International Foundation Year Science and Engineering
Science and Engineering Programme information Students study in English on a full-time basis for either 3 or 2 terms dependent on their proven English language score on entry. The programme is designed with pathway specific subject modules and a common core curriculum aimed at developing appropriate English and academic skills. The programme provides the University with confidence that, subject to successful achievement of progression requirements, graduates have the requisite subject knowledge and understanding, academic and language skills to embark on a range of University undergraduate degrees in the faculties of Science and Engineering. A list of the approved progression degrees can be found at: usic.sheffield.ac.uk/programmes/international-foundation-year/science-and-engineering This programme has been developed by Study Group in consultation with relevant University of Sheffield academic departments and Professional Services. Programme aims The overall aims of this programme are to: provide high quality learning opportunities to international students seeking a pathway to undergraduate degree provision in the Faculty of Social Sciences or Faculty of Arts and Humanities at The University of Sheffield; support development of students in transition to UKHE to enable them to achieve the required academic conditions for progression; enable students to progress with the appropriate level of knowledge and understanding, academic and language skills, confident and empowered to succeed on their degree programme; engender in students an awareness of their potential to contribute to the international academic community of the University. 1
Pathways There is a choice of four pathways: Physics & Physical Engineering: Leading to degrees in the Departments and Schools of Aerospace, Automatic Control & Systems Engineering, Bioengineering, Civil & Structural Engineering, Computer Science, Electronic & Electrical Engineering, Mathematics & Statistics, Materials Science & Engineering, Mechanical Engineering and Physics & Astronomy. Chemistry & Chemical Engineering: Leading to degrees in the Departments and Schools of Bioengineering, Chemistry and Chemical & Biological Engineering. Bioengineering: Leading to degrees in the department of Bioengineering. Biological & Life Sciences: Leading to degrees in the Departments and Schools of Animal Plant Science, Biomedical Science, Molecular Biology & Biotech, Nursing & Midwifery, Psychology, Archaeology (BSc only), Geography (BSc/MEnv only), Human Communication (BSc Speech & Language Sciences), Bioengineering. Programme structure Modules common to all pathways: English Skills for University Study 1, 2 and 3 (ESUS) (ALS) Science and Engineering Personal Development Programme (PDP) Pathway Term 1 Term 2 Term 3 Core modules (all ESUS 1 ESUS 2 ESUS 3 routes) Personal Development Programme Pure Maths Physics & Physical Physics 1 Physics 2 Engineering Applied Maths Chemistry & Chemical Chemistry 1 Chemistry 2 Engineering Bioengineering Biology 1 Biological & Life Sciences Chemistry 1 Foundation Biology 1 Maths Applied Maths Biology 2 Applied Maths Chemistry 2 Biology 2 2
Module descriptors Core modules English Skills for University Study 1, 2 and 3 (ESUS) The ESUS modules provide a thorough training in the language skills and communication patterns to enable international students to best achieve their academic potential w h i l e a t t h e I n t e r n a t i o n a l C o l l e g e and on progression to a degree programme at the University. They support students to meet the minimum requirements of the Home Office for study in the UK and the language entry thresholds for all international students entering the University. Academic language skills are divided into 5 areas: academic writing; reading for higher education study; listening in the higher education environment; speaking in presentations and seminars; and university study skills. (ALS) Students are taught the specific academic skills needed to succeed on a science and engineering foundation programme that requires good reading skills, consolidation of learning through effective note-taking and making as preparation for examinations and strong practical skills in the laboratory, specifically, maintaining a log book and writing a laboratory report. Throughout the module, students will be supported to enhance their understanding and use of scientific vocabulary to support knowledge acquisition in concurrent and subsequent scientific and mathematical modules. Science and Engineering Personal Development Programme (PDP) Personal Development Portfolios are the norm for many professions in science and engineering and with the guidance and support of a personal Academic Adviser, this module enables students to become reflective, independent learners, able to identify their strengths and areas for improvement and to take action to ameliorate these. Students will monitor their own development and achievements, overseen by their Academic Adviser, so that they take responsibility for their learning and their achievements. Pathway-specific modules Biology 1 This module is designed for students progressing to degrees that require underpinning knowledge of biology. Students are introduced to the basic molecular building blocks of life; the structure in relation to the function of living cells; the flow of information through the cell; and the basic principles of metabolism. The module includes both classroom and laboratory based learning. Biology 2 This module aims to provide students with a basic understanding of the physiology of the major organ systems of the human body. Students will understand how the body is regulated to maintain a healthy internal environment. Students will also explore diseases where these systems are disrupted. The module is delivered through classroom and laboratory based learning. Chemistry 1 This is an introductory module for students proceeding with a degree course in chemistry, engineering or biological sciences. Topics covered in the module include: atomic structure, chemical bonds, the periodic table, the concept of the mole, acids and bases, and redox reactions. 3
Chemistry 2 The aim of this module is to provide foundation knowledge for students progressing to a degree course in the areas of engineering, chemical or biological sciences. Students will acquire an understanding of how chemical reactions work and the main factors affecting them, with particular reference to both the kinetics and the equilibrium of the chemical reaction. Students will learn to identify important organic molecules and describe their behaviour, including the molecular mechanism of simple reactions. Further, students will acquire an understating of the nature of electrochemistry, including both electrolysis and simple electrochemical cells. Physics 1 This is an introductory module for students proceeding with a degree course in physics, engineering or science. It develops an understanding of thermal physics and the kinetic theory of gases, elasticity, wave phenomena, nuclear physics, and atomic physics. Physics 2 This is an introductory module for students proceeding with a degree course in physics, engineering or science. It develops an understanding of current electricity, capacitors and physics of gravitational, electric and magnetic fields. Pure Mathematics This module aims to support students to revise and consolidate topics previously studied as well as to further develop their knowledge of pure mathematics. Areas covered include a range of basic algebraic principles and methods, the exponential and logarithmic functions, coordinate geometry, introductions to differential and integral calculus and topics in trigonometry. The module then extends the work in algebra, differential and integral calculus and trigonometry and introduces the student to sequences and series, differential equations, numerical methods, complex numbers and vectors. Studied as a double module across the length of the programme, the student will acquire a solid background in pure mathematics to enable successful transition to undergraduate studies in the fields of engineering, physics, computer science and economics. Applied Mathematics In this module students will study a range of topics to build their understanding of mathematical notation, terminology, conventions and units in the medium of English. They will interpret verbal, graphical and tabular information in mathematical terms. Throughout the module students will be encouraged to consider how mathematical models can be used to investigate physical events and the effects of the assumptions made. Students will acquire a solid background in mechanics so that they are able to apply and analyse tools, principles, and concepts to support their successful transition to undergraduate studies in science and engineering. Foundation Mathematics This module aims to support students to revise, consolidate and further develop their knowledge of foundation mathematics. The student will acquire a solid background in mathematical notation, terminology and conventions in the medium of English. Students will be supported to apply the tools and concepts they learn to new contexts and situations to reinforce and deepen learning. Enabling students to develop coherent mathematical responses to specific subject themed questions will support their successful transition to undergraduate studies in the fields of Chemistry and Biological Sciences. 4