International Year One in Biosciences

Introduction

Overview

Preparing students for direct entry to Year 2 of a three-year undergraduate degree in Biosciences at the University of Exeter.

On campus study

This program is available to study on campus only.

Key information

  • Learn how information is stored and inherited in living organisms, from DNA structure and gene expression to genome replication, then prepare and analyse DNA.
  • Become familiar with experimental design, data handling, basic statistical analysis and simple programming concepts.
  • Receive training in basic laboratory skills and safety issues.
  • Learn about the microbial world through lectures and practicals, focusing on evolution, information flow, metabolic pathways, structure and function, and the impact of micro-organisms.
  • Become familiar with technical vocabulary and writing structures needed for further studies in Biosciences.

Fast facts

Class duration

  • English classes per week: 10 hours
  • Subject module classes per week: 12 hours
  • Average total per week: 22 hours

Classes are held Monday to Friday between 8.30am-6.30pm, excluding bank holidays.

Class Size

Maximum class size for English language teaching　17

Award

Certificate of Higher Education (FHEQ Level 4) from the University of Exeter.

Teaching

Teaching methods

  • Lectures which are taught alongside current University of Exeter students.
  • Seminars.
  • Workshops.
  • Group projects and presentations.
  • Practical exercises in laboratories.

Why University of Exeter?

  • 75% of modules are taught at the University of Exeter alongside first-year students during the International Year One in Biosciences.
  • The University of Exeter is in the top 10 in the UK for Biological (The Times and The Sunday Times Good University Guide 2020).
  • 92% of Biosciences students at the University of Exeter agreed they were satisfied with the quality of their course (National Student Survey 2019).
  • An industrial placement or a study abroad option is available on all progression degrees.
Start Dates September
Program length 3 Terms

Entry requirements

Age requirement

16

Academic requirements

A-levels (or equivalent) at grades CCD, with a C in Biology and an A-level or equivalent in one other science or maths subject. GCSE grade C/L4 Mathematics (or equivalent) is also required.

English language entry requirements

3 Terms: IELTS 5.5 (with a minimum of 5.0 in all subskills) or equivalent

Dates & fees

September 2022 start
(3 Terms)

Mon 19 September 2022 - Fri 16 December 2022
Mon 9 January 2023 - Fri 7 April 2023
Mon 1 May 2023 - Fri 23 June 2023

£21,685

Modules

A total of 120 credits must be earnt to successfully complete the pathway programme.

Term 1 modules

Credit value

Academic English for Biosciences

30 Credits

Fundamental Principles for Bioscientists

15 Credits

Genetics

15 Credits

Microbiology

15 Credits

Term 1 specialist modules

Credit value

Animals

15 Credits

Biochemistry

15 Credits

Cells

15 Credits

Ecology

15 Credits

Plants

15 Credits

Structure and Reactivity of Organic Compounds

15 Credits

Progression

P
 =  Placement option available
A
 =  Study abroad option available

Degree subject

Final level %

English level %

Additional requirements

Animal Behaviour-BSc (Hons)

P
A

50%

65%

Must achieve at least 40% in BIO1333 (Fundamental Principles for Bioscientists)

Biochemistry-BSc (Hons)

P
A

50%

65%

Must achieve at least 40% in both BIO1333 (Fundamental Principles for Bioscientists) and BIO1345 (Structure and Reactivity of Organic Compounds I)

Biological Sciences-BSc (Hons)

P
A

50%

65%

Must achieve at least 40% in BIO1333 (Fundamental Principles for Bioscientists)

Conservation Biology and Ecology-BSc (Hons)

P
A

50%

65%

Must achieve at least 40% in BIO1333 (Fundamental Principles for Bioscientists)

Evolutionary Biology-BSc (Hons)

P
A

50%

65%

Must achieve at least 40% in BIO1333 (Fundamental Principles for Bioscientists)

Zoology-BSc (Hons)

P
A

50%

65%

Must achieve at least 40% in BIO1333 (Fundamental Principles for Bioscientists)

Start Dates September
Program length 3 Terms

Entry requirements

Age requirement

16

Academic requirements

A-levels (or equivalent) at grades CCD, with a C in Biology and an A-level or equivalent in one other science or maths subject. GCSE grade C/L4 Mathematics (or equivalent) is also required.

English language entry requirements

3 Terms: IELTS 5.5 (with a minimum of 5.0 in all subskills) or equivalent

Dates & fees

September 2023 start
(3 Terms)

Mon 18 September 2023 - Fri 15 December 2023
Mon 8 January 2024 - Fri 5 April 2024
Mon 29 April 2024 - Fri 21 June 2024

Progression

P
 =  Placement option available
A
 =  Study abroad option available

Degree subject

Final level %

English level %

Additional requirements

Animal Behaviour-BSc (Hons)

P
A

50%

65%

Must achieve at least 40% in BIO1333 (Fundamental Principles for Bioscientists)

Biochemistry-BSc (Hons)

P
A

50%

65%

Must achieve at least 40% in both BIO1333 (Fundamental Principles for Bioscientists) and BIO1345 (Structure and Reactivity of Organic Compounds I)

Biological Sciences-BSc (Hons)

P
A

50%

65%

Must achieve at least 40% in BIO1333 (Fundamental Principles for Bioscientists)

Conservation Biology and Ecology-BSc (Hons)

P
A

50%

65%

Must achieve at least 40% in BIO1333 (Fundamental Principles for Bioscientists)

Evolutionary Biology-BSc (Hons)

P
A

50%

65%

Must achieve at least 40% in BIO1333 (Fundamental Principles for Bioscientists)

Zoology-BSc (Hons)

P
A

50%

65%

Must achieve at least 40% in BIO1333 (Fundamental Principles for Bioscientists)