Foundation Degree in Analytical Sciences
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Foundation Degree
- Code
- G15
- Level
- Undergraduate
- Made up of
- 240 credit points
Description
The needs of staff already employed in an analytical sciences setting are central to the development of this foundation degree. This means it will benefit both you and your workplace through enhancing the skill base of the workforce. It values and builds on your experience. Level 1 study is interdisciplinary in approach. At Level 2, you will be able to continue with this general approach, while at the same time tailoring your study to your precise needs, with opportunities for specialisation at Level 2 in chemistry or biology.
The foundation degree combines work-based and supported open learning. Responsibility for your learning is shared between your employer and The Open University (OU). The OU provides study materials and tutorial support and manages the assessment procedures, while your employer substantially manages the work-based learning on the programme. The OU is able to offer support in training staff identified as practice assessors. You’ll remain in employment while you study.
This foundation degree is offered as the Diploma of Higher Education in Analytical Sciences (E53) for students living in Scotland.
Planning your studies
Although some courses in the foundation degree are available to all students who live in the UK, the work-based learning courses are only available to those who are employed within an analytical science setting and are being supported in their practice learning by their employer. Entry has to be made through the employer. It is not possible for individual students to apply direct to the OU. For further information, employers and individuals are invited initially to contact our Student Registration & Enquiry Service.
If you’re new to study or the OU, we strongly recommend that you start with Science starts here (S154) here prior to Exploring science (S104) especially if you don’t have a good grounding in science and mathematics at GCSE level.
You must include at least 80 points from OU courses that have not been counted in an OU diploma or other first degree you have been awarded.
There is no time limit for obtaining the required credit points for this qualification; however courses can only count towards this foundation degree for five years after their final presentation.
Career relevance and employability
The Open University’s Foundation Degree in Analytical Sciences is suitable for staff working in a variety of analytical science settings such as the water, food and fragrance industries, health sciences, material manufacturing, generic analytical test houses, human and animal drug testing, petrochemicals and the pharmaceutical industry. Through the foundation degree, you will have the opportunity to develop knowledge, skills and competencies which underpin practice across many professions in the analytical sciences sector.
On successful completion of the foundation degree, it is expected that you’ll have completed the first steps towards obtaining competency within the Water Industry competent analyst framework, or equivalent within other analytical science industry settings.
The foundation degree is a qualification in its own right, but if you wish to progress further, you may have the opportunity to ‘top up’ the foundation degree to a full honours degree by studying a further 120 points at Level 3.
For planning your next career steps, visit the OU Careers Advisory Service.
Courses
For this 240-point foundation degree you require:
100 points from the following compulsory courses:
| Level 1 compulsory courses | Points | Next start |
|---|---|---|
|
60 | Jan 2010 |
|
10 | Feb 2010 |
| A new 30-point work-based learning course planned for first presentation in November 2010 |
Or, subject to the rules about excluded combinations, the discontinued course S103
And 20 points from the following optional courses:
| Level 1 optional courses | Points | Next start |
|---|---|---|
|
10 | Feb 2010 |
|
10 | Feb 2010 |
|
10 | Feb 2010 |
|
10 | Feb 2010 |
|
10 | Feb 2010 |
|
10 | Jun 2010 |
|
10 | Oct 2010 |
|
10 | Mar 2010 |
|
10 | Feb 2010 |
| Level 2 optional courses | Points | Next start |
|---|---|---|
|
10 | May 2010 |
|
10 | May 2010 |
And 60 points from the following optional courses:
| Level 2 optional courses | Points | Next start |
|---|---|---|
|
60 | Oct 2010 |
|
60 | Jan 2010 |
And 60 points from the following compulsory courses:
| Level 2 compulsory courses | Points | Next start |
|---|---|---|
| A new 30-point work-based learning course planned for first presentation in November 2011 | ||
| A new 30-point course in analytical sciences planned for first presentation in November 2011 |
Learning outcomes
The learning outcomes of this qualification are described in four areas:
- Knowledge and understanding
- Cognitive skills
- Practical and professional skills
- Key skills
Read more detailed information about the learning outcomes, and how they are acquired through teaching, learning and assessment methods.
Credit for previous study elsewhere
If you have already completed some successful study at higher education level at another institution we may be able to give you credit for this study that you can count towards this Open University qualification. You can find out more on our Credit Transfer site. If you make a successful claim for transferred credit it may affect your choice of courses so you are advised to investigate this option as soon as possible.
Credit transfer details for this qualification:
On completion
On successful completion of the required courses you will be awarded a Foundation Degree in Analytical Sciences and will be entitled to use the letters FD (Open) after your name.
Regulations
As a student of The Open University, you should be aware of the content of the Award Regulations and the Student Regulations.
Award Regulations
- Introduction to the Award Regulations
- General Award Regulations
- Foundation Degree in Analytical Sciences
Student Regulations
The Student Regulations (including the Code of Practice for Student Assessment and the Code of Practice for Student Discipline) are available on our Policy Documents for Students website.
How to register
To register for this qualification, read the description and check you meet any specific requirements (for example, some of our qualifications, require you to be working in a particular environment, or be sponsored by your employer). Then select the course you wish to study first and ensure it is suitable for you before following the registration procedure for that course.
About this page
An undergraduate qualification in Science.
Study explained
- Credit points
- - show how much study is required to complete a course or qualification. One credit point represents roughly 10 hours of study.
- Level
- - indicates how difficult a course is. Undergraduate study starts at Level 1.
- Financial support
- - find out if you qualify for support with your fees with our eligibility checker.
- Study explained
- - all you need to know about studying with the OU.
Got a question?
Contact an adviser in our Student Registration & Enquiry Service
Email or call +44(0) 845 300 60 90
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