Science at The College

You can apply via our application portal, Study Link.

Before you submit your application, please make sure that: 

• You know which course you want to study and which date you want to start.
• You have electronic copies of your academic transcripts, which you will need to attach to your online application. Please note: the limit for all attachments is 25MB.

Please note: If you are a citizen/permanent resident of the United Kingdom and have not lived outside of the UK for at least three years, you may not be eligible to apply via The College, Swansea University. Admissions staff will review your application and get in touch to advise you.

There are both English Language and Academic Entry Requirements for Foundation and First Year study.

You can be admitted directly to First Year if your academic qualifications do not require a Foundation stage of study. For details of the requirements for students of your country, please visit our Academic Entry Requirements page.

In addition to the above, all students will be required to demonstrate a suitable level of English language ability. Information on these requirements, and on the qualifications that we accept, can be viewed on our English language requirements page.

• Smaller class sizes allowing for a more personalised experience
• An affordable city, among the top 10 most affordable university towns in the UK in 2019, allowing for low cost of living
• A truly diverse community providing opportunities to meet people from all four corners of the map
• An outstanding support network ready to help you with any issue you may encounter, be they academic, financial or personal
• Flexible starting times and course durations allowing for a tailored experience to suit your desires and needs
• Full access to Swansea University. Students of The College are Swansea University students from day one. You will have full access to all Swansea University support systems such as the Library, students union and @campuslife services.
• A stunning location only mere minutes away from the beach and a short drive from stunning areas of wilderness.
• Swansea repeatedly ranks among the most affordable University towns making it an ideal base for students.
• And much much more!

Students of Science are required to undertake EIGHT of the below modules. The required modules will vary depending on your chosen degree pathway. 

Analytical Techniques 1

This module is intended to provide students of engineering and science with knowledge of the fundamentals of the branch of pure mathematics known as analysis. The module reviews the aspects of classical pure mathematics and leads into the development of a rigorous foundation for the study of calculus, matrices and complex numbers.

Assessment: Weekly homework, mid-term test, examination

Find out more here

Biology 1

Covering topics such as enzyme action, genetics, the cell cycle, health and disease, evolution and ecology amongst others, this module has been designed to be delivered in conjunction with the standard Stage 1 programmes in science.

Assessment: In-class test, examination

Find out more here

Biology 2

As a sister module to Biology 2 this course expands the analysis of cells and their functions, evolution, transport systems and ecology.

Assessment: In-class test, examination

Find out more here

Composition and Style

Aiming to assist students in improving their academic performance in terms of writing and presenting, Composition and Style dedicates time to allowing students to understand the importance of feedback and reflection in order to improve future performance. The module therefore provides students with the fundamental knowledge base and skills required at undergraduate level.

Assessment: Essays, examination

Find out more here

Critical Thinking

The module provides students with a fundamental knowledge base and intellectual skills associated with thinking critically. Also covered is understanding the basic requirements for building and consolidating a reasoned argument, issues of neutrality and bias and an emphasis is placed on the issue of the credibility of ideas, texts and evidence. 

Assessment: In-class tests, essay

Find out more here

IT Support

Comprehensive understanding of current ICT issues is essential in the modern world. Through this module students will gain the skills to equip them in the use of common productivity and content management software programmes. This module will emphasise the use of Microsoft Windows packages including PowerPoint, Excel and Word as a platform for further study.

Assessment: Class test (unweighted)

Find out more here

Environmental Awareness

This module provides students with an understanding of environmental phenomena issues and their relationship to the various engineering disciplines. The module considers the universe from its birth and covers subjects such as evolution up until more recent human impacts such as climate change.

Assessment: Reports, group work

Find out more here

Globalisation

Addressing fundamental aspects of Globalisation and the realities of today’s world, this module considers the economic, political, technological and social forces currently impacting on globalisation, providing an insight into the implications of continued globalisation on Multi-National Corporations and global trade. 

Assessment: Presentation, examination

Find out more here

Interactive Learning Skills and Communication

This module has been designed to help students develop their academic literacy and communication skills in preparation for undergraduate study and to understand the institutional culture, practices, rules and expectations of British higher education in an international academic context and community.

Assessment: presentations, group work, research report, referencing

Find out more here

Mass Communication

This module provides students with knowledge of the fundamental aspects of mass communication. It offers an introduction to concepts used in media discourse and, in particular, how these are used in discussions of the media and reality. Communication is a central theme throughout the module and the different forms this may take in a culture e.g. film, TV, semiotics and advertising. 

Assessment: Essay, case study, presentation

Find out more here

Chemistry

This module fosters fundamental knowledge in chemistry and intellectual skills requisite for successful completion of the prescribed degree schemes of Swansea University. Topics covered include but are not limited to; the periodic table, chemical bonding, reaction kinetics, acids and bases and thermodynamics.

Assessment: Weekly homework, in-class test, examination

Find out more here

Organic Chemistry

Designed to support the development of fundamental knowledge in organic chemistry and intellectual skills, this module covers such topics as analysis and evaluation of scientific knowledge and methods, hydrocarbons, alcohols and ethers, acids and amines and more.

Assessment: Weekly homework, mid-term exam, examination

Find out more here

Statistics

Here an introduction to statistical concepts within the context of business, industry and government is provided to students. Numerous data sources are employed including business, sport, medicine, physical science, engineering sciences, biological science and social science. This module provides an opportunity for meaningful interpretation of statistical information and results through a variety of statistical measures

Assessment: Examinations

Find out more here

As this course is an Integrated First Year, students are required to study 120 credits of Swansea University Modules.

These modules can be found on The College of Science's section of the website. 

In addition, students must study the following College modules:

Research and Study Skills (ILSC) 1

This module aims to help students to develop their academic English, communication, research, and critical reasoning skills to be successful undergraduate students. A subsidiary aim of this module is to ensure that students develop transferable skills that help them to take responsibility for their personal, academic and professional development.

Assessment: Presentation, group work, written assessments

Find out more here

Academic Support Tutorial

The aim of the support tutorials is to provide academic support and guidance to students on a year 1 Integrated programme with The College, Swansea University. Each pathway has a distinct Academic Support Tutorial allowing students to receive tailored support in areas such as progression, discussion and debate, communication and organisation.

Assessment: None

All Foundation Year programmes will be taught on the Bay Campus.  First and further years are taught on Singleton Park Campus of Swansea University. 

Recommended textbooks for this course are available in the University libraries, but you may choose to purchase personal copies.  All software needed for the course is available on the University network for use within University computer rooms.  Free wireless internet access is available across the whole of the University campus, including halls of residence.  Personal costs such as purchase of stationery, photocopying costs, parking fees or travel between the campuses are not included in your tuition fees.  

For all courses, you will need to have or purchase suitable outdoor clothing and sensible footwear (wellington boots). 

Depending on your degree pathway, you may have the following additional costs: 

Biology, Zoology and Marine Biology

• Year One:  Lab coat and dissection kit, approximately £30
• Optional Tropical Marine Biology field course in Puerto Rico, costs ~£1200 - £1700
• Optional Sikkim overseas field trip in Biology and Zoology, student contribution of £500 towards travel and accommodation

Level 2 Joint Honours:

• Students may attend an international field course as space allows but pay the full cost of the field course (e.g. currently £450 for Mallorca).
• Non-Physical Earth Science students can select GEL204 which includes a Pembrokeshire field weekend at a cost of £65 (for non-PES students).

If you have any queries about this programme, please contact us at the-college-enquiries@swansea.ac.uk or call +44 (0) 1792 602 888.