Program Overview

International Foundation Year in Engineering, Computing and Life Sciences
The programme includes academic modules, study skills and English language training, providing complete preparation for undergraduate degree  in Engineering.

On the International Foundation Year in Engineering, you will:

• Gain understanding of mechanics and mathematics relevant to your undergraduate study
• Develop your knowledge of physics and learn about atomic physics, materials, heat and gases and oscillations and waves
• If you choose Life Science, you will focus on biology and chemistry, developing their knowledge in key areas such as cell biology, physiological processes in animals and plants, inorganic and organic chemistry, and an overview of contemporary science.

What will you study?
Throughout the two-semester programme, you will study core modules that will improve your subject knowledge and English level.

Core modules

• Academic English Skills
• Project study
• Applied Maths
• Biology
• Chemistry
• Coding for Computing
• Introduction to Engineering Mathematics
• Maths for Science
• Physics
• Pure Maths

Upon successful completion of the International Foundation Year, and achieving the required grades, you will join the first year of your undergraduate degree at Liverpool John Moores University.

Leading to: Biology BSc (Hons)

The professionally-accredited BSc (Hons) Biology programme at Liverpool John Moores University opens up the fascinating subject of biology providing a core understanding of biological theory and practical skills, whilst giving you the opportunity to study a variety of specialisms, including genetics, microbiology, neurobiology, development and ecology. There are also exciting opportunities to complete exciting placements and overseas fieldwork.

At LJMU we recognise that, because of the vast array of subject areas within the field of biology, you may want to get a feel for which ones interest you most before specialising, which is why we keep the degree broad based in the first year. In the first year, you will typically cover core modules in Genetics and Evolution, Microbiology, Physiology, Ecology, Practical Skills for Biology and Fundamentals of Scientific Research.

In the second and third years, you can either continue to keep your degree broad based, or you can specialise by choosing optional modules from a wide range topics, which may include Genes and Genomes, Immunology and Medical Microbiology, Developmental Biology, Ecology Field Skills, Marine and Freshwater Biology and Applications of Genetics in Health and Disease.

There is a core residential UK field trip in Level 4* and students can also take part in an advanced field skills expedition during Level 6 – the possible destination is the Doñana National Park, Spain, where you can learn ecological and behavioural field work skills. Additionally, you have the chance to undertake a short 135 hour work-based learning placement or a year-long industrial placement. So, you will have plenty of opportunities to put what you have learnt into practice and acquire the transferable skills that employers look for.