Back to topCourse content
The principal aim of the programme is to enable students to linguistically and academically negotiate the transition from school to university and be prepared for the demands of an undergraduate degree programme in an appropriate Life Sciences discipline.
The programme syllabus is designed around the acquisition of core academic skills and literacy development that underpins successful higher education: academic, research, IT, critical thinking and the promotion of self-awareness. Students learn through a combination of formal, interactive lectures in relevant content areas, interactive seminars, practical laboratory sessions and IT-enabled self-study opportunities: practical application of theoretical knowledge allows students to develop further skills and understanding of relevant topics and concepts.
Typical modules:
- Biology 1
- Biology 2
- Chemistry 1
- Chemistry 2
- ICT Skills
- Interactive Learning Skills and Communication
- Maths for Science and Computing
- Research Methods, Critical Thinking and Expression
This course can be studied 2 semesters full-time, starting in January. Or this course can be studied 2 semesters full-time, starting in September.
Back to topAssessment and feedback
Formative assessment opportunities are incorporated into each of the module blocks in the form of homework assignments, Moodle exercises and the opportunity to submit assignment draft for review prior to submission. The focus on academic literacy development in all parts of the course ensures that students develop strong linguistic competence and advanced numeracy skills as well as a mastery of their discipline at an appropriate level.
Through the course, students will be encouraged to engage appropriately with peers and tutors as members of an academic community. This will involve the development of critical self-awareness and personal literacy as students become more attuned to their identity as global citizens.
This is an intensive programme with 16 hours per week and a corresponding number of ongoing assessment tasks designed to provide a scaffolded structure for students at this entry level to Higher Education.
Formative assessment opportunities are incorporated into each of the module blocks in the form of regular homework assignments, Moodle exercises and the opportunity to submit an assignment draft for review prior to final submission. Each of the blocks will make use of the Navitas Moodle Virtual Learning Environment (typically for additional module resources, but also for blended content, as well as quizzes and coursework submissions).
Private study should be additional reading to support both the lecture material and as research for assignments.