Credit transfer or study year 1 for the knowledge?!

Hi

I'm seeking a bit of advice. I've been offered to transfer 120 credits from a previous degree. As the previous degree was in an unrelated subject (I studied BA Creative Writing and will now be studying BSc Environmental Science) I can only opt to do the BSc Open but I would chose modules from the 2nd and 3rd year of the Environmental Science degree.

My questions are -

- Should I make the most of being able to transfer the credits from my previous degree and skip year 1, therefore decreasing the amount of time I have to study and the cost. I am self funding so this is a contributing factor in my decision.

- Other than at GCSE level, I have not studied science before. Are the introductory modules of key importance to my understanding or can I pre-study on the topics myself to develop a strong enough foundation knowledge?

If anyone can answer these questions based on previous study experience or some kind of inside knowledge that'd be much appreciated!

Adam