Program Overview

University Foundation in Life and Medical Sciences  Stage1 at Hertfordshire International College (HIC) is designed to prepare you for entry to university-level program. During Stage 1 you will complete a range of modules relevant to your chosen degree, as well as modules concentrating on the skills that are vital for University level education such as Critical Thinking.

A Foundation pathway is available for students who:

• Don’t meet the entry requirements to enter university level study directly (but hold GCSE level qualifications)
• Feel that additional support at the start of university studies will help them stand a better chance of success
• Have been away from studies for a period of time
• Come from a different academic environment to that of the UK
• Require additional English language training

If you fall into any of the above categories, choosing an undergraduate pathway at Hertfordshire International College (HIC) is the right decision. Depending on your academic needs here at Hertfordshire International College (HIC).

Progressing from Foundation

Stage 1 will be the first stage in the 4 stage process. Meaning that on successful completion of stage 1 you will seamlessly progress to stage 2, which is the first year of a bachelor’s degree. There is no need to reapply, you will simply just progress between each stage until you reach the final stage and graduate with a degree from Hertfordshire International College (HIC).

BSc (Hons) Biological Sciences

• Interested in the biological phenomena of life? Intrigued by the functions of microorganisms, plants, human beings, and other animals? If your answer is ‘yes’, then we need you in the world of Biological Science. Gain the technical, analytical and practical skills for examining   molecular and cellular processes present in all living organisms. You’ll learn biochemical, blood and microbial analyses in our modern £30m science building. You’ll also have exclusive access to IT rooms for bioinformatics. You’ll even have the chance to experience our broad, flexible range of optional modules before committing to the Biological Science pathway.
• You will explore many new areas in this degree. Rest assured, we are with you all the way. You will have the time of a personal tutor, who will support you in gaining subject-specific skills in scientific writing, data interpretation, and communication. Take advantage of peer support too in group workshops. Share your breakthroughs and discuss patient case studies. This program is the stepping-stone into a wide range of scientific careers with plenty of transferable skills to enter broader fields like teaching or business.

What's the course about?

• We are proud of our TEF Gold rating, which recognises our excellent teaching and support. You have 20 hours of contact time with lectures and workshops taking up about 6-10 hours per week.
• In your first year, you will gain a solid foundation in topics areas such as physiology, biochemistry, genetics, and cell biology in lectures, seminars, and tutorials. You will use your theory to build on your practical skills in a well-equipped, modern laboratory.
• In your second year you will start to specialise. You will choose from a range of modules from across our Biosciences courses so you can shape your leaning journey.
• Work placement/study abroad option: Between your second and final year, you’ll have the option to study abroad or do a work placement for up to a year. Not only will this give you an amazing experience to talk about but will also give your CV a boost. If you’d rather go straight to your final year, that’s absolutely fine too.
• In your final year you will find that you have grown to love certain topics that you just need to delve deeper into. You can select from all modules, whether this be disease, blood or medicine, and focus your major project or dissertation in this area.
• Throughout your degree, you will be assessed in a variety of ways. This will include exams, literature reviews, portfolios, lab reports, practical and presentations. Coursework assessments are generally 50-100% per module. You will also take part in a 15 -credit work experience, complete with a final portfolio.