Science Foundation Year

Mathematics and Physic Programmes

Study Mathematics and Physics

Our School of Mathematics and Physics is based in purpose-built facilities in the University’s Isaac Newton Building, and offers a variety of courses across both disciplines.

Our Mathematics degrees aim to provide a fundamental education in mathematics, including pure and applied mathematics, while our Physics degrees combines fundamental and applied physics with rigorous mathematics and computational training. Our foundation year programmes provide an alternative entry route onto these full degree programmes.

Foundation Year Programmes

Course Title UCAS Code Validation Status Entry Requirements (A level) Entry Requirements (BTEC) Entry Requirements (T Level) Additional Requirements (GCSE)
Mathematics with Science Foundation Year BSc G101 Validated 64 UCAS Tariff points from a minimum of 2 A Levels MPP (Merit, Pass, Pass) Pass (D or E on the Core) 3 GCSEs at grade 4(C) to include English and Maths
Physics with Science Foundation Year BSc F301 Validated 64 UCAS Tariff points from a minimum of 2 A Levels MPP (Merit, Pass, Pass) Pass (D or E on the Core) 3 GCSEs at grade 4(C) to include English and Maths
Mathematics and Theoretical Physics with Science Foundation Year BSc GF14 Validated 64 UCAS Tariff points from a minimum of 2 A Levels MPP (Merit, Pass, Pass) Pass (D or E on the Core) 3 GCSEs at grade 4(C) to include English and Maths
Mathematics and Theoretical Physics with Science Foundation Year MMath GFC4 Validated 64 UCAS Tariff points from a minimum of 2 A Levels MPP (Merit, Pass, Pass) Pass (D or E on the Core) 3 GCSEs at grade 4(C) to include English and Maths
Mathematics with Science Foundation Year MMath G103 Validated 64 UCAS Tariff points from a minimum of 2 A Levels MPP (Merit, Pass, Pass) Pass (D or E on the Core) 3 GCSEs at grade 4(C) to include English and Maths
Physics with Science Foundation Year MPhys F304 Validated 64 UCAS Tariff points from a minimum of 2 A Levels MPP (Merit, Pass, Pass) Pass (D or E on the Core) 3 GCSEs at grade 4(C) to include English and Maths
Mathematics with Philosophy with Science Foundation Year BSc VG52 Validated 64 UCAS Tariff points from a minimum of 2 A Levels MPP (Merit, Pass, Pass) Pass (D or E on the Core) 3 GCSEs at grade 4(C) to include English and Maths
Mathematics with Computer Science with Science Foundation Year BSc GG15 Validated 64 UCAS Tariff points from a minimum of 2 A Levels MPP (Merit, Pass, Pass) Pass (D or E on the Core) 3 GCSEs at grade 4(C) to include English and Maths
Physics with Astrophysics with Science Foundation Year BSc F318 Validated 64 UCAS Tariff points from a minimum of 2 A Levels MPP (Merit, Pass, Pass) Pass (D or E on the Core) 3 GCSEs at grade 4(C) to include English and Maths
Physics with Astrophysics with Science Foundation Year MPhys F312 Validated 64 UCAS Tariff points from a minimum of 2 A Levels MPP (Merit, Pass, Pass) Pass (D or E on the Core) 3 GCSEs at grade 4(C) to include English and Maths
Physics with Philosophy with Science Foundation Year BSc F3V6 Validated 64 UCAS Tariff points from a minimum of 2 A Levels MPP (Merit, Pass, Pass) Pass (D or E on the Core) 3 GCSEs at grade 4(C) to include English and Maths
MPhys Physics with Philosophy with Science Foundation Year VF54 Validated 64 UCAS Tariff points from a minimum of 2 A Levels MPP (Merit, Pass, Pass) Pass (D or E on the Core) 3 GCSEs at grade 4(C) to include English and Maths

Please note that English language requirements for International students can be found on the full degree course pages for each programme.

Some programmes may also be available for part-time study.


For information on any other qualifications, please contact admissions@lincoln.ac.uk.

How You Study

Students on all foundation programmes study a combination of core and subject specific modules during the first year as part of an integrated degree programme. The combination of modules studied is tailored to the needs of the full degree programme that students wish to progress onto after successful completion of the foundation year.

Students study three modules at the start of the programme, which aim to build a foundation in mathematics and introduce key study skills required for further study. Students also study a further module which introduce fundamental aspects of specific areas of science relevant to the chosen foundation year programme. Students will also study an integrative module which is aligned to the full degree programme which students' wish to progress onto upon successful completion of the Science Foundation Year.

Following successful completion of the Science Foundation Year, students will then progress onto the first undergraduate year of their chosen degree programme. This means students will study for a total of four years for a standard degree, or five years if they take an integrated Master’s degree. Students’ final awards upon graduating will reflect the full course title, for example “BSc Physics with Science Foundation Year”. Course specific information on the full degree programmes within the School of Mathematics and Physics can be found on our course pages.

Modules

Mathematics and Theoretical Physics, Mathematics with Philosophy, Physics, Physics with Astrophysics, Physics with Philosophy.

Structure

All students will study the core module:

  • Study Skills

Students will also study:

  • Fundamentals of Physics
  • Applied Mathematics
  • Mathematical Methods

Students also complete the integrative module:

  • Foundation Year Mathematics and Physics

Following successful completion of the foundation year, students will then progress onto their chosen full degree programme.

Full Module Details

Study Skills

This core module is compulsory for all Science Foundation Year students. During the communication elements of the module, you will have the opportunity to develop your learning, group work and presentation skills, together with both written and verbal communication skills and ICT skills. The module will be assessed via submission of three pieces of coursework.

  • A reflective commentary
  • A group presentation
  • A scientific essay

Applied Mathematics

This module aims to develop the relevant problem solving and mathematical skills to provide a solid mathematical base to support future studies. The module will be assessed via regular submission of coursework questions and an end of year synoptic assessment.

Fundamentals of Physics

This module is compulsory for students progressing into Mathematics and Physics degrees, and is an optional choice for those on Engineering or Chemistry degree paths. The aim of this module is to recap and consolidate your knowledge on key areas of A-Level Physics, whilst also developing key processing and mathematical skills. Work within laboratory sessions also aim to increase your confidence in both working practically and analysing practical results.

Mathematical Methods

The aim of this module is to recap and consolidate your knowledge in key areas of A-Level Mathematics, whilst also developing key processing and problem solving skills.

Foundation Year Mathematics and Physics

The module will provide an opportunity for students to advance their understanding of the main mathematical and physical methods needed to prepare them for their chosen degree programme within an academically challenging yet supportive environment. The module aims to provide learning opportunities in a set of key areas of mathematics and physics in preparation for BSc level study. Additionally, it will provide opportunities to develop computer skills applied to mathematics and physics questions and enhance problem solving skills.

Mathematics

Structure

All students will study the core module:

  • Study Skills

Students will also study:

  • Applied Mathematics
  • Mathematical Methods

Students will choose one of the following to study:

  • Fundamentals of Physics
  • Fundamentals of Computer Science

Students also complete the integrative module:

  • Foundation Year Mathematics and Physics

Following successful completion of the foundation year, students will then progress onto their chosen full degree programme.

Full Module Details

Study Skills

This core module is compulsory for all Science Foundation Year students. During the communication elements of the module, you will have the opportunity to develop your learning, group work and presentation skills, together with both written and verbal communication skills and ICT skills. The module will be assessed via submission of three pieces of coursework.

  • A reflective commentary
  • A group presentation
  • A scientific essay

Fundamentals of Computer Science

This module is compulsory for students progressing into computing degrees and runs over both semesters. It develops students’ understanding of elementary computer science, focusing on building their capacity to program machines effectively. There will be a focus on representing data in computers and processing that data, developing key processing and problem-solving skills useful in computer science. Teaching is delivered through both theoretical sessions and practical computer lab-based sessions in which students gain hands-on experience. The module is assessed partly through coursework and partly through an in-class test.

Fundamentals of Physics

This module is compulsory for students progressing into Mathematics and Physics degrees, and is an optional choice for those on Engineering or Chemistry degree paths. The aim of this module is to recap and consolidate your knowledge on key areas of A-Level Physics, whilst also developing key processing and mathematical skills. Work within laboratory sessions also aim to increase your confidence in both working practically and analysing practical results.

Applied Mathematics

This module aims to develop the relevant problem solving and mathematical skills to provide a solid mathematical base to support future studies. The module will be assessed via regular submission of coursework questions and an end of year synoptic assessment.

Mathematical Methods

The aim of this module is to recap and consolidate your knowledge in key areas of A-Level Mathematics, whilst also developing key processing and problem solving skills.

Foundation Year Mathematics and Physics

The module will provide an opportunity for students to advance their understanding of the main mathematical and physical methods needed to prepare them for their chosen degree programme within an academically challenging yet supportive environment. The module aims to provide learning opportunities in a set of key areas of mathematics and physics in preparation for BSc level study. Additionally, it will provide opportunities to develop computer skills applied to mathematics and physics questions and enhance problem solving skills.

Mathematics with Computer Science

Structure

All students will study the core module:

  • Study Skills

Students will also study:

  • Fundamentals of Computer Science
  • Applied Mathematics
  • Mathematical Methods

Students also complete the integrative module:

  • Foundation Year Mathematics and Physics

Following successful completion of the foundation year, students will then progress onto their chosen full degree programme.

Full Module Details

Study Skills

This core module is compulsory for all Science Foundation Year students. During the communication elements of the module, you will have the opportunity to develop your learning, group work and presentation skills, together with both written and verbal communication skills and ICT skills. The module will be assessed via submission of three pieces of coursework.

  • A reflective commentary
  • A group presentation
  • A scientific essay

Fundamentals of Computer Science

This module is compulsory for students progressing into computing degrees and runs over both semesters. It develops students’ understanding of elementary computer science, focusing on building their capacity to program machines effectively. There will be a focus on representing data in computers and processing that data, developing key processing and problem-solving skills useful in computer science. Teaching is delivered through both theoretical sessions and practical computer lab-based sessions in which students gain hands-on experience. The module is assessed partly through coursework and partly through an in-class test.

Applied Mathematics

This module aims to develop the relevant problem solving and mathematical skills to provide a solid mathematical base to support future studies. The module will be assessed via regular submission of coursework questions and an end of year synoptic assessment.

Mathematical Methods

The aim of this module is to recap and consolidate your knowledge in key areas of A-Level Mathematics, whilst also developing key processing and problem solving skills.

Foundation Year Mathematics and Physics

The module will provide an opportunity for students to advance their understanding of the main mathematical and physical methods needed to prepare them for their chosen degree programme within an academically challenging yet supportive environment. The module aims to provide learning opportunities in a set of key areas of mathematics and physics in preparation for BSc level study. Additionally, it will provide opportunities to develop computer skills applied to mathematics and physics questions and enhance problem solving skills.

How You Are Assessed

The way students will be assessed on the foundation year will vary for each module. It could include coursework, such as a lab report or essay, an end of year synoptic assessment, portfolio development, group work or presentations to name some examples.

Having not achieved the A Levels I anticipated, I thought that my academic future was over, but the Science Foundation Year was another chance for me to continue my education.