The College plays a significant role in training the next generation of world-class engineers and scientists to solve our future challenges.

We have strong links with major UK employers such as Rolls-Royce and Airbus, and our staff and students are at the forefront of research into a wide variety of areas, from working with particle physicists at the Large Hadron Collider in Switzerland to using nanotechnology to develop microengines.

Introductory Mathematics

This module is aimed at developing your confidence and knowledge in basic mathematical techniques and skills. Topics you will study include: indices and logarithms; basic algebra; elementary geometry; trigonometry functions; vectors; and an introduction to differentiation and integration.

Properties of Matter

In this module you will be introduced to some of the basic structures of matter and how these structures affect material properties and their behaviour and uses in science and engineering. Topics you will study include: elements, compounds, mixtures; chemical and physical changes; basics of bonding; crystalline and amorphous solids; metals, ceramics and polymers; and physical properties such as thermal conductivity, electrical resistivity, magnetism and radioactivity.

Mechanics and Waves

The aim of this module is to develop a basic understanding of the principles of mechanics and the fundamental concepts of wave motion. The topics you will study include: laws of statics, kinematics and dynamics; properties of materials in tension and compression; gravitational fields; simple harmonic motion; wave equations; reflection and refraction; and diffraction and 
interference.

Further Mathematics

This module builds on the knowledge and skills developed in the Introductory Mathematics module (Term 1). It will cover topics associated with functions, further calculus and numerical methods.

Foundation Electronic and Electrical Engineering

This module aims to develop basic knowledge and skills relevant to electronics and magnetism. Topics you will study include: electric current and charge, resistors, capacitors, inductors, electric and magnetic fields, simple electronic circuits, and magnetic properties and behaviour of materials.

Introductory Chemistry

This module aims to develop a number of fundamental concepts associated with the discipline of Chemistry. Topics you will study include: electron configurations; basic ionic, covalent and co-ordinate bonding; relative formula mass and composition; stoichiometry (and balancing equations); moles, concentrations and Avogadro’s number; and reacting quantities calculations.

The Periodic Table

This module covers important concepts such as periodicity and molecular shapes. It also expands and develops the basic bonding theories presented in the pre-requisite module (Introductory Chemistry) in more detail.

Introductory Organic Chemistry

This module aims to develop knowledge and skills in basic organic chemistry. Topics you will study include: nomenclature, isomerism, arrow-pushing mechanisms, reactivity of sp, sp2 and sp3 carbon centres, and basic organic reaction schemes.

Organic Spectroscopy

This module is linked to the module Introductory Organic Chemistry. It aims to develop further some of the concepts presented in the introductory module, such as isomerism and arrow-pushing schemes. It also covers structure determination using spectroscopic techniques.

Physical Chemistry

This module aims to develop your knowledge and skills in the broad area of physical chemistry. Topics you will study include: gas laws, thermodynamics, chemical equilibrium and kinetics. It also includes coverage of acids and bases, solubility and electrochemistry. You will also practise some mathematical techniques within a chemical context.

Practical Chemistry (Laboratory)

This laboratory-based module is designed to provide you with experience of practical chemistry. The module seeks to develop your fundamental practical skills, as well as skills associated with maintaining a lab diary, report writing and interpretation of data. It also provides you with training in aspects of health and safety.

Introductory Computer Science

The module introduces issues relating to the representation, storage, exchange and manipulation of information. The module will introduce theoretical and practical aspects of computing. Students will be provided with an understanding of core features of computer science and develop a solid understanding of programming and its limitations.

The Birmingham Foundation Academy Package

The cost of the Birmingham Foundation Academy Package for 2012–2013 is £20,300.

This includes:

• One years tuition fees: £12,500
• Fully catered, ensuite, single accommodation, for one year: £7,000
• Books and all classroom equipment: £800

Please note: this is an all-inclusive package.

International students:

Apply through the Birmingham Foundation Academy application process

Studying at degree-level is likely to be very different from your previous experience of learning and teaching.  You will be expected to think, discuss and engage critically with the subject and find things out for yourself.  We will enable you to make this transition to a new style of learning, and the way that you are assessed during your studies will help you develop the essential skills you need to make a success of your time at Birmingham. 

You’ll be assessed in a variety of ways, and these may be different with each module that you take.  You will be assessed through coursework which may take the form of essays, group and individual presentations,  laboratory-based work (depending on your chosen degree) and formal exams.

During your first year you will undergo a formal ‘transition’ review to see how you are getting on and if there are particular areas where you need support.  This is in addition to the personal tutor who is based in your school or department and can help with any academic issues you encounter.

At the beginning of each module, you’ll be given information on how and when you’ll be assessed for that particular programme of study.  You’ll receive feedback on each assessment within four weeks, so that you can learn from and build on what you have done.  You’ll be given feedback on any exams that you take; if you should fail an exam we will ensure that particularly detailed feedback is made available to enable you to learn for the future.