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Initial Year for Extended Degree in Science - Physical Sciences

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UCAS code	F900
Institution code	H36
School of study	School of Life and Medical Sciences
Course length	Full Time, 4 Years
Location	North Hertfordshire College

Entry requirements

48 UCAS points

IB - 48 points with a minimum of 1 HL subject at grade 4 or above (with the remaining points to come from a combination of HL, SL and Core).

GCSE Maths, English Language and Science at grade 4 or above.
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Why choose this course?

This programme is an ideal alternative route to higher education as it prepares you for progression to a suitable Honours degree at the University of Hertfordshire.

What's the course about?

The Extended Science Degree is designed as a preparatory year to enable you to acquire the necessary knowledge and skills you need to progress to the first year of many of our science Degrees:

You don’t need to decide which course you will progress to at this point. Your tutor will support you with making a decision and supporting you through the application of progression. Progression is dependent on achievement. Please note that some courses have specific academic and non-academic requirements in order to progress such as an interview and/or satisfactory DBS. Please contact us to find out which requirements apply to which course.

You may choose from the following progression routes:

BSc(Hons) Astrophysics
BSc (Hons) Physics
BSc (Hons) Geography
BSc (Hons) Environmental Management

Study Location

The initial year is taught at North Hertfordshire College. You will be taught over two semesters (A and B). In semester A, you will study three core modules in addition to either Mathematics for Scientists or Mathematics. In semester B you will study one core module and choose three optional modules depending on the honours degree you intend to progress to when you complete your Extended degree.

On successful completion of the initial year you will continue on to your degree studies at the University of Hertfordshire.

You will study 1 year at the college and progress onto the University of Hertfordshire for another 3 years (full-time) – 4 years total. Or you will study 1 year at the college and progress onto the University of Hertfordshire for another 4 years (sandwich or MPharm) – 5 years total.

Level 0

Module	Credits	Compulsory/optional
Introductory Biology	15 Credits	Compulsory
This module has been designed to provide students with a broad background in biology and will include: • Cell theory, describing how cells do the things they do; typically, we will look at the major organelles such as the mitochondria and demonstrate how structure relates to function. • Biochemistry, giving a closer look at the molecules of which we are made; the organic systems composed of chemicals reacting together; the major groups of chemicals usually including carbohydrates, lipids, proteins and DNA. • Body systems, demonstrating how the human body is the sum of its parts; this section will typically include the circulatory and respiratory systems and will normally incorporate cell theory and biochemistry. The course will incorporate many types of learning activity, including lectures, practicals and workshops. The whole is supported by the use of blended learning including VLE's, emails, and mobile technology where appropriate.
Introductory Chemistry	15 Credits	Compulsory
This module will provide the students with an introduction to chemistry. Topics covered include atomic structure and the periodic table, chemical bonding and its relationship to physical properties, and an introduction to organic chemistry. Completion of the module will typically develop essential knowledge and understanding of different areas of chemistry and how they relate to each other. The development of practical skills such as titration and carrying out experiments safely will be important. This is the foundation knowledge in chemistry which will allow students to continue to study chemistry at a higher level.
Introductory Physics	15 Credits	Compulsory
This module will typically enable students to gain an understanding of physics to support other sciences and prepare for the Physics module through a combination of lectures, practical workshops and directed study. Topics covered typically include: reflection and refraction of light; diffraction and interference of waves; the properties of the waves across the electromagnetic spectrum; the relationship between heat and temperature; electrical power and energy; speed, distance, acceleration and force. Presentation skills will typically be developed though presentation of researched information to groups of learners. Topics may be chosen to provide supporting knowledge and understanding of the use of apparatus and equipment in biology and chemistry.
Individual Project	15 Credits	Compulsory
This module will give students the opportunity to plan and carry out a project approved by the module teaching team. The project must be a practical scientific investigation which will typically allow students to collect data and will usually involve several laboratory sessions. Students will be expected to carry out sufficient research on the investigation to plan an extended piece of practical work. These practicals should be risk assessed by the student who will then carry out the investigation demonstrating safe working within the laboratory environment. Students will present a project report and poster presentation, demonstrating appropriate IT skills, which will summarise their findings both from their research and the practical investigation usually leading to their conclusions and evaluation.
Chemistry	15 Credits	Optional
This module will provide students with an opportunity for further study in chemistry building on the concepts studied in Introductory Chemistry. It is particularly suitable for students wishing to study a course in biological sciences. This module provides candidates with a quantitative study of physical chemistry including rates of reaction, equilibrium and acids and bases. Organic chemistry is further developed in the context of aromatic chemistry, isomerism and the reactions of several functional groups. Students will typically carry out experimental and investigative activities integrated with the theory to develop their practical skills.
Physics	15 Credits	Optional
This module is to develop students understanding of physics as a preparation for physics based courses at the university through a combination of lectures, practical workshops and directed study. Students will typically develop an understanding of electricity and magnetism including the principles of electromagnetism; electric circuits; forces and momentum and the basic concepts of nuclear physics and radioactive decay. Students may have the opportunity to develop their skills of selection and use of appropriate formulae for calculations and recording and analysis of data from practical work.
Statistics	15 Credits	Optional
This module gives students the opportunity to work with descriptive statistics, probability theory and some statistical inference. Descriptive statistics will typically include the study of averages (such as the mean, mode and median) and of measures of dispersion (such as the standard deviation) and may also consider the use and interpretation of statistical graphs. The study of probability theory will usually include the use of formal set notation, tree diagrams, conditional probability and the evaluation of simple normal probabilities. The study of statistical inference may cover the use of rank correlation and at least one of the non-parametric sign tests.
Mathematics for Scientists	15 Credits	Optional
This module gives students the opportunity to develop mathematical skills that are needed for the continued study of science. The module majors on the use of number skills, algebra and basic trigonometry. Graph work typically includes the drawing of graphs, the recognition of different forms of graphs and the role which graphs have frequently played in scientific research. Data is portrayed with summary statistics and graphs, usually involving both manual work and the use of appropriate IT. Inferences about the data will usually be drawn from graphs or summary statistics.
Mathematics	15 Credits	Optional
The module majors in the differential calculus, typically enabling students to differentiate polynomials and a selection of other simple functions. Appended to this is an exploration of the initial steps in the integral calculus, typically enabling students to reverse the differentiation of the most basic functions. Topics such as exploration of logarithmic and exponential functions with some experience of their applications will be explored. There will be some further treatment of algebra and an initial exploration of vectors. Two dimensional geometry will also be treated using the techniques of trigonometry and Cartesian coordinate geometry.
Advanced Mathematics	15 Credits	Optional
The module develops skills in integral calculus, typically enabling students to integrate using inspection, substitution and by parts. Partial fractions and trigonometric identities may be used to simplify functions prior to integration. The course also develops skills in solving trigonometric equations typically by considering the key properties of the functions. Simple graph transformations may be used to determine the number of solutions to a trigonometric equation. Simple proofs using established identities may be used to simplify and solve a variety of trigonometric equations.
Applied and Environmental Biology	15 Credits	Optional
The module looks at the ways in which Biochemistry of DNA and protein synthesis is applied in industry and research. Students will study the principles of Genetics, Gene technology, Inheritance and what this means to the individual and the species. They will relate these to the ways in which they are applied commercially and they will also examine the impact of agriculture on plant cultivation and basic ecology. The module also studies the biochemistry of energy production and the pathways through which the energy is transferred in the biome and ways in which we seek to control the outcomes. The module gives a wide understanding of the relationships between living things and their environment, which gives a context for more specialised study at a higher level. This module will provide students with the opportunity for further study in Biology, and is particularly suitable for students wishing to study a degree in Molecular Biology, Genetics or Environmental Science.
Mammalian Physiology	15 Credits	Optional
This module offers a good base in human/mammalian biology. You will begin to understand how our bodies communicate needs and desires necessary for survival in a hostile world. Mammalian Physiology will typically include the control of reproduction, integration of nervous and hormonal control of bodily functions, the role of various healthy body systems and what happens under disease conditions. It is an ideal course for those wishing to pursue further study in Biomedical Science and Physiology.

What's next for my career?

When you complete your chosen degree you may apply for jobs/ further training in the industry/ service of your choice. Your career options will depend on your chosen degree from subjects including: Applied Biology, Astrophysics, Geography, Pharmaceutical Science, Environmental Studies, Sports Sciences and Nutrition. Some examples of eventual careers are: scientific work in the chemical and pharmaceutical industry; environmental science; teaching; management; and in the food industry and retailers.

Course fact sheets
Initial Year for Extended Degree in Science - Physical Sciences	Download

Programme specifications
Initial Year for Extended Degree in Science - Physical Sciences - NHC	Download

Additional information
Sandwich placement or study abroad year	n/a
Applications open to international and EU students	No

2021

Start Date	End Date	Link
15/09/2021	31/05/2022	Apply online (Full Time)

2022

Start Date	End Date	Link
15/09/2022	31/05/2023	Apply online (Full Time)

2023

Start Date	End Date	Link
15/09/2023	31/05/2024	Apply online (Full Time)

Fees and funding
Fees 2021
UK Students

Full time
- £6165 for the 2021/2022 academic year
EU Students

Full time
- £6165 for the 2021/2022 academic year
*Tuition fees are charged annually. The fees quoted above are for the specified year(s) only. Fees may be higher in future years, for both new and continuing students. Please see the University’s Fees and Finance Policy (and in particular the section headed “When tuition fees change”), for further information about when and by how much the University may increase its fees for future years.

View detailed information about tuition fees

Read more about additional fees in the course fact sheet

Other financial support

Find out more about other financial support available to UK and EU students

Living costs / accommodation

The University of Hertfordshire offers a great choice of student accommodation, on campus or nearby in the local area, to suit every student budget.

View detailed information about our accommodation

Due to the ongoing Coronavirus pandemic, examinations may be replaced by an alternative form of assessment during the academic year 2020/2021. Please refer to the Programme Specification on these pages for further details.

Please note that some of the images and videos on our course pages may have been taken before social distancing rules in the UK came into force.

Initial Year for Extended Degree in Science - Physical Sciences

Why choose this course?

What's the course about?

Study Location

2021

2022

2023

Fees 2021

UK Students

Full time

EU Students

Full time

Other financial support

Living costs / accommodation