Biological Sciences FdSC (Sept '12)

This course information relates to courses starting in September 2011.

Course code: Foundation degree (FdSc) C110; Foundation certificate (FCert) C900

Course category: Higher Education

End Qualification: Foundation Degree (FdSc)

Duration: 2 (FdSc); 1 (FCert)

Hours: 9.00-5.00

Course duration: 2 years

Course aims:
Biological Sciences provides a solid basis for studies in biology. Students are introduced to a wide range of techniques with a strong emphasis on the practical aspects of biology throughout.

The course offers small classes and full tutorial support and guidance. Many learning styles are used to provide an interesting and enjoyable experience. Studies will combine lectures, interactive teaching sessions, laboratory-based practicals, individual projects, group workshops, seminars, presentations, guest lectures, online teaching and student resource packs.

The course is made up of core modules to give you a good foundation of knowledge, and optional modules which allow you to specialise in areas of personal interest.

In the second year you will carry out an independent project and a 120-hour work placement in a relevant industry of your choice allowing you to gain valuable experience.

Remember applications for Higher Education courses must be made through UCAS, not directly to City College. See the how to apply section for more details.

Course content:
Areas covered include microbiology, biochemistry, laboratory skills, public health, immunology, genetic engineering, behaviour, ecology, and physiology.

Year 1
Cell Biology
Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
Scientific Skills, Techniques and Statistics
Human Physiology
Genetic Engineering
Ecological Processes
Immunology
Independent study
Microbiology

Year 2
Biology project
Biochemistry of Gene Expression
Molecular Genetics
Protein Technology
Microbial Biotechnology
Public Health and Infectious Diseases
Independent study
Plan Physiology
Work placement
Behavioural and Evolutional Ecology
South African field trip

Facilities for students:
Our students will benefit from facilities consisting of a variety of laboratories, including a category II Microbiology laboratory, with a variety of specialist equipment to aid any experiment you might consider for your project.
ICT provisions are available in the HE students’ ICT room and all of the provisions in the laboratories are equipped with interactive e-learning packages.

Tutors:
The foundation degree is staffed by experienced and enthusiastic tutors who have excellent links with science providers and organisations within the area. This will enable students to have every opportunity of finding work placements in the 2nd year and employment in the sector after graduation.

Assessment: A wide range of assessment strategies are used in order to support all students. These include end of year examinations (usually 50% of end mark for modules that have examinations) and coursework that include the following: essays; practical reports; presentations; short answer questions; research based report; reflective analysis; log book.

Entry Requirements:
Individual offers may vary

UCAS tariff:
120 points from a minimum of one 6-unit qualification. A-level subjects must include a pass at A2 biology. Level 3 Key Skills will not count towards the tariff score. Excluding General Studies.

International Baccalaureate:
24 points, specified subjects.

QAA-approved access course:
science related, all level 3 credits required.

GCSE (minimum grade C):
at least 3 subjects including English language, mathematics and a science.

For non-native speakers of English:
IELTS 6.0 overall, 6.0 in writing.

Pre-entry preparation:
Please bring to interview examples of projects or coursework completed.

Progression and links:
The practical and versatile nature of this course enables you to find employment within the pharmaceutical industry, the NHS, and diagnostic and water laboratories. Graduates may also be entitled to progress directly onto the second or third year of the Biological or Biomedical Sciences degrees at the university (level of entry is dependent upon your achievement in the foundation degree). Graduates may also be able to enter specialised degree courses at other universities.

Work experience opportunities:
Students complete 120 hours of work experience within local industries in the 2nd year of the foundation degree. The work placements must be relevant to the degree to enable students to build upon existing skills and techniques and/or to enable the development of new skills and techniques.

Tuition fees for 2012/13:
The tuition fee for this course will be £7,500 for 2012 entry. Most students will be eligible for a loan from Student Finance England to cover the cost of fees, so most students are not expected to pay this amount upfront. For further information about fees please visit:http://www.brighton.ac.uk/studentlife/money/2012entry

City College Brighton - Higher Education course - Biological Sciences FdSC (Sept '12)

Disclaimer:
Although the information given is believed to be correct at the time of publication, it does not form any part of a contract between City College Brighton and Hove and the student. Courses may be subject to change.

Timetables are subject to change and you should check with your tutor prior to enrolment for the details of your timetable.

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Biological Sciences FdSC (Sept '12)