APPLIED SCIENCE - BIOSCIENCE Pathway Level 5 Foundation Degree

Level 5
Higher Education
Portadown Campus
Ulster University

Overview

The Foundation Degree in Applied Science will benefit learners greatly in developing a range of practical and academic skills in applied science with a focus on bioscience. All lecturers are highly experienced in their specific field with most educated to master’s level and some to PhD level. All lecturers have recent relevant industrial experience with some having worked in industry for several years prior to joining the College as lecturers. Through collaboration with industry, students will receive the most up to date and relevant experience possible.

This programme replaces the Ulster University Level 5 Foundation Degree (FdSc) in Applied Industrial Sciences. It aims to provide a vocationally relevant science education for those wishing to follow careers in a wide range of science disciplines; producing competent individuals to meet local, regional and national needs by providing a good mix of scientific theory along with the practical skills necessary for further study or employment within a range of science disciplines. Through a varied and well-planned curriculum delivered by knowledgeable and supportive staff, knowledge and understanding is developed through lectures, practical classes, group discussion and independent research. Cognitive skills are developed through researching information, statistical analysis, effective communication, critical analysis, evaluation and self-evaluation. The course is designed to be practical, and therefore applied skills are developed through practical laboratory classes and laboratory simulations.

Transferable skills are crucial to your progression and employability. This course aims to develop these skills through presentations, scientific writing, analysis and interpretation of results, group work, problem solving, research and critical evaluation; all of which will enhance personal development and career prospects.

The over-riding consideration in admitting applicants to this course, is evidence that the learner is likely to be able to complete the course satisfactorily.

Attendance at Individual or Group Pre-Entry Advice Sessions (IPEAS and GPEAS) may be required. These interviews may take place either on campus, via telephone or video call (Microsoft teams) and will play an important role in place allocation.

Applicants must be at least 18 years of age on or before 1st July in the year of proposed entry to the course.

Entry Requirements (UK)

A-Level - 1 science: Chemistry, Physics, Biology, Maths, Single Award in Life & Health Sciences, Double Award in Life & Health Sciences. BTEC - Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (Science Related Subject)/OCR Cambridge Technical Level 3 Extended Diploma (Science Related Subject) (2016 Suite).
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Diploma (Science Related Subject)/OCR Cambridge Technical Level 3 Diploma (Science Related Subject) (2016 Suite). Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate (Science Related Subject)/OCR Cambridge Technical Level 3 Extended Certificate (Science Related Subject) (2016 Suite).
Applicants must have attained a minimum of 48 UCAS points achieved through the completion of A Levels, National Awards, Access or other alternative approved level 3 qualifications.
Applicants must have attained at least 15 points at Level 2 or above (e.g. GCSE) or have alternative approved qualifications. In addition, applicants must provide evidence of competence in written and spoken English language. For entry to this programme, applicants should have attained a C grade in GCSE English language (or equivalent) and a C grade in GCSE Maths (or equivalent).
Adult Learning Access: 55% in Access Diploma which contains an approved science module.

Entry Requirements (ROI)

48 UCAS points consisting of passes in five approved subjects to include a minimum of 3 at Higher Leaving Cert Pass (Grade D/H6), one of which should be in Science (Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Maths or equivalent) and OLC (Grade 04 or above) to include Maths and English.

The College’s Admissions Policy reflects the expectations of the UK Quality Code May 2023. Please note that applicants progressing to higher education courses at Level 4 and above in the College or UK Universities may require a specific GCSE/A-Level profile. In some cases, the Essential Skills in Literacy and Numeracy may not be a suitable alternative to a GCSE. The list of acceptable qualifications for equivalency to English and mathematics for Ulster University is available from the following link: https://www.ulster.ac.uk/apply/entrance-requirements#eng. It is the responsibility of the applicant to check each University’s progression requirements before enrolling on a course at the College.

Please note that for Ulster University qualifications, the general entry requirements for Ulster University must also be met in addition to those listed above.

Accreditation of Prior Experiential Learning (APEL) may be considered for entry. For more details visit Accreditation of Prior Experience and Learning (APEL) Procedure.

All applicants to this programme will be required to attend an interview.

For further detail on our entry requirements please review our Admissions Policy & Criteria.

Modules include

Academic Skills & Statistics
Chemistry and Biology for Bioscience
Chemistry and Pharmacology
Developing Skills for Industry – Laboratory Skills
Professional Practice and GxP
Physiology and Anatomy
Biochemistry
Work Based Learning (WBL)
Cell Biology, Genetics & Molecular Biology
Microbiology and Immunology
Analytical Methodologies

Lectures will be delivered face to face and you will be supported through hybrid learning. You will be assessed through class tests, oral presentations, individual and collaborative coursework assignments and examinations. A virtual learning environment will be used to support learning and all aspects of assessment. Assessment of Work Based Learning elements will also occur during the course.