Science and Engineering

The Academic English Skills module provides thorough training in the English language and related academic skills to prepare you for degree-level study at university. You will develop your academic writing, effective reading strategies, presentation skills, note taking, essay writing and ability to contribute in group discussions. This module will ensure you reach the required level in reading, writing, listening and speaking in order to progress to your chosen university. 

Acquire a basic understanding of the Dutch language and receive an introduction to the highlights of Dutch culture. You will learn day-to-day vocabulary and some simple Dutch phrases such as greetings, asking for directions, introducing yourself and ordering food and drinks. You will also understand typical customs and the work attitude expected from students. 

You will have a personal tutor who supports your personal development and can help resolve any issues related to life away from home, preparation for the academic world, adapting to independent learning and making the most of extracurricular activities. You will have one-to-one meetings at least once a term to assess your attendance, academic performance and to generally support your experience at the Holland International Study Centre. 

Learn how to apply mathematics to everyday situations and cover the basics in calculus, algebra, functions and derivatives.

An introduction to vectors, linear and projectile motion and analysing and constructing graphs. You will gain an understanding of the physical principles that describe classical mechanics, circular motion and gravity. Concepts include forces in equilibrium as well as in motion, energy, power and momentum. The module concludes with a discussion on circular motion and Newton’s law of gravity. 

To prepare you for science study, you will develop an understanding of trigonometry (relations in triangles), trigonometric functions (Sine, Cosine and periodicity) and vector algebra (linear algebra). 

This module will develop your understanding of thermal dynamics with a focus on the kinetic theory of gases. You will then study simple harmonic motion and wave phenomena. The module concludes with the study of electricity and magnetism.

You will learn how to understand formulae, equations, moles and volumetric analysis. You will also study atomic structure, properties of ions and molecules, molecular structure and bonding, states of matter, enthalpy, reaction kinetics, redox reactions, equilibria, acids and bases, and the periodic table.

In preparation for science study, this module teaches basic probability and basic vector algebra. You will look at statistical data, tree diagrams and Bayes’ Theorem, modelling and problem solving, and more.

You will develop an understanding of atomic, nuclear and quantum physics. You will also receive a short introduction to astronomy, Earth’s energy balance and energy production technologies. Topics include, radioactivity, nuclear physics, energy production, energy transfer and energy balance, differential equations, Doppler effect, Hubble and astronomy, photoelectric effect, matter waves and Bohr model. 

This module develops the basic principles of chemistry and will stimulate your appreciation of the social, environmental, economic and technological impact of chemistry on the community. You will study organic chemistry, electrochemistry, acids and bases, lab techniques, mass spectrometry, and more.