With a foundation year
“All the staff at Xaverian were really enthusiastic and helpful and we had regular meetings with the Foundation Year tutor to make sure we were settling into university and coping with the course. I am much more focussed on my studies this year because I’ve had an extra year to get used to uni life and all the excitement that can bring. One of the great things when I started the first year was having so many friends on the course that I had made on the Foundation Year.”
Naomi Lowe-Lennon - Physiology
Life Sciences with a Foundation Year is for you if you want to enter one of the Courses offered by the Faculty of Life Sciences but do not have the appropriate entry qualifications. The Foundation Year provides the necessary academic background in biology, chemistry and mathematics to prepare you for study on any one of our Courses. Successful completion of the Foundation Year allows you direct entry into a three or four-year degree course, making this a four-year degree course that includes the foundation year, or a five-year course if you add a year of 'industrial or professional experience', or a modern language.
See: Life Sciences with a Foundation Year (4 or 5 Years) for the course profile
Where you study
Xavarian College
The majority of the Foundation Year is taught by experienced staff at Xaverian College, which is located about 1km
south of the main University campus. There is also a complementary programme of tutorials, seminars and laboratory practicals at the main University campus. As a student on the Foundation Year you are a full student member of The University of Manchester and you will have a University registration card. You have full representation on the Faculty of Life Sciences student-staff committee and a guaranteed place in a University hall of residence (several halls are minutes walk of the College).
In addition to the excellent study facilities at the College, you have full access to all of The University of Manchester's facilities including the University library, computer and learning resource centres, and the wide range of sporting and social activities available to all University students.
How and what you study
Practical sessions take place in both the college and the university teaching labs
The Foundation Year is credit rated, consisting of a total of 120 academic credits. You study a common core of units in biology, chemistry and mathematics. Biology forms approximately half the core content; lectures cover a wide range of areas including cell biology, biochemistry, genetics, biotechnology, microbes and disease, ecology and physiology. Regular laboratory work reinforces the subject material and helps you to develop practical skills. Opportunities are also available for fieldwork.
“I made great friends on the Life Sciences Foundation Year. That first year of Uni was a cushion into the real world of Uni and I'm very glad I did it.”
Evanthia Anastasiou - Biology
As a sound grasp of chemistry is essential for biological scientists more than a third of the core consists of chemistry. This involves the study of atomic structure, bonding, rates of reaction, inorganic and physical chemistry, organic and medicinal chemistry.
The units in mathematics enable you to manipulate and analyse experimental data accurately and to use statistical and mathematical techniques in a biological context. Study skills and help with the core content is provided through weekly tutorials.
How we help
Students in a Biology lecture
In addition to academic tutorial support you are allocated a personal tutor for pastoral support. Your tutor will be available for one-to-one meetings and will become well known to you. Additional academic support is provided by the Foundation team in the Faculty of Life Sciences, and additional pastoral support is available from the counselling services at Xaverian College and at the University.
How you are assessed
Assessment consists of formal examinations (80%) in January and May and coursework and tests throughout the year. The coursework assessment in biology and chemistry is mainly based on laboratory work.
How you apply
As for our other Courses, applications should be made through UCAS.
If you are at school or college the process will be explained to you and you will be supplied with the necessary form. Information can also be obtained directly from UCAS.
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