International Foundation Program in Biological Sciences and Psychology

Modules

The modules in this program have been developed to give you a thorough preparation for various related undergraduate degrees.

Students on this route will study full modules in Biology Principles and Practice and Psychology in addition to two half-modules: Chemistry for the Biosciences, and Statistics for Science.

Biology Principles and Practice

This module aims to develop your understanding of biological principles and processes, and you'll also learn how to apply your knowledge to current issues and problems in the Life Sciences. You will develop skills and experience in evaluating evidence, and data analysis, and acquire awareness of ethical issues and debates in biology. You will receive training in biological research and experimental techniques, and you will be able to explore how biology can be used as part of an interdisciplinary approach to solving problems. Topics typically covered include cell biology, human biology and health, and genetics.

Psychology

In the Psychology module, you'll be introduced to the key themes and theories of psychology, as well as the methods and classic studies that underpin the discipline. Topic areas that are covered during the module include disorders, diagnosis and treatment, and the social and ethical implications of research in the real world. Throughout the module, you will engage in critical thinking and your understanding will be rooted in applied examples and relevant, real-world scenarios.

Chemistry for the Biosciences

This module presents you with an introduction to fundamental ideas and concepts in chemistry, which are essential for the further study of subjects involving molecular science. The module aims to provide you with an appreciation of the structure and function of molecules, principles of kinetics, pH, and chemical analysis with the application of these to biological systems. Topics will include the chemical basis of living systems, balance and disruption in biological systems, and drug production and detection.

Statistics for Science

This module will develop your ability to view mathematics as an interdisciplinary subject and will equip you with the mathematical knowledge and skills required to manipulate data. The module focuses on the skills required for the application of statistical and mathematical methods in the Life Sciences; representing data, probability, and sampling distribution.

Inquiry and Research Skills for Science

This is a core module of this course and is delivered in two parts to complement your other modules. The first part of this module looks at developing core research and inquiry skills including academic searching, using sources, teamwork, reflection, and problem-based learning inquiries. The second part of the module allows you to put everything you have learned into practice through a research-based project.

English for Academic Purposes

This module is not about developing your conversational or everyday English skills; instead, it will develop your Academic English skills. You will consider how academic essays should be written, including looking at appropriate referencing and paraphrasing, as well as thinking about how presentations should be delivered in an academic context.

Teaching and Assessment

How will I learn?

You will be taught through a combination of lectures and seminars, which is the same type of teaching you can expect at the undergraduate level in the UK.

Lectures are where all students on a module are together (this can be up to 100 students on the IFP), and the academic tutor introduces the topic of study. Seminars are much smaller groups (typically no more than 15 students), where you have the opportunity to explore a subject in more detail with your academic tutor and classmates. In your seminars, you will be expected to engage in discussions and debates around the subject matter.

On the Biological Sciences and Psychology IFP there will also be some practical lessons in our laboratory classrooms.

How will I be assessed?

Across your modules, you will be assessed through a range of methods including presentations, tests, reports, and examinations.