Science Foundation Courses (SFC)

About the course

In order to study nutritional therapy at BCNH, candidates are required to have an A-level in Chemistry or its equivalent (obtained within the last ten years). Prospective students who do not have this qualification can obtain access to the degree level Diploma courses via successful completion of a Science Foundation Course (SFC).

BCNH SFC courses are specially tailored for the study of nutritional therapy and cover organic & inorganic chemistry and basic biology.

As outlined above, the SFC courses are designed to facilitate entry onto the Diploma course for the following candidates:

  • Those who do not have an A-level in Chemistry (or its equivalent)
  • Those who have completed A-level Chemistry 10 years ago or more

Enrolment Requirements for SFC Courses:-

  • Basic IT skills
  • A minimum of 5 GCSEs (grade C and above)

Overseas students

Students for whom English is not their native language must achieve a score of 6 (or higher) in the four components of International English Language Testing System (IELTS) (or its equivalent).

Why study SFC?

Our SFC courses are specially tailored for the study of nutritional therapy, which (subject to successful completion) guarantee a placement on our degree-level Diploma course. All SFC courses cover basic human anatomy and physiology & organic and inorganic chemistry. The courses are taught by a highly qualified lecturer / tutor Sephora Xuereb, who is a qualified science teacher.

The vast majority of students who enrol on the SFC course successfully progress to study for the BCNH Diploma.

 

Dmitri Mendeleev (1834-1907)

Russian chemist and inventor – creator of the 1st version of the periodic table of elements.

 

We offer THREE Science Foundation Courses:-

  1. The Standard Attendance SFC     (9 month)
  2. The Standard Online SFC              (9 months)
  3. The Self Study (fast-track) SFC  (4 months)

The Standard ATTENDANCE SFC (9 months in length) is a comprehensive course covering organic and inorganic chemistry topics. Apart  from classroom attendance once a month, students study via a virtual learning environment (Moodle), which allows students to access all their study materials and assignments online. This platform also provides valuable discussion forums so that students can form one large community. This facility is hugely popular and it provides vital interaction for online learners.

The Standard ONLINE SFC (9 months in length) is a comprehensive course covering organic and inorganic chemistry topics. Students study via a virtual learning environment (Moodle), which allows students to access all their study materials and assignments online. This platform also provides valuable discussion forums so that students can form one large community. This facility is hugely popular and it provides vital interaction for online learners.

The Self Study SFC is a revision course (flexible start) for those who have completed their A – level Chemistry more than 10 years ago. It involves the same educational material as the standard Online SFC, but it does not include tutorial support and there is no final examination. Students will need to submit a completed workbook of questions and answers to demonstrate competence.

Course Fees (12-13)

  • Attendance courses (9 months): £1,850
  • Online Distance Learning (9 months): £1,850
  • Self-study / fast track course: £1,250

Fees can be paid by instalments; monthly or quarterly. Please see our Prospectus (12-13) for further details.

Fess for the standard Online SFC include lecture notes, audio recordings of the lectures, tutorial support, mock examination and final examination. Books and resit exams are not included in the fee.

Fess for the Self Study SFC include lecture notes, audio recordings of the lectures and marking the assignment workbook.  Books on the reading list are not included in the fee.

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Course location

SFC lectures  take place at the weekends at University College London (UCL) in the centre of London, which provides easy access to lectures and seminars.

UCL is located in close proximity to Nutri Centre & Planet Organic health food shops where students have lunch & get to know each other during their breaks.  UCL is also just a walking distance from British Library and other vibrant and exciting facilities that London has to offer.

Transport facilities to UCL are also excellent: there are several bus routes and tube stations nearby: Euston Square, Warren Street, Goodge Street, as well as Euston Station (British Rail), which is just across the road.

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Questions & Answers

Q 1: Is the course length sufficient to prepare me for the Degree-level Diploma?

The Standard SFC will give students sufficient scientific knowledge of chemistry & biology to enable them to follow the topics on the BCNH degree-level Diploma, including the courses delivered by University of Greenwich.

Q 2: What is the difference between the standard SFC and the Self-study SFC?

  • The standard SFC is an attendance or DL course with tutorial support. Attendance start date is once a year – usually in September and there is an examination at the end of the course. All students who do not have an ‘A’ level or an equivalent in chemistry must enrol on the Standard SFC.
  • The Self-study SFC is a revision course (flexible start) for those who have completed their A levels over 10 years ago. It involves the same educational material as standard SFC, however, it does not include tutorial support and there is no examination at the end.

Q 3: How many hours of my time will I need to dedicate to studying?

Most students find that they need to dedicate around 5 hours a week to private study in order to pass the course.

For the Self-study SFC the time needed will depend on individual circumstances – e.g. how quickly a student wishes to complete the course & their level of prior knowledge.

Q4: If I start the course late, will I be able to catch up?

Distance learning (DL) students can start the course throughout the year. Students who wish to enroll on the Degree-level Diploma course is September 2012 will have to catch up with the course material published on Moodle. Students can also sit the examination at a later date, subject to a prior arrangement with the college.