2017/18 Undergraduate Programme Catalogue

BSc Earth and Environmental Sciences with Foundation Year

Total credits:

Entry requirements:

GCSE grades A*/7 - C/4 English or equivalent

GCSE grades A*/7 - C/4 Maths or equivalent


GCSE grades A*/7 - C/4 Science or equivalent

AND

3 A Levels grade CDD or equivalent excluding Critical Thinking and General Studies

AND

Applicants must live permanently in the UK and meet at least one of the following:

- permanent address is in a neighbourhood with low progression to higher education
- attended a school which achieved less than the national average of 5 A*/7 - C/4 passes at GCSE
- grew up in public care

We actively encourage applications from mature students. Further consideration will be given to the life experience of mature applicants and the circumstances in which they gained prior qualifications.

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

Lifelong Learning Centre

Examination board through which the programme will be considered:

Foundation programmes Examination Board within the Lifelong Learning Centre

Relevant QAA Subject Benchmark Groups:

The programme does not extend beyond level 0. Students are equipped to progress to a range of degree programmes which are referenced to subject benchmarks.

Programme specification:

The BSc Earth and Environmental 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 the earth sciences or geography. 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 an undergraduate in earth sciences at the University of Leeds. Core modules develop knowledge and understanding of facts, concepts and principles in the areas of physics, chemistry and earth and environmental sciences. Students also develop their knowledge and understanding of the mathematics that underpins these disciplines and 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. 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 small enough for individuals to engage actively and be well supported by 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]

Compulsory modules:

Last updated: 26/04/2017

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