Biomedicine, Biology and Pharmacy International Foundation

Program Overview

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It offers a combination of core modules in Chemistry, English, Mathematics, and Study Skills, along with specialist modules in Biology or Physics. Students can complete the program in 3 or 4 terms, with the option for additional English language support. Upon successful completion, students are guaranteed a place on one of the designated undergraduate degrees.

Program Outline

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Biomedicine, Biology & Pharmacy International Foundation

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Degree Overview

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Goal:

This campus-based program equips students for their undergraduate degrees in Science at Newcastle University. Students can complete this full-time course in 3 or 4 terms.

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Objectives:

• Develop practical skills in modern laboratories.
• Gain experience in practical information gathering through field trips.
• Access material for discussion in seminars.
• Flexibility to change between similar undergraduate programs.

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Program Highlights:

• Quality-assured university course with full Newcastle University status.
• Guaranteed place on one of the designated undergraduate degrees upon successful completion.
• Access to a range of Newcastle progression options.
• Specific pathways and requirements for English/study skills and overall grade.
• Some courses have specific requirements such as interviews, relevant discipline experience, previous degree, or IELTS 6.0.

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Outline

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Course Options:

• International Foundation (3 terms): Standard option.

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Core Modules (80 credits):

• Chemistry (20 credits): Basic grounding in chemistry, laboratory and project work, concepts in physical, inorganic and organic chemistry.
• English for Academic Purposes (20 or 40 credits): Develop skills and confidence in academic English, four key skills developed in an integrated and task-oriented way, emphasis on private study, student research, student-led presentations, seminar discussions, e-learning, group work.
• Mathematics and Statistics (20 credits): Build on basic mathematical knowledge for biological sciences and some physical sciences, from basic algebra to introduction to differential and integral calculus, key data handling, presentation and analysis skills.
• Study Skills and ICT (20 credits): Adjust to the demands of UK higher education, covers note-taking, library and information skills, using and interpreting data, planning, preparing and checking assignments, team-working, oral presentation, seminar, examination and revision techniques, proofreading, dictionaries and academic reference books, core ICT skills including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, graphs, interpreting data, web-based learning systems.

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Specialist Modules (40 credits):

• Foundation Biology (20 or 40 credits): Introduction to cell biology, cell functions, processes involved in cellular life, roles in function, reproduction and development of living organisms, enzymes, biochemistry of energy production, molecular genetics, genetics of inheritance, combines theoretical, laboratory and case-study work, field trips to Centre for Life and Newcastle University’s Electron Microscopy Unit.

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Course Schedule:

• Class hours: minimum 26 hours per week.
• Class size: maximum of 16 students per class for English language teaching.
• Age requirement: 17 years and above.

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Assessment

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Formal and informal assessment throughout the program:

• Feedback from teachers.
• Combination of examinations and coursework at the end of each semester.
• Written essays, reports, field notebooks, practical exercises, group and individual research projects, bibliographical searches, oral and video presentations, problem solving.

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Teaching

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Teaching methods:

• Lectures.
• Seminars.
• Tutorials.
• Workshops.
• Field trips.
• Laboratory work.

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Faculty:

• Experienced and qualified academics.
• Experts in their field.

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Unique approaches:

• Emphasis on practical skills and experience.
• Focus on student-centered learning.
• Small class sizes for personalized attention.

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Careers

• High graduate employment rate.
• Opportunities to develop employability skills.

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Other

• Quality and ranking information for relevant subject areas.