2013/14 Undergraduate Programme Catalogue

BSc Interdisciplinary Science

Total credits: 120

Entry requirements:

All applications are carefully considered on an individual basis.

Evidence is sought regarding:
- Academic experience and potential to succeed
- Interest and ability in Maths and Science study
- Levels of motivation and commitment
- Future goals and aspirations
- Ability to cope with the pace of the course.

Our typical offer is CDD at A level or 200 UCAS tariff points and a good GCSE profile is expected including Maths, English and Science at grade C or above.

Applicants returning to study with substantial experience outside of full-time education are usually interviewed and may be required to pass other forms of assessment if they do not have GCSE or level 3 qualifications.

Priority is given to applicants who live permanently in the UK and who meet at least two of the following:
-your permanent address is in a neighbourhood with low progression to higher education
-you attended a school which achieved less than the national average of 5 A*-C passes at GCSE
-you grew up in public care
-the residual income of your household is less than £25k
-you will be the first member of your immediate family (excluding older brothers or sisters or your own children) to achieve a degree
-your studies have been adversely affected by circumstances in your personal, social or domestic life.

School/Unit responsible for the parenting of students and programme:

Lifelong Learning Centre

Examination board through which the programme will be considered:

Lifelong Learning Centre

Relevant QAA Subject Benchmark Groups:

None - level zero

Programme specification:

The BSc Interdisciplinary Sciences is a four year extended degree. It is designed for applicants who do not currently meet admissions criteria for direct entry to a degree and who can benefit from a programme that begins with a foundation year which provides intensive, well structured support to enable development of scientific skills and knowledge. The programme is part of the University’s commitment to widening participation and priority is given to applicants whose earlier learning has been diminished by adverse circumstances or limited opportunities and support.

The foundation year of the programme is delivered by the University's Lifelong Learning Centre (LLC). Students progress from the foundation year to a range of degree programmes in science, engineering, computing and healthcare. Staff work closely with students during the foundation year to help them to identify the degree choices that are most appropriate for them and to monitor their progress towards achieving their goals.

During the foundation year, students receive an intensive introduction to the academic skills that are necessary for success as science undergraduates at the University of Leeds. Core modules in chemistry and mathematics are taken concurrently with either biology or physics to develop a knowledge and understanding of facts, concepts and principles within and across each of the scientific disciplines. Students also gain skills for scientific inquiry in practical, laboratory and field work. The importance of helping students to prepare for employment or career enhancement following graduation is recognised from the very beginning of the programme and staff will help students to make the most of opportunities for professional development during their course.

There is a strong emphasis during the foundation year of the programme on helping participants to achieve to their full potential and develop as independent, self-directed learners. Teaching is imaginative and supportive to make sure that students are intellectually stretched and helped through any sticking points in their learning. Group sizes are smaller than typical first year science modules, allowing foundation year students to engage actively and develop team-working skills with their peers. Methods of assessment during the foundation year reflect those that students will find later in their degree in order to ensure that learners are well prepared for their continuing study. The LLC regards assessment as a key way of enabling students to learn by doing and makes sure that feedback from tutors supports this process.

Members of the LLC staff team are dedicated to helping students with all aspects of their progress and there will be regular one-to-one meetings with each individual to help learners to plan for and achieve their goals. For subsequent years of the programme, this individual support is provided by the School in which the student is taking their degree but the LLC continues to be available right up to graduation.

Year1 - View timetable

[Learning Outcomes, Transferable (Key) Skills, Assessment, Learning Context]

Compulsory modules:

Optional modules:

Candidates will be required to study 15 Credits from the following optional modules:
The choice of module should be made in discussion with your programme leaders and will depend upon your intended progression choice.

Candidates will be required to study 15 Credits from the following optional modules:
The choice of module should be made in discussion with your programme leaders and will depend upon your intended progression choice.

Candidates will be required to study 20 Credits from the following optional modules:
The choice of module should be made in discussion with your programme leaders and will depend upon your intended progression choice.

Candidates will be required to study 20 Credits from the following optional modules:
The choice of module should be made in discussion with your programme leaders and will depend upon your intended progression choice.

Candidates will be required to study 20 Credits from the following optional modules:
The choice of module should be made in discussion with your programme leaders and will depend upon your intended progression choice.

Last updated: 08/04/2013

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