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International Study Centre

International Foundation Year in Science and Engineering

International Foundation Year in Science and Engineering

Why study Science and Engineering?

The International Foundation Year in Science and Engineering is a pre-university course that will prepare you to begin a range of undergraduate degrees in the fields of science and engineering at the University of Sussex. It is specifically designed for international students, with academic and English language modules that will give you the skills you need to succeed at Sussex.

You will study a range of modules over two semesters. On successful completion of the course you can then progress to your degree programme, provided you meet all the entry conditions.  

There are four different pathway options available, which offer progression to different undergraduate degrees. You can choose from the following options:

  • Life Sciences
  • Psychology
  • Computing
  • Engineering

All pathways offer the same style of teaching you will receive at the University of Sussex, providing a straightforward transition into undergraduate study. On this programme you can choose to change your pathway and progression degree during semester one. Our staff will guide you throughout your studies to ensure you make the right academic choices for you.

Choose your own path

The University of Sussex gives students the flexibility to adapt in a changing world. On this programme you can choose to change your pathway and progression degree during semester one. Our staff will guide you throughout your studies to ensure you make the right academic choices for you.

What you’ll study

In semester one you will study an Introduction to Science and a specialist Mathematics module based on your chosen pathway. In semester two you will study four modules specific to your pathway and CareerAhead. Throughout the programme you will study the Academic English Skills module.

Semester one modules

This module will introduce you to the fundamental concepts and skills that underpin the practice of science using examples from computing, engineering, life sciences and psychology. You will learn about academic processes and build appropriate study skills including group work, IT skills, practical skills for scientific inquiry, scientific literacy and critical thinking.

In week six you will select your pathway and begin to study content relevant to your chosen pathway. The module will equip you with a solid foundation of knowledge and skills relevant to your chosen subject.

The first five weeks of this module provide a core basis in mathematics applicable across science and engineering. By developing confidence as well as knowledge, skills and techniques in algebra and statistics, the second part of this module aims to provide a solid foundation to some of the mathematics used in the study of the life sciences, psychology, computer science or engineering.

Semester two modules

In this semester you will study four modules within your chosen pathway, plus CareerAhead.

You will study four modules in your chosen pathway.

Database Design and Development (10 credits)

The aim of this module is to develop your understanding of relational databases and to develop the skills needed to apply this knowledge by designing a relational database for an appropriate problem scenario. On this module you will learn how to demonstrate an understanding of the basic principles of systems analysis and database design. You will gain the skills necessary to design and develop database solutions, and skills needed to apply this understanding to testing and documenting database solutions. This module aims to support your formative development by broadening your knowledge base and understanding of topics studied, and by allowing you to practise appropriate study skills.

Object Oriented Programming with Java (10 credits)

The objective of this module is to introduce you to object oriented programming, helping you understand the concepts of program design, implementation and testing using Java. You will broaden your knowledge base, deepening your understanding of topics studied, and practise appropriate study skills, including computer based practical skills and problem solving. You will continue to develop your independent study skills in research, self-study and group work.

Website Design and Development (10 credits)

The aim of this module is to introduce you to the Hypertext Mark-up Language (HTML) used in the creation and display of pages on the World Wide Web. You will learn about the use of CSS to separate the content of web pages from their appearance and ensure a consistent design across a website. You will also gain an understanding of the enhancement of the interactivity and responsivity of web pages using multimedia and client side scripting with JavaScript.

Computing Project (10 credits)

This module provides you with an opportunity to consolidate your learning across the entire course into a substantial synoptic software project. In this project you will bring together your learning from various modules, and undertake additional research and independent learning to solve a problem presented to you in a project brief.

Exploring Physics (10 credits)

The aim of this module is to introduce you to the following concepts and develop your ability to solve related problems:

  • the consequences of applying forces to materials
  • specific heat capacity and latent heat
  • introducing a new temperature scale and the concept of absolute zero
  • introducing the gas laws and the kinetic theory of gases
  • that energy can be in the form of quanta as well as being wavelike (quantum physics)
  • how particles which are emitted from an unstable nucleus are said to be radioactive
  • the concept of ‘missing mass’ and linking it to Einstein’s equation to explain released energy when nuclear fission occurs
Mechanics on the Go (10 credits)

The aim of this module is to introduce the following concepts when different types of forces are applied to bodies and develop your ability to solve related problems:

  • bodies which are static
  • bodies which are in motion (dynamics)
  • bodies which are moving vertically
  • two bodies which are connected together and are in motion
  • the moment of a force
  • describing the motion of a body in terms of its velocity and time
  • solving problems involving linear motion using the four equations of motion
Mechanics on the Move (10 credits)

The aim of this module is to introduce the following concepts and develop your ability to solve related problems:

  • application of moments of forces to real-world situations
  • projectile motion
  • application of the principle of the conservation of momentum when elastic and inelastic collisions occur
  • application of work, energy and power to real-world situations
  • centre of mass and the forces involved when a body rotates about a fixed point
  • a body executing simple harmonic motion
Physics at Work (10 credits)

The aim of this module is to introduce the following concepts and develop your ability to solve related problems:

  • electric current and potential difference
  • production of equations to work out total values of resistance so that DC circuit calculations can be carried out
  • application of the principle of the conservation of momentum when elastic and inelastic collisions occur
  • important circuits such as the potential divider and internal resistance
  • how a component called a capacitor stores electric charge
  • magnetism and its effects
Biochemistry and Physiology (10 credits)

In this module you will receive an introduction to biological sciences through the study of chemistry of life, energy and living organisms, selected body systems, and homeostasis. The module will introduce some of the relevant tools and techniques used in modern biology. You will develop essential knowledge and understanding of key biological facts, concepts and principles and make connections between them. You will learn to work safely and responsibly in the laboratory following good laboratory practices. You will also develop competency in scientific writing and the ability to summarise, explain and analyse scientific papers. In addition, you will learn to analyse, interpret, present and organise experimental data.

Genetics and Evolution (10 credits)

The aim of this module is to further develop your knowledge of the basic principles of biology. You will gain an understanding of inheritance, evolution and genetics. You will also practise appropriate study skills, including solving Mendelian and population genetics problems. This module will develop your independent study skills in research and effective note-taking, including practical reports on genetic engineering.

Organic and Redox Chemistry (10 credits)

This module is designed to further your knowledge of chemistry by introducing you to additional topics in inorganic and organic chemistry. You will also be given the opportunity to further develop study skills appropriate for life sciences, including problem solving, group work and using IT resources.

Physical Chemistry (10 credits)

This module is designed to further your knowledge of chemistry by introducing you to additional topics in physical chemistry. You will be given the opportunity to further develop study skills appropriate for life sciences, including problem solving, group work, using IT and effective note-taking.

Research Methods in Psychology (10 credits)

This module introduces you to psychological research design and statistical data analysis. You will develop understanding of how quantitative psychological research is conducted, analysed, interpreted and evaluated. You will also contextualise the basic statistical analyses learned in Mathematics for Psychology within psychological research. This module will provide an opportunity to apply your knowledge and research skills during a standard psychology research replication project.

Investigating Psychology (10 credits)

This module is designed to facilitate your ability to independently investigate a key question in psychology. You will develop knowledge of theory and research in key topics in biological psychology, cognitive development and social psychology. You will also develop your ability to source and evaluate psychological literature relevant to key topics in biological psychology, cognitive development and social psychology. This module will help you improve your capacity for examining and presenting clearly the conclusions that can, or cannot be drawn from your analysis of the literature.

Key Studies in Psychology (10 credits)

This module introduces historically relevant key studies and research in the major psychological disciplines including biological, cognitive, developmental and social psychology. You will be given an overview of major developments in psychological theories, their research designs and their routes in history. You will also learn about significant developments within research through comparison of key studies with more recent research literature. In this module you will develop your critical thinking through evaluation of research findings.

Psychology in the Real World (10 credits)

This module is designed to encourage you to contextualise your psychological knowledge within the real world. You will develop your understanding of how biological, cognitive, developmental and social psychological theories can be applied to real-world problems related to health, well-being, education and crime. You will learn about the role of research evidence in informing psychological theory and assessing the impact of strategies used to improve the human condition. This module will help you develop critical thinking skills through the evaluation of real-world solutions using psychological theory and research evidence.

All pathways

This module will help you develop both your academic study skills and also the critical employability skills need for university and the world of work. You will begin to think about possible future careers in the context of your chosen subject area. You will participate in skills based seminars and work towards a group project related to your target degree, with a specific focus on reflecting on your personal strengths and skills and how these can be developed to achieve your academic and career goals.

Semester one and two modules

You will study this module for the duration of your International Foundation Year.

Academic English Skills aims to provide you with thorough training in the language and related academic skills to help you achieve your academic potential at University. These skills include academic writing, effective reading strategies, participation in seminars and delivery of presentations, and listening to and recording information from lectures. You will also develop the accuracy and range of written and spoken language required to use language effectively and appropriately, with clarity and confidence in an academic context.

Your degree at Sussex

The programme can lead to a range of undergraduate degrees at the University of Sussex. The flexibility of the International Foundation Year in Science and Engineering allows you to change your chosen pathway and your final progression degree within the first six weeks of study.

This course can lead to one of the undergraduate degrees listed below (subject to meeting the grades outlined). The degrees and grades listed are valid for 2019/20 intakes only and are subject to change.

Degree Programmes Award Overall Grade English Grade
Mechanical Engineering with Robotics (with an industrial placement year) BEng 50% 60% (60% writing, 50% other skills)
Mechanical Engineering with Robotics (with an industrial placement year) MEng 50% 60% (60% writing, 50% other skills)
Astrophysics MPhys (Hons) 50% 60% (60% writing, 50% other skills)
Automotive Engineering BEng (Hons) 50% 60% (60% writing, 50% other skills)
Automotive Engineering MEng 50% 60% (60% writing, 50% other skills)
Automotive Engineering with an industrial placement year MEng 50% 60% (60% writing, 50% other skills)
Automotive Engineering with an industrial placement year BEng (Hons) 50% 60% (60% writing, 50% other skills)
Biochemistry MSci (Hons) 50% 60% (60% writing, 50% other skills)
Biochemistry BSc (Hons) 50% 60% (60% writing, 50% other skills)
Biochemistry (with an industrial placement year) BSc (Hons) 50% 60% (60% writing, 50% other skills)

Please note:

Not available for progression from ISC Jan 2020 intake

  • Medical Neuroscience BSc (Hons)
  • Medical Neuroscience MSci
  • Neuroscience BSc
  • Neuroscience MSci
  • Neuroscience with Cognitive Science MSci (Hons)
  • Neuroscience with Cognitive Science BSc (Hons)
  • Psychology BSc (Hons)
  • Psychology (with professional placement year) BSc (Hons)
  • Psychology with Business and Management BSc (Hons)
  • Psychology with Clinical Approaches BSc (Hons)
  • Psychology with Cognitive Science BSc (Hons)
  • Psychology with Criminology BSc (Hons)
  • Psychology with Economics BSc (Hons)
  • Psychology with Education BSc (Hons)
  • Psychology with Neuroscience BSc (Hons)

Entry requirements

Discover the entry requirements for studying the International Foundation Year in Science and Engineering.

English Courses

Need to improve your English? You can study a range of English language courses at the International Study Centre.

Fees

Learn more about the tuition fees for your course, as well as any additional costs for studying at Sussex.