Program Overview

Certificate in Foundation Studies in Science (Chemistry)

The Certificate in Foundation Studies in Science (Chemistry) is designed to provide students with the knowledge, personal and inter-personal skills, and organisational framework necessary for future undergraduate studies. The primary aim of the course is to equip students with the knowledge base, transferable skills, linguistic skills, and general competence required to progress successfully onto the University of Malta's undergraduate courses in Chemistry and Medical Biochemistry.

Course Overview

The course offers specific training and support in Chemistry, Biology, Mathematics, and English areas where students may require further assistance. Teaching is provided in the subject areas of chemistry, biology, mathematics, as well as Academic and Technical English. Regular tutorial sessions are also expected for each subject, where students will receive training in applying their knowledge base and practicing their language and communication skills.

Course Structure

The course is full-time, lasting one year, and consists of 62 ECTS credits. It is divided into two semesters, with compulsory units in both semesters.

Semester 1 Compulsory Units

• FST0121: Technical and Academic English Writing (5 ECTS)
• FST0122: Technical and Academic English Reading (5 ECTS)
• FST0511: Research and Reasoning (2 ECTS)
• IFS0125: Technical and Academic English Listening (5 ECTS)
• IFS0126: English Grammar and Logic (5 ECTS)
• IFS0705: Principles of Physical Chemistry (4 ECTS)
• IFS0706: Principles of Inorganic Chemistry (4 ECTS)
• IFS0707: Principles of Experimental Chemistry (4 ECTS)
• FST0606: Human Biology 1 (6 ECTS)
• IFS0301: General Mathematics 1 (5 ECTS)
• IFS0609: Introduction to Cell Biology (2 ECTS)
• IFS0703: Introduction to Clinical Biochemistry 1 (6 ECTS)

Semester 2 Compulsory Units

• IFS0302: General Mathematics 2 (5 ECTS)
• IFS0708: Principles of Organic Chemistry (4 ECTS)

Admission Criteria

The course is open to all applicants who:

1. Present a secondary and/or high school certificate issued abroad and studied within an educational system not comparable to the Maltese educational system.
2. Satisfy the University English language requirement.
3. Are in possession of qualifications allowing access to an undergraduate course in the selected discipline in the country where such qualifications originate but are deemed to require further study to be admitted to undergraduate degree courses at the University of Malta.

Applicants may be required to pass an interview and/or a written test at the discretion of the Board.

Tuition Fees

For non-EU applicants, the total tuition fees are Eur 6,600.

Career Opportunities

Upon completion of the Certificate in Foundation Studies in Science (Chemistry), students will be eligible to enroll in any of the following courses at the University of Malta:

• B.Sc. (Hons) in Chemistry (3-year degree)
• B.Sc. (Hons) in Chemistry with Materials (3-year degree)
• B.Sc. (Hons) in Medical Biochemistry (3-year degree)

Program Outcomes

The course aims to provide students with:

• A sound scientific knowledge of chemistry
• The reading, writing, listening, and critical thinking skills necessary to function effectively as a science student
• Training to apply scientific reasoning and analytical skills
• Grounding in the use of grammar and logic to precisely understand questions in English and differentiate between similar statements and ideas
• An understanding of how to apply formal logic to scientific problems
• Opportunities to think and reason more effectively in the abstract

This program of study is governed by the Certificate in Foundation Studies Course Regulations, 2014, under the auspices of the International School for Foundation Studies.