Unit descriptions for Science

Foundation Biology and Human Physiology (core unit)
This unit covers the basic principles in biology through all the different levels of organisation in living systems – from biochemistry, genetics, cells, organ systems, whole organisms, populations and ecosystems. In human physiology, key systems such as the circulatory, respiratory and digestive systems are studied. Students will not only learn the facts and theories, but also enjoy hands on experience to expand and consolidate their knowledge. Students learn through a series of lectures, workshop activities, laboratory experiments, field work and site visits, including a residential field course in the first term. The residential course provides a good introduction to field work and helps students to get to know fellow students and tutors.

Foundation Chemistry (core unit)
Students learn the basic principles of chemistry through a series of lectures, interactive workshops and laboratory experimentation. The unit develops the major principles of organic, inorganic and physical chemistry and provides the foundation for studying natural science at higher levels. Special interest topics are also introduced through seminars and site visits.

Foundation Physics (optional unit)
This is a wide-ranging unit in physics, which introduces the fundamental principles and uses them to explain a variety of physical phenomena – these range from the relationships between forces, linear motion, waves and energy – to developments in atomic physics and their application to nuclear power.

Foundation Computing I (optional unit)
The objectives of this unit are to give students an overview of the systems development process and software, an understanding of programming paradigms and techniques, knowledge of the main components of a computer programming environment and programming constructs, an understanding of testing, verification and reproducibility of behaviour in computer systems.

Foundation Computing II (optional unit)
The objectives of this unit are to give students an understanding of the way in which data can be stored and used, an understandin  of how circuits can be produced, an insight into the various modes of data processing, experience of networking and data communications, an overview of the internal workings of the computer and knowledge of a range of operating systems and their uses.

Mathematics for Science and Computing (optional unit)
This unit in mathematics is designed for students on INTO Foundation Science and Computing pathways. The objectives of this unit are to provide students with an understanding of the key mathematical topics relevant to Science and Computing. These include trigonometry, integral calculus, functions, logarithms, vector geometry, arithmetic series, probability and statistics and proof by induction.

Advanced Mathematics (optional unit)
This unit is for students wishing to progress onto a Mathematics degree, or who enjoy studying Mathematics. This unit covers counting techniques, statistical concepts and methods, further integral calculus, developing principles and applications of probability theory, the use of simulation models, complex numbers, the concepts of convergence and divergence in geometric series, further coordinate geometry, linear algebra and its applications, modelling using graphs and digraphs.