available
EU Not available Not available
International £18,300 per year Not available

For advice and guidance on tuition fees and student loans visit our Undergraduate Finance page and see The University’s Tuition Fee and Refund Terms and Conditions.

Tuition fees cover the cost of your teaching, assessments, facilities and support services. There may be additional costs not covered by this fee such as accommodation and living costs, recommended reading books, stationery, printing and re-assessments should you need them. Find out what's included in your tuition costs.

  • 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

You’ll be based in the spacious Civic Centre building, which provides an outstanding learning environment.

You will have access to our science laboratory, Library & Learning Services, fully equipped seminar rooms and impressive IT suites4

Careers and opportunities

On successful completion, you should have knowledge of:

  • Relevant theories and concepts of the appropriate scientific disciplines studied in biosciences and chemistry.
  • Health and safety regulations applicable to a laboratory environment.
  • Practical laboratory 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.

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. 

How to apply

  • Coventry University together with Coventry University London Campus, CU Coventry, CU London, CU Scarborough and Coventry University Online come together to form part of the Coventry University Group (the “University”) with all degrees awarded by Coventry University. 

    1Accreditations

    The majority 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 university maintaining the same high standards of course delivery.

    2UK and international opportunities

    Please note that we are unable to guarantee any UK or International opportunities (whether required or optional) such as internships, work experience, field trips, conferences, placements or study abroad opportunities and that all such opportunities may be subject to additional costs (which could include, but is not limited to, equipment, materials, bench fees, studio or facilities hire, travel, accommodation and visas), competitive application, availability and/or meeting any applicable travel COVID and visa requirements. To ensure that you fully understand the visa requirements, please contact the International Office.

    3Tuition fees

    The University will charge the tuition fees that are stated in the above table for the first Academic Year of study. The University will review tuition fees each year. For Home Students, if Parliament permit an increase in tuition fees, the University 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.

    For International Students, we may increase fees each year but such increases will be no more than 5% above inflation. If you defer your course start date or have to extend your studies beyond the normal duration of the course (e.g. to repeat a year or resit examinations) the University reserves the right to charge you fees at a higher rate and/or in accordance with any legislative changes during the additional period of study.

    4Facilities

    Due 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.

    Student Contract

    By accepting your offer of a place and enrolling with us, a Student Contract will be formed between you and the university. A copy of the 2023/24 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 university will owe to you. You should read the Contract before you accept an offer of a place and before you enrol at the university.

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CU London (Dagenham, London) Two Applied Biosciences students working in a laboratory

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