International Foundation Programme - Science and Health

The aim of this module is to provide learners with mathematical knowledge and skills that will enable them to formulate and solve simple mathematical models used in Science, Engineering and Business. Use standard functions to model simple situations in Science, Engineering and Business where two variables are related.

• Modelling using Mathematics
• Statistics and Probability
• Functions and Graphs
• Trigonometry
• Complex Numbers
• Calculus

At the end of the module learners will be able to:

Develop an understanding of statistics and probability; solve simple problems involving chance using basic probability and counting techniques and also learning how to interpret these results

• Introduce learners to linear and quadratic functions and to develop skills to analyse graphs
• Provide an introduction to the general topics of Calculus and its Applications in Engineering, Science and Business (e.g. rate of change; optimisation of economic functions)
• Apply theory and results for learners to gain an understanding of solving and representing complex numbers
• Trigonometry. Solve practical problems involving sine, cosine, and tangent ratios

Method of Assessment

Assignment 1:  30%          Assignment 2:  30%          Examination 40%

Credit Value: 15 ECTS      Course Code: 5N1833

The purpose of this award is to equip the learner with the  knowledge, skill and competence to effectively engage with research and to present learning for formal academic and other purposes.

Module Units

• Research Skills
• Study Skills

At the end of the module learners will be able to:

• To demonstrate an understanding of research and experimental methodologies available
• To gather information from a broad range of sources and present this information in a clear and coherent way.
• To identify personal learning styles and develop short to medium learning goals.

Method of Assessment

Portfolio/Collection of Work 60%         Skills Demonstration 40%

Credit Value: 15 ECTS                           Course Code: 5N3113

The objective is to produce a clear strategy for personal and professional development.  To enable learners to understand their preferred learning styles and decision making methods. To understand the application and entry process to Further and Higher Education Colleges in Ireland.

Module Units

• Personal Development
• Planning for On-going Professional Development

At the end of the module learners will be able to:

• Understand the purpose of this award and prepare for entry and effective participation in a new personal or professional environment, operating independently while under general direction.
• Review your current knowledge, skills and competencies with view to further developing them.
• Provides the opportunity to develop a personal and professional development plan.
• Understand the Further and Higher Education System in Ireland and the potential opportunities available to you on successful completion of the programme.

Method of Assessment

Portfolio/Collection of Work 100%

Credit Value: 15 ECTS        Course Code: 5N2985

The purpose of this award is to equip the learner with the relevant knowledge, skill and competence to work as an effective member of a team, operating independently while under general direction and within a range of diverse, team-oriented environments.

Module Units

• Role & Functions of Teams
• The Team Member
• Skills for Teamworking

At the end of the module learners will be able to: 

• Demonstrate an understanding of the concept, features and types of teamwork activities available as well are analysing the roles involved.
• How to monitor personal strengths and weaknesses in team work activities.
• Develop an awareness of the techniques involved in negotiation, conflict resolution, problem-solving, and decision-making.

Method of Assessment

Portfolio/Collection of Work 60%        Skills Demonstration 40%

Credit Value: 15 ECTS                          Course Code: 5N1367

The purpose of this award is to equip the learner with the knowledge, skill and competence to compile, present, interpret and analyse statistical data, with some theoretical understanding of the basic statistical concepts.

Module Units

• Introduction to Statistics
• Sampling and Survey Design
• Probability Distribution Functions
• Index Numbers -
• Regression and Correlation
• Project based Implementation of Statistical Theory

At the end of the module learners will be able to:

• Have an understanding of the core statistical principles, including sampling, summary statistics and the nature of variables.
• Understand and apply a variety of common statistical methods (frequency distributions, index numbers, correlation and regression) in analyzing a variety of data.
• Evaluate statistical results, and use statistics to make predictions.
• Provide a focus on connecting statistical theory with implementation of said theory with regard to real world problems which may be encountered in the fields of business and engineering.
• Independently assess a data set, decide which statistical tests are appropriate, carry out said tests, and interpret and comment on the results in the framework of an assessment which emulates a real world application.

Method of Assessment
Assignment 1:  20%         Assignment 2: 20%       Examination – Theory 60%

Credit Value: 15 ECTS    Course Code: 5N2066

The purpose of this award is to equip the learner with the knowledge, skill and competence to appreciate the structures of and changes in matter. It is designed to develop understanding of the industrial and everyday applications of chemistry.

Module Units

• Atomic Theory
• Chemical Reactions
• Acid/Base Chemistry and Chemical Equilibrium
• Organic Chemistry
• Health and Safety
• Practical Laboratory Investigations

At the end of the module learners will be able to:

• To gain an appreciation of the central role of chemistry in modern life.
• To develop an attitude of care and precision when carrying out chemical experiments, both in relation to personal safety, and to the taking of measurements.
• To develop a logical, and systematic approach to the solving of problems in the field of chemistry.
• To provide a clear understanding of the reasoning behind the scientific models used in the field of chemistry.
• To create an awareness of the many practical applications of chemistry.

Assessment Method
Examination – Theory 50%         Skills Demonstration 25%         Learner Record 25%

Credit Value: 15 ECTS                Course Code: 5N2747

This module is designed to be an introduction to the fundamental principles of the physical world.  The award will equip the learner with the knowledge, skill and competence to apply the principles of physics to everyday experiences and industrial processes. ·

Module Units 

• Mechanics and Heat
• Light and Sound - Electromagnetism
• Atomic Physics -
• Health and Safety

At the end of the module learners will be able to:

• Understand the application of theory and practice to the following areas:
• Understand and apply definitions, laws, facts and formulae important in Physics with reference to:
  • Measure, investigate or determine different physical quantities on mandatory experiments focusing on methods, maths and accuracy with reference to:
  • Mechanics and Heat - Light and Sound - Electromagnetism - Atomic physics (incl. Bohr Atom)
• Solve simple physical model applied to a variety of real life situations

Assessment Method

Skills Demonstration 30%         Learner Record 30%        Examination - Theory 40%

Credit Value: 15 ECTS              Course Code: 5N1460

The purpose of this award is to equip the learner with the knowledge, skill and competence to use a word processing application to produce documents in a variety of contexts to a mailable or publishable standard whilst working autonomously and under general direction.

At the end of the module learners will be able to: 

• Demonstrate good file management technique, by creating folders, naming and saving documents to relevant folders.
• Create, analyse and print documents using different formats and layouts, review proofread and carry out corrections, using built in spelling and grammar checks.
• Enhance document creation using clipart, pictures from file and inserting tables.
• Prepare mail merge data sources, form letters, labels envelopes and letters using mailings mail merge facilities.
• Complete a practical examination and out of class assignment gaining an overall mark of 50% or higher..

Assessment Method
Assignment 20%                Examination–Practical  80%

Credit Value: 15 ECTS    Course Code: 5N1358 

The purpose of the award is to equip the learner with the knowledge, skill and competence to use the internet for communication, research, collaboration, e-Commerce and web authoring in a secure and confidential manner in a range of personal and work contexts

At the end of the module learners will be able to:

• Describe the development of the Internet and latest trends in the use of communication technologies, security, collaborative technologies, e-Commerce and file sharing.
• Design, Publish and maintain a simple website/webpage.
• Produce searchable documents on related topics downloaded and stored into an organised sequence.
• Demonstrate e-Mail techniques by sending mail with attachments, replying, forwarding and storing received e-Mail messages into relevant folders.
• Understand enterprise software and recommend appropriate methods of connecting to the internet 

Assessment Method
Project 40%      Assignment 30%      Skills Demonstration 30%

Credit Value: 15 ECTS    Course Code: 5N1611