Biological Sciences with Foundation

Program Overview

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Course Details

Start Dates

• September 2025

Degree Type

• BSc

Course Length

• 1 year foundation, plus full undergraduate degree

Location

• Durham City

UCAS Code

• C104

Course Structure

Year 1 Modules

Core Modules:

• Concepts, Methods and Theories in Biological Science
• Concepts, Methods and Theories in Organic Chemistry
• Concepts, Methods and Theories in Data Science
• Scholarship in Higher Education (Core)
• Advanced Scholarship in Higher Education for Science and Economics
• Mathematics 2

Learning

This programme provides high-quality teaching and learning in a supportive and productive environment which encourages self-awareness, reflective practice, and cross-discipline awareness. The course is delivered through a mixture of lectures, tutorials/workshops, and practical classes.

Typically, lectures provide key information on a particular area, and this is consolidated through tutorials and/or workshops and practical classes where appropriate, particularly for laboratory skills. The course provides up to 16 contact hours per week, but further consolidation takes place through independent study and/or voluntary workshops provided outside the course’s formal contact hours. Emphasis is placed on developing confidence and classes are generally small, to ensure individual learning needs can be met.

Students who require additional writing and academic support are normally provided with additional contact time and opportunities to take part in small group and individual tutorials.

Assessment

Towards the end of the year, greater emphasis is placed on independent study, not just in preparation for classes and reading around the subjects, but also with students completing an individual project related to their progression route.

Throughout the course, all students also have access to an academic adviser who will provide them with academic support and guidance. Students will normally meet weekly with their adviser. However, in addition, academic advisers and teaching staff are normally available to meet with students by appointment.

Entry Requirements

GCSE Requirement

• Specific Eligibility Criteria:
  • Recommended Criteria for Mature Applicants (over 21 years): Applicants over 21 are likely to have achieved GCSE grade 5 or higher in Maths and a Science subject, GCSE grade 4 in English Language or be able to clearly demonstrate their potential in these subjects.
  • Essential Criteria for younger applicants (under 21 years): Applicants under 21 must have achieved a GCSE grade 5 or higher in Maths and a Science subject (which must include a Biology component) and GCSE grade 4 in English Language.
  • Recommended Criteria for all applicants: Successful applicants for this route are likely to have achieved a GCSE grade 4 or higher in Chemistry, or be able to clearly demonstrate their potential in this subject.

General Eligibility and Academic Criteria

• All applicants need to meet criteria to be considered: Foundation Programme: Student Eligibility for study.
• Please be aware that Foundation Programme places are in high demand (we usually receive 10 applications for each place we can offer) and all eligible on-time applications are considered in open competition to identify those judged to have the greatest potential to give and receive benefit from a Durham University degree course.
• Applicants are normally required to provide evidence in support of their applications and to participate in mandatory pre-offer assessment activities as part of the application process; these usually take place between October and March.

Application Deadlines

• UCAS Deadline for Equal Consideration – 29th January 2025 (18:00 UK time).

Alternative Qualifications

• Other UK qualifications
• EU qualifications
• International qualifications

Fees and Funding

Tuition Fees

• Home students: £9,535 per year
• Island students: £9,535 per year

Scholarships and Bursaries

We are committed to supporting the best students irrespective of financial circumstances and are delighted to offer a range of funding opportunities.

Career Opportunities

Foundation

We have impressive graduate prospects, and strongly emphasise employability and career development. Many Durham graduates secure positions in top companies across various industries, reflecting our strong reputation among employers. Additionally, Durham’s global alumni network offers valuable connections and opportunities for recent graduates.

Of those students who graduated in:

• 87% in work or further study.
• Of those in employment:
  • 92% in high and medium skilled employment
  • £30,000 is the average salary.

Department Information

Foundation

Our Foundation Programme has been delivering high-quality academic preparation for undergraduate study since 1992.

Our staff, from the Durham Centre for Academic Development (DCAD), are experts in teaching foundation level courses and are engaged in a wide range of scholarship activities, adding to the body of knowledge within their respective discipline areas and in the field of learning and teaching.

In your Foundation Year (Year 0), you will study modules that add up to 120 ‘credits’, learning both core general academic skills and subject-specific content that will enable you to enter and thrive in Year 1 of your degree subject. Our courses are fully integrated elements of Durham University degree programmes and students are full members of the University, which means you become a member of a college and enjoy full access to the extensive extracurricular opportunities at the University from day one. If you successfully reach the progression standard by the end of your Year 0 you will automatically gain entry to Year 1 of your registered degree course without the need for a further UCAS application.

We are committed to making our degrees accessible and inclusive. Our programme is designed to support UK students (including those with Settled Status in the UK) from some under-represented groups in Higher Education to access and succeed in studying an undergraduate degree at our University. If you are a talented individual, who has not been able to achieve your academic potential and is therefore unable to meet the standard direct entry offer, and you meet our entry criteria, we welcome an application from you.

Rankings

• 90% of Durham courses are in the UK Top 10 in The Complete University Guide 2025.
• 65th in the world for employer reputation in the QS World University Rankings 2025.

Facilities

Durham University’s departments and services are spread across the historic city. As a Foundation student, you will have access to a wide range of facilities across the University.

Program Outline

This one-year program aims to equip students with the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in Biological Sciences at the undergraduate level.

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Objectives:

• Develop essential skills for successful university study, including epistemological maturity, metacognitive skills, and independent learning.
• Provide a strong foundation in biological sciences, including essential knowledge in biomolecules, evolution, and data analysis.

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Outline

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Program Content:

• Concepts, Methods, and Theories in Biological Science
• Concepts, Methods, and Theories in Organic Chemistry
• Concepts, Methods, and Theories in Data Science
• Scholarship in Higher Education for Core
• Advanced Scholarship in Higher Education for Science and Economics
• Mathematics 2

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Structure:

• 1 year of intensive foundation study
• 120 academic credits divided into modules
• 20 hours of taught content and 10 hours of tutorial/seminar support for every 15 credits
• Additional 100 hours of self-directed study expected for every 15 credits

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Course Schedule:

• Up to 16 contact hours per week
• Classes include lectures, tutorials, workshops, and practical sessions
• Independent study time for reading, assignments, and project work

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Individual Modules:

• Concepts, Methods, and Theories in Biological Science: Introduces fundamental concepts in biology, covering topics like cell structure, genetics, and evolution.
• Concepts, Methods, and Theories in Organic Chemistry: Provides a foundation in organic chemistry, focusing on the structure, properties, and reactions of organic molecules.
• Concepts, Methods, and Theories in Data Science: Equips students with essential data analysis skills, including statistical methods and data visualization.
• Scholarship in Higher Education for Core: Develops key academic skills for successful university study, including critical thinking, writing, and research methods.
• Advanced Scholarship in Higher Education for Science and Economics: Builds on core academic skills, focusing on specific requirements for studying science and economics at the university level.
• Mathematics 2: Provides a grounding in mathematical concepts and techniques relevant to the study of biological sciences.

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Assessment

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Assessment Methods:

• A combination of coursework assignments, examinations, and practical assessments.
• Each module will have its own specific assessment methods, as outlined in the module descriptions.

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Assessment Criteria:

• Assessments will be graded based on a range of criteria, including knowledge and understanding of the subject matter, critical thinking skills, analytical ability, and effective communication.

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Teaching

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Teaching Methods:

• A blend of lectures, tutorials, workshops, and practical sessions.
• Practical sessions allow students to develop hands-on skills and experience in a laboratory setting.

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Faculty:

• The program is taught by a dedicated team of academic tutors from Durham's Centre for Academic Development (DCAD), with expertise in biological sciences and related fields.

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Unique Approaches:

• The program emphasizes developing metacognitive skills and independent learning, enabling students to become self-directed and adaptable learners.

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Careers

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Career Opportunities:

• Completion of the program prepares students for a wide range of careers in biological sciences, including research, education, healthcare, and environmental management.
• Graduates may pursue further study at the postgraduate level or enter the workforce in various scientific fields.

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Career Outcomes:

• The program aims to equip students with the necessary skills and knowledge to compete successfully for graduate programs and entry-level positions in biological sciences.
• The program provides a solid foundation for a rewarding and impactful career in this dynamic and growing field.

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Other

• The program is designed specifically for students from under-represented groups in higher education.
• Students who successfully complete the program are guaranteed progression to the first year of the Biological Sciences (C103) degree program at Durham University.
• The program offers a supportive and inclusive environment that encourages student success and personal development.

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The tuition fees for 2025/26 academic year have not yet been finalised, they will be displayed here once approved. The tuition fees shown for home students are for one complete academic year of full time study and are set according to the academic year of entry. Fees for subsequent years of your course may rise in line with an inflationary uplift as determined by the government. The tuition fees shown for overseas and EU students are for one complete academic year of full time study, are set according to the academic year of entry, and remain the same throughout the duration of the programme for that cohort (unless otherwise stated).