Foundation Science
Introduction
The aim of the Foundation Year is to equip students with the necessary skills and knowledge to embark on future studies in the sciences and to offer guaranteed progression to a Science Degree. Students wishing to study Forensic Investigation who do not have an A level or equivalent in Science, are advised to take this Foundation Year.
Fees for the Foundation Year
It is with delight that we are able to offer the Foundation Year at a greatly subsidised price, which is 40% of the usual undergraduate fee. It is expected that this level of 40% of normal fees will be maintained indefinitely.
Sciences at Christ Church has a long history of offering a stimulating environment in which students are encouraged to make the best of their scientific abilities.
Progression Opportunities
Successful completion of this Foundation Year leads directly onto a two-year Dip. HE or a three-year BSc Science Degree programme chosen from a number of modules:
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Animal Science;
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Biosciences;
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Ecology & Conservation;
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Environmental Biology;
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Environmental Science;
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Integrated Science;
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BSc Science with Secondary Education (QTS).
Alternatively, students may apply to take single-subject or combined honours degrees in:
Single-subject degrees:
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Sport Science;
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Medical Imaging;
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Occupational Therapy.
Combined degrees:
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Biosciences with Forensic Investigation
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Environmental Science with Geography - are just two examples.
Outline Programme Structure for the Foundation Year
The table below describes the outline programme.
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Term 1 (11 weeks)
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Skills I
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Biology (Organisms)
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Chemistry (Nature of Matter)
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Physics (Mechanics & Heat)
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Term 2 (11 weeks)
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Skills II
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Biology (Processes of life)
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Chemistry (Chemical Systems)
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Physics (Waves & Electromagnetism)
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The programme is divided into two terms with 4 modules running in each term.
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The modules in Term 1 lay the foundations upon which the Term 2 modules are built.
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Revision sessions and exams require a total commitment of 30 weeks.
Entry Requirements
There are no formal entry requirements for admission to the Foundation Year. All candidates will normally be interviewed to assess their suitability for the programme.
Mature Applicants
Applications are welcomed from mature students. Recently, those returning to education after some year's absence have done particularly well on our degree courses.
Attendance
This is a full time course of four, half-day sessions per week. Attendance is for 16 hours per week for 24 weeks (Terms 1 and 2 plus revision sessions). Students are expected to match this with at least an equivalent time spent in private study. Exams take place at the end of the course, in May and June.
Part-time, day-time attendance extending over 2 years, is possible. Here, a student will take two courses in two half-day sessions per week; taking the remaining two courses the following year. This mode of attendance is particularly useful for working students.