Physics with Foundation Year BSc draft

Program Overview

The BSc Physics with Foundation Year program is a 4-year integrated degree from the University of Exeter. The program provides a structured and supportive environment to prepare students for the Physics undergraduate degree. Students will specialize in Physics during the second term of the Foundation year and progress to Year 1 of the BSc Physics program upon successfully completing the Foundation year.

Program Outline

It covers the core mathematics required to successfully complete the Physics degree program at Exeter.

• Description: This is a 4-year integrated degree program, consisting of a 1-year Foundation year followed by a 3-year undergraduate degree program.
The program provides a structured and supportive environment to prepare students for the Physics undergraduate degree.
• Progression: Students who successfully complete the Foundation year with the required progression criteria will progress to Year 1 of the BSc Physics program.
• Transfer Options: Depending on qualifications gained during the Foundation year, students may be able to transfer to other undergraduate programs in Mathematics, Natural Sciences, or Engineering that have a foundation year, provided they meet the entry requirements.
• International Students: International students seeking a foundation course should visit the INTO page.

Outline:

• Structure: The program is divided into a Foundation year and a 3-year undergraduate degree program.
• Foundation Year:
• Content:
The Foundation year focuses on core mathematics, aiming to elevate students' knowledge to A-level grade A standard. It also includes aspects of further mathematics, concentrating on developing core mathematical skills.
• Modules:
• Compulsory Modules:
• MTH0001 Principles of Pure Mathematics (30 credits)
• MTH0003 Exploring Mathematics (15 credits)
• MTH0004 Foundation Statistics (15 credits)
• MTH0005 Science: Skills and Culture (30 credits)
• MTH0006 Applied Mathematics (15 credits)
• MTH0007 Programming Skills (15 credits)
• Pathways:
Students can specialize in their chosen course during the second term of the Foundation year. The available pathways include:
• Engineering with Foundation Year BEng
• Civil Engineering with Foundation Year BEng
• Electronic Engineering with Foundation Year BEng
• Mechanical Engineering with Foundation Year BEng
• Mathematics with Foundation Year BSc
• Natural Sciences with Foundation Year BSc
• Physics with Foundation Year BSc
• Computer Science with Foundation Year BSc
• Data Science with Foundation Year BSc

Assessment:

• Foundation Year: Modules are assessed through a combination of summative assessments.
Students must pass the Foundation year and meet the progression criteria to progress to Year 1 of the BSc in Physics with a foundation year. However, the results do not count towards the degree classification.

Teaching:

• Foundation Year: The Foundation year utilizes a range of teaching and learning activities, including lectures, workshops, tutorials, group projects/presentations, and seminars.
• Faculty: The program benefits from teaching by academic staff comprising internationally-recognized experts active across a wide range of topics in the chosen degree program.
• Research: As students progress through their degree, they will hear about the latest research and have opportunities to become involved in research projects.

Careers:

• Employability Skills: Employability skills are an integral part of the physics curriculum.
The program emphasizes the development of problem-solving skills, scientific intuition, and the ability to grasp new concepts quickly.
• Potential Career Paths: The flexibility and adaptability of a well-trained physicist are appreciated by employers.
Graduates are well-suited for careers in various fields, including research, engineering, and technology.

Other:

• Accreditation: The program is currently undergoing a process to expand its accreditation to include the Foundation year.
• Widening Access: The program demonstrates the University of Exeter's commitment to widening access to STEM programs for students who may not have had the opportunity to demonstrate their true ability in A-level maths.
• Support: Students are allocated a personal tutor and have access to various support services, including lunchtime mathematics surgeries and a peer mentor scheme.
• Top Rankings: The University of Exeter is ranked highly for Physics and Astronomy, placing 9th in the Guardian University Guide 2024 and 10th in The Times and The Sunday Times Good University Guide 2024.
• Graduate Outcomes: 94% of graduates are in or due to start employment/further study 15 months after graduation (based on full-time, first degree, UK-domiciled graduates, HESA Graduate Outcomes survey 2020/21).

UK students: £9,250 per year.