BSc (Hons) Chemistry with Foundation Year

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• 92 per cent of our students say our course is 'intellectually stimulating' and with 92 per cent ‘overall satisfaction’ in the 2018 National Student Survey.
  
• Accredited by the Royal Society of Chemistry, the professional body representing chemistry in the UK.
  
• Benefit from a course with excellent 'staff contact': 93 per cent of our students say so, as stated in the 2016 National Student Survey.
• Equip yourself for successful employment in a competitive job market – our focus on practical, professional skills means you graduate primed to enter the workplace.
• Benefit from award-winning teaching in small groups and be inspired by staff who are world-leading researchers.
• Stand out from the crowd with professional recognition through our accreditation from the Royal Society of Chemistry.
• Hone your practical problem-solving skills in our newly-refurbished laboratories, kitted out with the latest analytical instrumentation. 
• Get the most out of your studies with our tutorial system, ensuring that you receive the support and guidance you need to reach your full potential.
• Maximise your hands-on laboratory time and learn through doing – this course is structured to be as practical as possible, with 70 percent of assessment based on coursework.
• Experience chemistry in the real world and boost your employability by taking a work-based placement project in your final year, or working alongside PhD and post-doctoral researchers in our high specification laboratories.
• Graduate with in-demand skills for a range of career paths, from research and development in the pharmaceutical industry and lab-based roles in the food and energy industries, to positions in the science, engineering, healthcare, environmental or technology sectors.
• The foundation year is an integral part of the extended degree. Completion of the foundation year will not lead to a separate award or qualification its own right but will provide access to Year 1 of your degree.
  

• Foundation Year

• We introduce you to the world of chemistry, applying the principles across a wide subject area. We focus on practical, hands-on learning. You will also gain study and mathematical skills for science - from scientific writing and time management to mathematical skills and independent study.

  Core modules

  • CHM001 Applications of Chemistry

    This module develops a more detailed understanding of the application of Chemistry to real world scenarios through a series of case studies which instil in students a critical appreciation of the science and the challenges and opportunities surrounding it.

  • CHM009 Chemistry 1

    This module introduces students into the world of chemistry and its fundamental importance as a cornerstone of science. No prior knowledge of science is required and the emphasis is on applying the principals of chemistry across a wide subject area, with many hands-on learning experiences.

  • CHM010 Chemistry 2

    This module is designed to build on the knowledge, understanding and skills inculcated in CHM009 and to provide an introduction to the fundamentals of organic Chemistry at a level sufficient for entry to the degree programmes offered by the Faculty of Science and Engineering, including the Chemistry Degree programmes.

  • GEES001 Study and Mathematical Skills for Science

    This module is designed to enable learners to adapt to the Higher Education Learning Environment by the development of a more independent, reflective and self-managed approach to study, learning, scientific writing, time management and mathematical skills for the study of science.

  Optional modules

  • BIO012 Biology 1

    This module introduces students to the study of biology and its fundamental importance as a cornerstone of modern science. No prior knowledge is required or assumed. The emphasis is on understanding some of the core principles of biology, and applying these across the breadth of the subject. To ensure that key practical skills are developed, the module will incorporate many hands-on learning experiences.

  • BIO013 Biology 2

    This module builds on the core ideas introduced in BIO012, introducing a range of additional biological concepts. There will be a strong emphasis on applying scientific principles to a wide range of topics in biology, including many hands-on learning experiences to ensure that key practical skills are developed.

  • MATH019 Mathematics and Statistics for Science

    This module provides the basic mathematical background to enable learners to progress to honours degree programmes in science.

  • PHY009 Physics 1

    This module introduces students into the world of physics and its fundamental importance as the cornerstone of science. Little prior knowledge of science is required and the emphasis is on applying the principals of physics in all areas of science with many hands-on learning experiences.

  • PHY010 Physics 2

    This module is designed to build on the knowledge, understanding and skills inculcated in PHY009 and to provide an introduction to the fundamentals of thermodynamics, environmental physics, nuclear physics, AC Theory and magnetics, at a level sufficient for entry to the degree programmes offered by the Faculty of Science and Engineering.

Every undergraduate taught course has a detailed programme specification document describing the course aims, the course structure, the teaching and learning methods, the learning outcomes and the rules of assessment.

The following programme specification represents the latest course structure and may be subject to change:

Bsc Chemistry with Foundation Year Programme Specification September 2017

UCAS tariff

32 - 48

Approximate cohort size is 20 students per year.

A levels: from a minimum of 2 A levels to include at least one pass in a science subject. Excluding general studies.

18 Unit BTEC National Diploma/QCF Extended Diploma: PPP – from a science related subject. 
12 Unit BTEC National Certificate/QCF Diploma: MP – from a science related subject. 

BTEC National modules: If you hold a BTEC qualification it is vital that you provide our Admissions team with details of the exact modules you have studied as part of the BTEC. Without this information we may be unable to process your application quickly and you could experience significant delays in the progress of your application to study with us. Please explicitly state the full list of modules within your qualification at the time of application.

Access courses: pass Access course (preferably from a science/combined studies/natural sciences/nursing subject) (including GCSE English and mathematics grade C/4 or above or equivalent). For candidates that do not have a science, electrical or technology background please contact: admissions@plymouth.ac.uk for further advice.

GCSE: mathematics and English at grade C/4 or above.

International Baccalaureate: 24 overall to include 3 at Higher Level science subject. English and mathematics must be included.

Mature students with appropriate work experience are encouraged to apply. For those who do not meet the requirements, please enquire for further details.

Progression onto chemistry F100 - achieving 120 credits in the specified course and an average of at least 50 per cent across all 120 credits.

For a full list of all acceptable qualifications please refer to our tariff glossary.