Specialised Higher-Certificate Course in Science, Mathematics & IT

Bournemouth Business School International (BBSI), our British Council accredited UK English School and business college, offers international students the opportunity to undertake a UK English course, while also learning science, mathematics and computer skills, and acquiring the basic knowledge required for careers or further study in technical fields.

The BBSI Higher-Certificate study option is designed for students with excellent High School
grades and an English language level equivalent to IELTS 5.5/CEFR B2. This 24-week course
enables participants to both develop their IT and technical vocabulary to a level of proficiency,
and to build their English language communication skills. The course leads to a BBSI
Higher-Certificate in Science, Mathematics & IT, and an NCFE Certificate in Science,
Mathematics & IT. Students will also have the opportunity to acquire the ICDL^®, and to prepare
for an English or business English examination.

Professional Qualifications. BBSI is an Accredited Centre for preparation for the International
Computer Driving Licence^® (ICDL^®). The ICDL^® verifies practical competence in computer skills,
and provides individuals with an internationally-recognised qualification. Depending on the study
option selected, students will follow the full ICDL^® syllabus and can elect to obtain this additional
qualification.For students intending to undertake the optional ICDL^® examination, we would
recommend a minimum of 12 weeks' preparation prior to the examination date.

Additional English and Business English Qualifications. Students will also have the option to prepare
for up to 3 different University of Cambridge ESOL qualifications: the First Certificate in English
(FCE)

, the Certificate in Advanced English (CAE)

, or the Business English Certificate (BEC)

. Students wishing to take one of these examinations are recommended to study for a full 12 weeks

prior to the examination, to maximise their chances of success. Alternatively, students can opt to join

our ongoing weekly English Language Workshop (ELW)

at a language level to suit their needs.

Course Outline:

Minimum English-Language Entry Level. IELTS 5.5/CEFR B2.

Course Duration. 24-35 weeks.

Course Code. HCMT.

Main Course Entry Dates. Sep, Jan, Apr or Jul; however, flexible entry dates are available
for these courses (term dates 2011/12).

Minimum Age. 17 years.

Award. Academic achievement is ascertained by means of continuous assessment.

BBSI Certificate in Science, Mathematics & IT

NCFE Certificate in Science, Mathematics & IT

Optional External Examinations+. Additional examination fees apply.

               International Computer Driving Licence^® (examination dates)

               University of Cambridge FCE (examination dates)
               University of Cambridge FCE (examination dates)
               University of Cambridge BEC (examination dates)

Course Structure & Content. A minimum of 24 weeks' study is required, comprising 30, forty-five minute lessons (22.5 hours total) weekly. Course breakdown is as follows:

      Terms 1 & 2

20 lessons weekly in Science, Mathematics & IT
10 weekly lessons in English Language
       (selected from one of the following options):
                   * preparation for the University of Cambridge FCE
                   * preparation for the University of Cambridge CAE
                   * preparation for the University of Cambridge BEC
                   * English Language Workshop (ELW)

Course Elements. The Certificate and the Higher-Certificate and full Diploma courses provide students with 4 main components: science, mathematics, IT, and English-language development. The Science, Mathematics & IT syllbus incorporates specialised elements within the following topics:

      Mathematics
            *  mathematical vocabulary
            *  describing motion
            * angles, bearings & maps
            *  statistics & probability theory
            *  sequences & series
            *  differentiation & integration
            *  2 & 3 dimensional geometry
            *  graphs of functions
            *  applied mathematics
            *  analysing data
            *  motions & vectors

      Applied science & Engineering
            *  light & radio waves
            *  force & effect
            *  atomic theory & chemical reactions
            * nuclear physics
            * refining of raw materials
            * environmental science
            * electricity, electromagnetism & electronics
            * materials & stresses

      Technology
            * security
             * materials & systems
            * applications
            * human factor/needs/values/aesthetics


      General Science
            * research methods
            * writing scientific reports
            * problem solving
            * reading & interpreting scientific information

      Computers & IT
            * SQL
            * Microsoft Office applications
            * binary system
            * operating systems
            * web design with HTML
            * software engineering
            * information & effective communication
            * object-orientated programming with Java
            * computer architecture
            * using a computer effectively & managing files
            * concepts of information & computing technology

Course Objectives. The course objectives are to:

      * Provide students with the specialised language of science,
             mathematics & IT, to enable them to communicate effectively
             in a related international environment.
      * Enable students to develop a sound understanding of current
             theory & practice in science, mathematics and IT.
      * Facilitate the development of effective business English
             communication skills.
      * Ensure students build appropriate vocabulary related to science,
             mathematics & IT.
      * Provide preparation for an internationally recognised IT qualification.

      Course Syllabus. Students seeking to start the 24 week Higher-Certificate course in January or
      July would follow weeks 13-24 and weeks 25-36 of the syllabus outlined in the course description,
      whilst those commencing the same course in either September or April would study weeks 25-36
      and weeks 13-24. Those wishing to study for longer periods should contact BBSI to confirm the
      course syllabus for their study.

BBSI courses are carefully designed and structured at different language levels to enable international students to develop all 4 English language skills simultaneously, while developing their professional communication skills and professional knowledge in academic, vocational or professional context, in the specialised subject of their choice. Students therefore have the flexibility to focus on either academic or vocational progression, depending on their personal training needs and particular learning objectives.