You will have access to purpose-built facilities specifically equipped for work within your chosen field. The Lapworth Museum of Geology is recognised as one of the finest geological museums in the UK.

Graduates are equipped with a range of transferable skills, which can lead to exciting and varied career opportunities ranging from ecology through to cancer research and forensic psychology. We have strong links with major employers and in recent years graduates have gone on to work for GlaxoSmithKline and the British Heart Foundation, amongst others.

Geosciences

This module will examine the interplay between geology and environments through time to show how they have shaped the world in which we live. You will study a broad range of topics that illustrate the interplay between geological processes such as volcanism, plate tectonics, sedimentation and the environment, including the co-evolution of life and planet Earth.

Biology

This module aims to develop your knowledge and skills in the areas of evolution, genetics, organismal and environmental biology. The focus of the module is on animal, plant and microbial biology but, where necessary, it draws comparisons and makes reference to human biology.

Human Biology

This module will examine the biological mechanisms that underpin the workings of the human body and mind. You will study a broad range of topics, from fundamental cell biology and biochemistry to the function and regulation of tissues and the biological bases of behaviour.

Advanced Study Skills in the Biological Sciences

This module will build upon the initial English and Study Skills for Academic Purposes module to introduce you to the specialist study skills specific to the biological sciences. The focus of this module will be data analysis, interpretation, critical thinking and presentation skills (verbal and written in various formats). Much of your learning will be via student-selected topics that allow you to explore your own interests within the broad field of biology, working in groups and individually.

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.

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 (eg, elemental reactivity and property trends) and molecular shapes (eg, VSEPR theory). 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 pre-requisite 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 (IR spectroscopy, mass spectrometry and 1H NMR and 13C NMR spectroscopy).

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. The module also includes coverage of acids and bases, solubility and electrochemistry. You will also practise some mathematical techniques (eg, differentiation and integration) within a chemical context.

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.