Applied Biosciences Foundation Year

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

2025-26

Location

CU London (Dagenham, London)

Study mode

Full-time

Duration

1 year full-time

Course code

C910

Start date

September 2025
November 2025
January 2026
March 2026
May 2026
June 2026

How to apply

Open days

Download a prospectus

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 an undergraduate degree.

Why you should study this course

The Applied Biosciences Foundation Year:

supports you in gaining 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.

How can we help?

What you'll study

The foundation year course offers an introduction to your chosen subject and helps you develop the necessary skills for degree-level study. It aims to provide an understanding of cell biology, chemistry, anatomy and physiology, health and disease. It also sets the foundation for your journey to employment, creating opportunities for professional and academic development.

Modules

Introduction to Health and Disease - 30 credits

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.

Compulsory

Foundation of Anatomy and Physiology - 30 credits

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

Introduction to Cell Biology - 30 credits

This module is designed to provide you with knowledge of cell biology and skills required for a successful transition to degree-level study in bioscience disciplines. The module provides a foundation of knowledge in cell biology, with 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, their function, and genetics. You will 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 - 30 credits

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. 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 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. 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

As a full-time undergraduate student, you will study modules totalling 120 credits each academic year. A typical 20 credit module requires a total of 200 hours study. This is made up of teaching contact hours, guided and independent study.

Teaching hours:

Teaching hours vary each semester, year of study and due to module selection. During your first year you can expect 15-18 teaching hours each week. You will also have the option to attend optional sessions including time with a progress coach or to meet with staff for advice and feedback. As you progress through your studies, teaching hours may reduce.

Guided and independent study:

Throughout your studies, you will be expected to spend time in guided and independent study to make up the required study hours per module. You'll be digging deeper into topics, review what you've learnt and complete assignments. This can be completed around your personal commitments. As you progress through your studies, you'll spend more time in independent study.

Online learning:

As an innovative university, we use different teaching methods including online tools and emerging technologies. So, some of your teaching hours and assessments may be delivered online.

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.

This course will be assessed using a variety of methods which will vary depending upon the module. The assessment methods may include: practical class and project performance, written practical reports, 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 collaborators. 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 participating institutions.

Please note that all international experience opportunities may be subject to additional costs, competitive application, availability, and meeting applicable visa and travel requirements, and are therefore not guaranteed².

Entry requirements

Typical entry requirements:

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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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

Applicants must possess a minimum IELTS of 6.0 overall (with no component part lower than 5.5)

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	2025/26 fees TBC* 2024/25 fees-£7,950 per year	Not available
International	2025/26 fees TBC* 2024/25 fees -£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.

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 UK (home) students, if Parliament permits 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.

We offer a range of international scholarships to students all over the world. For more information, visit our international scholarships page.

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.

The following are additional costs not included in the tuition fees:

Any optional overseas ﬁeld trips or visits: £400+ per trip.
Any costs associated with securing, attending or completing a placement (whether in the UK or abroad).

How do you know if you need to pay UK or international tuition fees?

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 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.

In order to receive funding for degree with foundation courses, you will need to complete a 4-year Degree programme which includes the integrated foundation year. If you study a standalone foundation year, you may be responsible for your foundation year fees. For further information refer to the 'Foundation Year Funding' section.

Facilities

You’ll be based in the spacious building at Dagenham campus, which provides an outstanding learning environment including a science laboratory and a library that includes loan laptops, print copies of essential and recommended reading, over 115,000 eBooks and a quiet study area. CU London Dagenham campus is in the Civic Centre building and is easily accessible by road, bus and rail.

Our facilities include:

science labs where students like you - studying a science-related course - can conduct experiments, gather data and perform various scientific investigations
engineering labs with instruments and equipment that support research, experimentation and practical learning in the field of engineering.
classrooms with interactive teaching capabilities
comprehensive library and learning services
study areas, laptops/open-access computers and social spaces
student support and careers advice teams
onsite free student parking.

Facilities are subject to availability. Access to some facilities (including some teaching and learning spaces) may vary from those advertised and/or may have reduced availability or restrictions where the university is following public authority guidance, decisions or orders.

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.

Following degree study, you could go on to work in different disciplines including studying towards postgraduate qualifications, working within laboratory-based industries, technical posts within education or industry, research technician or even teaching in science. The degree also provides you with a strong set of transferable skills valued by employers.

Where our graduates work

Graduates of our Applied Sciences BSc (Hons) course have gone on to work at a number of national and international companies such as GlaxoSmithKline, HelloFresh, Oxford Immunotec and ALS Environmental.

How to apply

View our courses on UCAS

Visit UCAS

UK students

Full-time students applying to start in September 2025 can apply for this course through UCAS. Full-time UK undergraduate students apply through UCAS. Otherwise, you will need to apply to CU directly. Read our application pages to find out your next steps to apply.

How to apply

Apply via UCAS

If you'd like further support or more information about your course get in touch with us today.

(+44) 02477 652222

CULondon@coventry.ac.uk

Chat with our admissions team

Complete our contact form

International students

International codes:
CUCLF029

International students should apply directly to CU directly. Read our application pages to find out your next steps to apply.

How to apply

For further support for international applicants applying for an undergraduate degree view our International pages or Coventry University Group's International hub.

If you'd like further support or more information about your course get in touch with us today.

(+44) 02477 652222

cul@coventry.ac.uk

Chat with our admissions team

Complete our contact form

Disclaimers

Coventry University together with Coventry University London, Coventry University Wrocław, 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 unpaid and/or 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, public authority guidance, decisions or orders and visa requirements. To ensure that you fully understand any 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 UK (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.

⁴Facilities

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 current 2024/2025 contract is available on the website for information purposes however the 2025/2026 contract will apply for the 2025/2026 intake. 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.