Biological Sciences with Foundation

Program Overview

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Students who successfully complete the program are guaranteed progression to the first year of the Biological Sciences (C103) degree program at Durham University.

Program Outline

This one-year program aims to equip students with the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in Biological Sciences at the undergraduate level.

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Objectives:

• Develop essential skills for successful university study, including epistemological maturity, metacognitive skills, and independent learning.
• Provide a strong foundation in biological sciences, including essential knowledge in biomolecules, evolution, and data analysis.

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Outline

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Program Content:

• Concepts, Methods, and Theories in Biological Science
• Concepts, Methods, and Theories in Organic Chemistry
• Concepts, Methods, and Theories in Data Science
• Scholarship in Higher Education for Core
• Advanced Scholarship in Higher Education for Science and Economics
• Mathematics 2

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Structure:

• 1 year of intensive foundation study
• 120 academic credits divided into modules
• 20 hours of taught content and 10 hours of tutorial/seminar support for every 15 credits
• Additional 100 hours of self-directed study expected for every 15 credits

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Course Schedule:

• Up to 16 contact hours per week
• Classes include lectures, tutorials, workshops, and practical sessions
• Independent study time for reading, assignments, and project work

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Individual Modules:

• Concepts, Methods, and Theories in Biological Science: Introduces fundamental concepts in biology, covering topics like cell structure, genetics, and evolution.
• Concepts, Methods, and Theories in Organic Chemistry: Provides a foundation in organic chemistry, focusing on the structure, properties, and reactions of organic molecules.
• Concepts, Methods, and Theories in Data Science: Equips students with essential data analysis skills, including statistical methods and data visualization.
• Scholarship in Higher Education for Core: Develops key academic skills for successful university study, including critical thinking, writing, and research methods.
• Advanced Scholarship in Higher Education for Science and Economics: Builds on core academic skills, focusing on specific requirements for studying science and economics at the university level.
• Mathematics 2: Provides a grounding in mathematical concepts and techniques relevant to the study of biological sciences.

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Assessment

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Assessment Methods:

• A combination of coursework assignments, examinations, and practical assessments.
• Each module will have its own specific assessment methods, as outlined in the module descriptions.

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Assessment Criteria:

• Assessments will be graded based on a range of criteria, including knowledge and understanding of the subject matter, critical thinking skills, analytical ability, and effective communication.

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Teaching

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Teaching Methods:

• A blend of lectures, tutorials, workshops, and practical sessions.
• Practical sessions allow students to develop hands-on skills and experience in a laboratory setting.

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Faculty:

• The program is taught by a dedicated team of academic tutors from Durham's Centre for Academic Development (DCAD), with expertise in biological sciences and related fields.

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Unique Approaches:

• The program emphasizes developing metacognitive skills and independent learning, enabling students to become self-directed and adaptable learners.

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Careers

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Career Opportunities:

• Completion of the program prepares students for a wide range of careers in biological sciences, including research, education, healthcare, and environmental management.
• Graduates may pursue further study at the postgraduate level or enter the workforce in various scientific fields.

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Career Outcomes:

• The program aims to equip students with the necessary skills and knowledge to compete successfully for graduate programs and entry-level positions in biological sciences.
• The program provides a solid foundation for a rewarding and impactful career in this dynamic and growing field.

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Other

• The program is designed specifically for students from under-represented groups in higher education.
• Students who successfully complete the program are guaranteed progression to the first year of the Biological Sciences (C103) degree program at Durham University.
• The program offers a supportive and inclusive environment that encourages student success and personal development.

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The tuition fees for 2025/26 academic year have not yet been finalised, they will be displayed here once approved. The tuition fees shown for home students are for one complete academic year of full time study and are set according to the academic year of entry. Fees for subsequent years of your course may rise in line with an inflationary uplift as determined by the government. The tuition fees shown for overseas and EU students are for one complete academic year of full time study, are set according to the academic year of entry, and remain the same throughout the duration of the programme for that cohort (unless otherwise stated).