Science, Engineering and Computing International Foundation Year

Core modules

Academic English Skills

This module aims to provide you with thorough training in the language and related academic skills, which will enable you to achieve your academic potential at University. These skills include the processes of academic writing, effective and extensive reading strategies, effective participation in seminars and delivery of presentations, and listening to and recording information effectively from lectures. You will also develop the accuracy and range of written and spoken language required to use language effectively and appropriately, with clarity and confidence in an academic context.

Project study

During your foundation year, you will complete a self-study project on a topic you will choose in consultation with your tutor. By the end of this module, you will be able to produce an extended piece of work in the discipline area of your intended degree course, through an on-going, supervised, self-study approach. The project should use a broad range of source material to present a coherent, digital piece of work, which combines a balanced factual content with a critical commentary.

Introduction to Pure Mathematics

Pure Mathematics modules will provide you with a basic knowledge of pure mathematics and its application, relevant to undergraduate degree programmes. You will be able to understand mathematical notation, terminology, convention and units, understand and interpret in mathematical terms verbal, graphical and tabular information, and manipulate mathematical expressions.

Route specific modules

Introduction to Applied Mathematics and Advanced Applied Mathematics

Applied Mathematics will help prepare you with a basic knowledge of mechanics, and prepare you for development of mathematical applications in engineering, computer science and informatics. In Applied Mathematics 1 you will learn about vectors, forces and equilibrium, relative motion, Newton’s Laws of Motion, friction and work, energy and power. Applied Mathematics 2 will cover advanced vectors, forces as fixed vectors, centres of gravity/centres of mass and particle dynamics.

Advanced Pure Mathematics

Pure Mathematics 2 will cover straight lines and linear equations, set theory and probability, statistics, linear programming, indices and logarithms and experimental law. This will also broaden your understanding of the subject in preparation for many different engineering pathways.

Core Mathematics for Science

You will develop and demonstrate core mathematical skills, including algebra and statistics, relevant to an undergraduate degree course. You will study core mathematical principles and tools as stated within the module curriculum, and practice taught skills within class work and self-study assignments and practice questions similar to the format of those within the final examination.

Introduction to Physics

This module will provide you with a basic knowledge of atomic physics, materials, heat and gases and oscillations and waves. At the end of this module, you will be able to apply the appropriate laws of physics to problem solving in these areas.

Advanced Physics

This module will provide you with a basic knowledge of electrical current and charge, potential difference, resistance, capacitance, transistors and amplifiers, electrical fields, gravitational fields, magnetic fields and electromagnetic fields.

Introduction to Chemistry

In Chemistry you will learn formulae, equations and moles, atomic structure, introduction to redox systems, thermodynamics and bonding. You will understand the basis of atomic and molecular structure and of chemical bonding, and recognise the differences in properties between ions and molecules. You will also be able to use the mole concept and balance chemical equations, with an understanding of the principles of redox reactions.

Advanced Chemistry

This module will help you to develop the basic principles of Chemistry, building on the knowledge, understanding and skills learned in Chemistry 1. You will be able to present chemical data and ideas in a clear form. You will understand how chemical reactions work and the main factors which affect them, with particular reference to equilibria including acid-base equilibria.

Introduction to Biology

In this module you will learn about biological molecules, cellular structure, cell division, movement through cell membranes, enzymes and metabolic pathways.

Advanced Biology

In this module you will study physiological processes, particularly in humans, including the cardio-vascular, nervous, digestive and reproductive systems, control and coordination and osmo-regulation.