INTRODUCTION TO SCIENCE AND SOCIETY

Intro to the course:

This exciting new course is focussed on supporting learners who are looking to return to education or have left school and wishing to develop their knowledge across science and society, whilst also looking to build their study skills 

The course covers a variety of subjects, but also focusses' on the core skills required for progression to education. The subjects include: 

• Communications
• Numeracy
• Academic writing
• Biology
• Human Anatomy
• Chemistry
• Psychology
• Social Influences

Guest speakers and visits off campus will reinforce the knowledge learnt in lessons. You will have a named guidance tutor on the course, who will be able to help you as you progress providing advice and support. 

The subjects are taught on the basis that you may never have studied them before, which will allow you to come onto the course and gain some insight into a variety of topics that you are interested in without have previously studied. 

Who is the course for?

This course is for individuals who may have left school recently with little or no qualifications. Mature applicants are welcomed into the course

It may be that you would like to start a fresh in education, have an interest in science and society.

 This course will help you build your confidence in study and build up your qualifications, with access to a course team who have strong expertise in their fields. 

What will I study?

The Introduction to Science and Society course is an SCQF level 4/5 course that covers multiple science disciplines ranging from biology, chemistry, numeracy, psychology, self awareness and data science. You will research potential career options and start to consider the most appropriate pathway to begin your journey. 

You will have the opportunity to research your own project through academic skills, allowing you to explore topics that you are interested in. The course also looks at data science and how we can use data to help us develop and support science. This is an important area, and rapidly expanding area, which allows analysis of data in social research and science. 

Through biology and a chemistry unit, you will look at why foods taste they way they do and the environment around us. The course contains units that study the human body and its various organs as well as the impact of decisions we make about our health. 

Next step course options

This course will support you in progression onto our NC Applied Science level 6 which builds on the topics you cover in this course. From the NC Level 6, you can then progress onto the HNC Applied Science. 

You can also apply for the NC Social Science and then progress into the HND Social Science Year 1. 

This course allows you to build on your knowledge an appropriate pace and links into developing areas of life science and society, allowing you the flexibility to consider your options whilst studying. 

The lecturing team are on hand to provide you support with applying for various courses, and can discuss options to help you make an informed choice.

How will I be assessed?

A variety of assessments are used: 

• Closed book
• Open Book
• Posters
• Presentations
• Practical assessments

Your lecturer will give you advance notice of the assessment approach and strategies being used. The on site learning hub and study skills team can help ensure that you are given the tools to help develop your assessment preparation and study approaches in a warm and welcoming environment. 

Why should I choose this course?

This course offers entry level into further education with a focus on science, health and society.  The units are designed to ensure you have a good grasp of topics  whilst also developing transferable skills that can be used across education and employment. 

The course team are committed to ensuring you have a positive learning experiment. Guest speakers and off campus visits also ensure that you gain further insight into potential careers and options for going forward. 

You have access to a purpose built science laboratory and lecturing expertise to draw on. The mixture of lessons and practical work ensures a good variety of approaches which keeps the course interesting.  With an allocated guidance tutor, you will be able to discuss concerns and also have the opportunity to access extra support should it be needed. 

Where can this course lead?

This course will help you develop transferable skills for employment such as ICT, communication, numeracy and teamwork. 

We aim to help you build your confidence as well as consider how you can use the skills you have advanced in college- within the employment sector. 

We focus on supporting you in your personal development with units on self awareness and problem solving. By linking in with industry partners, we can also help you look at employment opportunities. 

What are the entry requirements?

Our entry requirements for this course are: 

• Personal statement detailing why you want to be on the course
• Successful interview
• Reference 

If we feel this course is not suitable, we may suggest an alternative course. 

What are the interview arrangements?

If you are successful in  being offered an interview, you will be provided with a date and time. If it is not suitable, please get in touch with admissions. 

The interview will be a short presentation on the course by a lecturer followed by an informal discussion with lecturers from the course team present. The discussion will be a chance to speak to the lecturing staff and for them to speak to you about the course. 

Fees, finance and funding

Fees for full time is £1008

Please note, fees are subject to change, please double-check this when enrolling in your course

If you are unsuccessful in your Bursary application, you may be liable for the full cost of course

For more information please visit the finance pages - Fees, finance and funding options.

Other information:

The course is taught on campus which has free car parking and is within walking distance of the town centre. 

We have onsite student services and a counselling service for students. 

With catering provision, a library and computer suite you have the chance to relax and work in the college on projects and learning.