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Foundation to Human and Animal Health Professions (Dentistry) (Year 0)

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Although the UCAS equal consideration date has now passed, many of our courses are still accepting applications from UK students for 2024 entry through UCAS.

The deadline for international students was 30 June 2024.

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Bachelor of Dental Surgery

A Bachelor of Arts (BA Hons) is a bachelor’s degree awarded for an undergraduate programme in the arts.

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Course overview

A year zero foundation programme, designed for mature students who have typically been out of formal education for some time or who have taken non-traditional qualifications, which leads to access onto a Dental Surgery BDS programme.

Introduction

The University of Liverpool, in collaboration with local FE partners, has developed a year zero foundation programme for Home students that leads to access onto a variety of vocational Health Studies programmes. Our Foundation to Human and Animal Health Professions (Dentistry) course is for students seeking entry to to undertake the Dental Surgery BDS (A200) programme.

Students seeking entry to Dentistry will study at Carmel College, St Helens. Carmel College is located in St Helens, about nine miles from the main University campus.  The College offers small class sizes and high standards of academic achievement.

This programme is specifically targeted at Home (UK) mature and non-traditional students, who typically have taken a break from studies.

Please note that we will not consider applications from prospective students who have multiple UCAS applications for a variety of programmes, as this does not demonstrate a clear commitment.

What you'll learn

  • Skills needed for independent study at undergraduate degree level
  • Undertaking a variety of learning methods and assessment tasks
  • A breadth of patient-focused practical experience in a region with a particularly diverse population
  • How to provide compassionate, evidence-based, holistic dental care to patients
  • How to continually adapt to respond to the current, as well as future, challenges in a dynamic world
  • Real-world clinical, team working, and leadership skills

Routes

Teaching Excellence Framework 2023

We’re proud to announce we’ve been awarded a Gold rating for educational excellence.

Course content

Discover what you'll learn, what you'll study, and how you'll be taught and assessed.

Year zero

In all modules at year zero, the study skills needed for independent study at undergraduate degree level are developed. Students are also introduced to a variety of learning methods, such as formal taught sessions, workshops and practical laboratory sessions, as well as a variety of assessment tasks, such as written assignments, in class data handling, written and practical examinations to provide a good grounding for vocational programmes.

There are some shared modules for all foundation year students, and then route-specific modules to ensure the students are prepared for their chosen undergraduate programmes.

Compulsory modules

BIOLOGY FOR HEALTH STUDIES 1 (HEAL001)

Credits: 22.5 / Semester: semester 1

This first semester module is part of the one year Foundation to Human and Animal Health Professions programme and aims to facilitate knowledge and understanding of the basic structure and function of the mammalian body at a cellular level which is required before students study HEAL002 Biology for Health Sciences 2 in semester 2. It is designed for all routes through the programme to include Allied Health Professions, Nursing, Medicine, Dentistry, Dental therapy and Veterinary Science.
It can be delivered either face to face or through a blended approach using small group e-lectures and e-tutorials based upon DoFE guidelines at the time of delivery. Support tutorials will be offered alongside laboratory teaching sessions onsite to promote development of practical skills relevant to the biological sciences and independent learning strategies.
The module is assessed by continuous coursework based on the practical laboratory skills and an end of semester multiple choice examination to assess knowledge of structure and function of mammalian cells.

BIOLOGY FOR HEALTH STUDIES 2 (HEAL002)

Credits: 22.5 / Semester: semester 1

This second semester module is part of the one year Foundation to Human and Animal Health Professions programme and is designed to build on the knowledge and understanding of mammalian cells developed in the semester 1 HEAL001 Biology module. It is delivered to all students on the programme to include Allied Health professions, Nursing, Medicine, Dentistry, Dental Therapy and Veterinary Science routes. The module introduces the student to more complex physiological processes in mammals and to some aspects of gross mammalian anatomy. The module can be delivered either face to face or using a blended approach with some face to face and small group e-lectures, as well as on-site tutorials to include laboratory work which develops practical skills relevant to the biological sciences and promotes independent learning strategies. The mode of delivery will depend upon DoFE guidance. The module is assessed by coursework and an end of semester written examination to assess knowledge of the systems explored.

CHEMISTRY FOR MEDICINE/DENTISTRY 1 (HEAL008)

Credits: 22.5 / Semester: semester 1

This first semester module forms part of the Foundation to Human and Animal Health Professions programme that has ten different professional routes leading to a clinical career. HEAL008 Chemistry for Medicine & Dentistry 1 is designed specifically for students on the Medicine, Dentistry and Dental Therapy routes and facilitates their knowledge and understanding of the basic concepts associated with the subject. It prepares students for HEAL009 Chemistry for Medicine & Dentistry 2 delivered in semester 2, further study on their chosen professional degree and supports application in their clinical practice eg when prescribing medicines. The material can be delivered either face to face or through a blended approach using lectures/e-lectures, tutorial/e-tutorials and on-site practical sessions in the laboratory to develop practical skills . The delivery mode is subject to change and DoFE guidance.
The module has two elements of assessment: on-going coursework comprised of a series of reports based upon onsite laboratory tasks, and an end of semester unseen written examination.

CHEMISTRY FOR MEDICINE/DENTISTRY 2 (HEAL009)

Credits: 22.5 / Semester: semester 1

This second semester module forms part of the Foundation to Human and Animal Health Professions programme that has ten professional routes leading to a vocational degree and a clinical career. The module builds on HEAL008 Chemistry for Medicine and Dentistry 1 delivered in semester 1 and explores more complex chemical interactions. It is designed specifically for the Medicine, Dentistry and Dental Therapy routes.
The module facilitates knowledge and understanding of the foundations of Chemistry and expands on the chemical concepts previously introduced, as well as introducing new more complex aspects associated with the subject. The material can be delivered either face to face or using a blended approach through lectures/e-lectures, tutorials/e-tutorials and on-site practical sessions in the laboratory. The mode of delivery will follow DoFE guidelines in place at the start of the academic year.
This module has two elements of assessment: on-going Coursework comprising a series of practical experiments written up as lab reports presented in a log book, and an end of semester unseen written examination .

FOUNDATIONS OF PROFESSIONAL STUDIES (HEAL005)

Credits: 15 / Semester: semester 2

This module forms part of the Foundation to Human and Animal Health Professions programme and is delivered over both semester one and semester two. All students take this module, apart from those on the Veterinary Science route who have their own professional studies module (HEAL012). The foundation route has ten health professional pathways leading to a vocational career where an understanding of health and social care is essential. This module is designed to introduce the Allied Health, Nursing, Medicine, Dental and Dental Therapy students to the health and social care environment and the issues currently faced within it. In addition it supports the development of study skills that will support students throughout their degree and into their professional careers.
The module is partly assessed through a reflective portfolio which can be carried forward throughout their degree and into clinical practice. Students will also create an assessed presentation on a topic that interests them and deliver it to their peers. This is an essential skill in health related careers where presentation of research findings at conferences is common.
Relevant topics to support development of the portfolio and presentation are delivered through interactive lectures, small group discussions, seminars and practical sessions.
The module contains compulsory elements such as a background to reflective practice and the use of portfolios; reflective assignments based upon the student’s own learning experiences and a short essay exploring the health and social care environment through research of published work. This final task demonstrates the students research skills that are essential moving forward in their studies.
A formative assessment opportunity is in place at the end of semester one to ensure a student has feedback on their work to feed forward into semester two and aid completion. The portfolio is submitted in electronic format using the University of Liverpool electronic platforms. The presentation is delivered either face to face or via a virtual learning platform.

HEALTH AND SOCIAL CARE FOR MEDICINE/DENTISTRY (HEAL010)

Credits: 15 / Semester: semester 1

This first semester module forms part of the Foundation to Human and Animal Health Professions programme that has ten professional routes leading to a vocational degree and a professional clinical career. It is designed specifically for students taking the Medicine, Dentistry and Dental therapy routes on the programme.
As a subject discipline, Health and Social Care combines elements of sociology, psychology, biology, nutrition, law and ethics, and is therefore a relevant area to include in this programme.
The module complements information delivered in HEAL001 Biology 1 by giving additional context within the UK healthcare provision and linking to the other elements described above. It aims to help students understand issues such as what ‘health’ is, how it can be assessed/measured, and the many biological, psychological, environmental and ethical factors that can influence the health of individuals in a negative or positive way. In addition the principles and importance of National Health Promotions in educating people to change behaviours for the betterment of their health are explored.
It can be delivered either face to face or using a blended approach through on-site interactive lectures and e-lectures using a suitable platform such as Zoom.
It is assessed by Coursework and a presentation.

Programme details and modules listed are illustrative only and subject to change.

Our curriculum

The Liverpool Curriculum framework sets out our distinctive approach to education. Our teaching staff support our students to develop academic knowledge, skills, and understanding alongside our graduate attributes:

  • Digital fluency
  • Confidence
  • Global citizenship

Our curriculum is characterised by the three Liverpool Hallmarks:

  • Research-connected teaching
  • Active learning
  • Authentic assessment

All this is underpinned by our core value of inclusivity and commitment to providing a curriculum that is accessible to all students.

Course options

Studying with us means you can tailor your degree to suit you. Here's what is available on this course.

Global Opportunities

University of Liverpool students can choose from an exciting range of study placements at partner universities worldwide.

What's available on this course?

Language study

Every student at The University of Liverpool can study a language as part of, or alongside their degree. You can choose:

  • A dedicated languages degree
  • A language as a joint or major/ minor degree
  • Language modules (selected degrees)
  • Language classes alongside your studies

Read more about studying a language

Your experience

When you move to the University of Liverpool in year one, you will be based in the Institute of Clinical Sciences and the Institute’s research directly influences your teaching. You’ll be taught by our most experienced practising clinicians, so you can be confident you’ll graduate as the complete dental professional. Our problem-based approach and excellent network of clinical placements mean that, alongside academic and professional skills, you will gain practical experience and apply your knowledge early in your studies, preparing you to become an excellent dentist from day one.

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Supporting your learning

From arrival to alumni, we’re with you all the way:

Careers and employability

There are a wide range of career opportunities within the profession. The majority of graduates will choose general dental practice within the NHS and in the private sector, whilst others might choose one of the hospital specialities