Foundation Year for Engineering, Physics and Geophysics Faculty of Engineering, Science and Mathematics
Development of electronic technology Who is the course for? The Foundation Year is the first year of a four-year BEng/BSc or a five-year MEng/MPhys/MGeophys degree for students wishing to study Engineering, Physics or Geophysics who do not have GCE A-Levels in Mathematics and/or Physics or an equivalent entry qualification. You might demonstrate your suitability through your employment experience, your earlier studies may profile your academic strength or if you re currently studying on an unrelated course your results might demonstrate the necessary study skills. It may suit you if you are: A capable student studying inappropriate A-Levels A suitably experienced mature student A capable student studying for a BTEC National or other vocational award who has not yet reached the high grades required for direct entry to our degree course A student from a region or country where the educational philosophy is different from that of A-Level education We also accept small numbers of students who have taken Mathematics and Physics at A-Level where circumstances beyond their control (e.g. serious illness or teaching problems at school/college) have resulted in lower A-Level results than their high predictions. If you would like such special circumstances to be taken into consideration, please contact the admissions tutor.
Specialised areas of engineering The structure of the course You will take courses in: Computing Electricity/Electronics Mathematics Mechanical Science Engineering Principles Academic Skills From this course you can progress to many of our different degree programmes; make up your mind before hand and during the year. The Maths Test Many of the principles of physics and engineering are understood through mathematical expressions. For those with no recent maths study, a maths test before you start will show whether you have the seed of the skills the Foundation Year will nurture. The Foundation Year aims to give students from varied backgrounds the knowledge to meet the challenges of our degree courses. This entails an intense period of learning requiring commitment and effort. In return for this effort, you will build an understanding of maths, mechanics, electricity and electronics as well as engineering principles. In addition the Foundation Year also seeks to hone the study skills that you will need during your degree course. This includes a (re)introduction to exams and exam techniques. You will be taught in small groups with a high level of learning support on the Highfield Campus. The Foundation Year fosters the development of a close-knit, keen group with common objectives; enduring friendships are often formed within the group. You will study full-time through a combination of lectures, workshops, laboratories and private study. Assessment is mainly by written examination and by a variety of coursework assignments. On passing the year you will be extremely well prepared for the later years of our degree courses; on graduation there is a typical spread of first class honours degrees amongst those starting with the firm grounding provided by the Foundation Year.
How to apply Some entrants to the Foundation Year apply to the discipline they are interested in. If the admissions tutor feels they may benefit from a Foundation Year then they are contacted to discuss this. Some people apply directly for a course with Foundation Year. Whichever route you take we will make sure you are offered the best course for your skills and experience. You may be invited for an interview to assess your suitability for the Foundation Year and your chosen degree course. The interview also provides you with an opportunity to take a closer look at the University. Applications are normally made online through the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS) www.ucas.com International students We welcome International applicants to the Foundation Year. You will need to complete a UCAS form. If English is not your first language we will ask you to obtain a recognised qualification, such as IELTS with a minimum score of 5.5. Support for developing your language skills further will be provided as part of the programme. UCAS codes Engineering with Foundation Year H008 Physics with Foundation Year F301 Geophysics with Foundation Year F662 Fees and accommodation The fee is the same as for every year of a degree course in the Faculty of Engineering, Science and Mathematics. For the latest details of fees please refer to: www.soton.ac.uk/study/feesandfunding For UK students you may apply for a Student Loan to cover your tuition fees from Student Finance UK. For EU students you may apply for a Student Loan to cover your tuition fees from the EU Team, Student Finance Direct. www.direct.gov.uk/studentfinance Students who do not live locally are entitled to apply for University accommodation. Contact details and further information Admissions If you have any further enquiries please do not hesitate to contact us: Dr Anna Barney, Foundation Year, Faculty of ESM, University of Southampton, Highfield Campus, Southampton, so17 1bj Tel: +44 (0)23 8059 3113 Fax: +44 (0)23 8059 3017 Email: foundyr@soton.ac.uk www.esm.soton.ac.uk/foundation For a full University of Southampton prospectus, giving details of courses offered and information about life at the University visit the on-line prospectus at: www.southampton.ac.uk UCAS Tel: +44 (0)870 1122211 Email: enquiries@ucas.ac.uk www.ucas.com
Choice of degree course You will normally choose which course you want to specialise in before starting the Foundation Year, but there is flexibility if you change your mind later. The table below of principle topics appearing in our degree courses may aid you in your choice. Topic Control Design Digital Electricity Energy Fluids Geology Heat Language Law Logic Management Materials Maritime Mathematics Mechatronics Microprocessors Pollution Robotics Sensing Software Structures Vehicles Vibration Automation, System Stability Design Modelling, CAD, Methodology, Interfaces System Design, Signal Processing, Devices Machines, Electrostatics, Transmission, Magnetic Fields Power Systems, Conversion Aerodynamics, Hydraulics, Turbines, Coastal & River Flow Soil Mechanics, Geotechnics, Roads Thermodynamics, Engines, Cooling, Heating, Refrigeration French, German, Euro Culture, Technical Understanding Case Law, Industrial Law, Contracts, Legal Logic Formal Methods, Artificial Intelligence Human Resource, Planning, Modelling, Teamwork Chemistry, Metals, Polymers, Ceramics, Composites Ships, Small Craft, Coastal Engineering, Marine Environment Predicting Performance, Modelling Transducers, Electromechanical Signal Conversion Programming, Local Intelligence Noise, Gases, Liquids, Environmental Control Course Automation, Control, Electrical Power, Electronics, Programming Transducers, Signal Conversion, Microprocessors, Instrumentation Computing, Parallel Processing, Integration, Programming Strength of Materials, Finite Element Analysis, (Data Structures) Automotive Engineering, Control, Fluid Flow, Vehicle Dynamics Acoustics, Sound, Structural Vibration, Machines Acoustical Engineering Aerospace Engineering Civil/Environmental Computer Science Electrical Engineering Electromechanical Engineering Electronics Geophysics Mechanical Engineering Physics Ship Science Key Central to the course Significant to the course Included in the course Information about relevant degree courses can be found on the following websites: Acoustical Engineering www.isvr.soton.ac.uk Aerospace Engineering Civil or Environmental Engineering www.civil.soton.ac.uk Computer Science www.ecs.soton.ac.uk Electrical Engineering www.ecs.soton.ac.uk Electro-Mechanical Engineering Electronic Engineering www.ecs.soton.ac.uk Geophysics www.noc.soton.ac.uk Mechanical Engineering Physics www.phys.soton.ac.uk Ship Science
www.esm.soton.ac.uk/foundation foundyr@soton.ac.uk +44 (0)23 8059 3113