Curious about studying Life Sciences International Foundation Yearat University of Surrey ISC - Study Group UK? We've gathered all the key details—entry requirements, modules, fees, and more. Hear from real students by checking out reviews, or take the next step by booking an open day to explore it for yourself.
Access to Higher Education
University of Surrey International Study Centre
Full Time
Sep 2027
2 Semester
The Life Sciences International Foundation Year leads to a wide range of degrees in biology and chemistry-related subjects at the University of Surrey. During the International Foundation Year you will study a core unit of general subject skills, and subject-specific units, which are carefully designed for your academic development. Our Life Sciences pathway leads to progression degrees in a range of exciting areas – each with their own reasons for study. Surrey’s biological degrees are accredited by the Royal Society of Biology, its chemistry degrees are vital to ground-breaking international research. After gaining a solid foundation on our Life Sciences pathway, you can progress to your undergraduate degree to continue developing your academic and employability skills. One way to do this is by taking a Professional Training Placement, where you’ll be able to enter the workforce and put your practical skills to the test. As well as learning even more about your future career, a Professional Training Year is an excellent addition to your CV. Study with classmates planning to progress onto widely different degrees within Life Sciences. This means you’ll be working with a range of different people, developing transferable skills such as teamwork, problem solving and communication — all valuable attributes when you’re working within a company setting.
In the Cell Biology and Genetics module you will learn to identify key connections between concepts, methods and theories in biology. You will build confidence applying theories, methods and principles in biology to a variety of situations and problems, and develop the skills to discuss the significance of experimental results, find solutions and draw conclusions. You will be inspired by applications of your subject that have changed the world and explore real world case studies such the 2020 Nobel-prize-winning work on CRISPR DNA techniques that has transformed gene-editing. Indicative module content includes biochemistry and cell biology, genetics, ecology and experimental technique.
In the Core Chemistry module you will learn to solve problems and explain phenomena in chemistry drawing on the knowledge and using the accurate terminology you need for success on UK science degrees. You will build confidence communicating fundamentals scientific ideas, processes, techniques and procedures in chemistry. You will be inspired by applications of your subject that have changed the world and explore real world case studies such as the Haber-Bosch process for nitrogen fertiliser production without which the world's population could only be sustained at just over half its current level, or the PCR, which allows forensic science, genetic sequencing and innumerable medical applications. Indicative module content includes formulae, equations and moles; bonding and forces; redox; transition metals and thermodynamics.
In the Mathematics for Science module you will learn to apply mathematical methods, concepts and theories in a range of scientific scenarios. You will develop your ability to approach problems analytically then select and deploy techniques to solve them using the terminology and mathematical notation needed for success in UK University study. You will be inspired by applications of your subject that have changed the world and explore real world case studies such as the innumerable applications of mathematics crucial to space telecommunication and satellites including the work of the University of Surrey's world-class Space Centre. Indicative module content includes quadratic equations, logarithms, trigonometry, polynomial functions, differentiation and integration.
In the Physiology for Life Scientists module you will learn how to apply knowledge of theories, methods, and models in biology to a variety of situations and problems using scientific terminology appropriate to UK University study. You will develop the skills to analyse and evaluate arguments demonstrating an awareness of key areas of debate relevant to research themes within biology. The module will motivate you and build your confidence through problem solving such that you come to see how deepening your understanding of Physiology might enable you to meaningfully innovate as a key actor, scholar and leader of tomorrow. Indicative module content includes energy transfer including glycolysis and oxidative phosphorylation; plant tropism; and physiology including nervous, musculoskeletal, endocrine, cardiovascular and immune systems.
In the Statistics and Analysis module you will learn how to analyse and interpret data using a variety of statistical approaches and then communicate your conclusions and reasoning. You will develop the confidence to justify the suitability of a statistical approach to a problem and explain any limitations using terminology and notation required in a UK University context. As a semester 2 module within this curriculum arc, the module includes a focus on applications, problem solving and innovation within statistics. You will be encouraged to employ critical thinking and creativity as you make links between curriculum elements and apply your learning to simplified real-world scenarios. Indicative module content includes analysing and presenting data, statistical modelling, probability and distributions, sampling and hypothesis testing.
In the Chemistry Applied module you will learn to transfer knowledge of chemistry to real-world situations with a strong fundamental understanding of how science works. You will build confidence analysing and evaluating quantitative and qualitative information to make reasoned judgements, find solutions and draw conclusions.. You will be encouraged to employ critical thinking and creativity as you make links between curriculum elements and apply your learning to simplified real-world scenarios. Indicative module content includes chemical equilibria, environmental chemistry, reaction kinetics, techniques such as mass spectrometry, and reaction kinetics.
In the Physiology for Life Scientists module you will learn how to apply knowledge of theories, methods, and models in biology to a variety of situations and problems using scientific terminology appropriate to UK University study. You will develop the skills to analyse and evaluate arguments demonstrating an awareness of key areas of debate relevant to research themes within biology. The module will motivate you and build your confidence through problem solving such that you come to see how deepening your understanding of physiology might enable you to meaningfully innovate as a key actor, scholar and leader of tomorrow. Indicative module content includes energy transfer including glycolysis and oxidative phosphorylation; plant tropism; and physiology including nervous, musculoskeletal, endocrine, cardiovascular and immune systems.
4.6
