STRUCTURE OF THE PROGRAM

The Foundation Program is designed to bridge the gap between secondary education and university undergraduate studies. The program’s focus is to ensure the students’ readiness to embark upon their university studies. The curriculum is aligned with the learning outcomes stated in the Oman Academic Standards for Foundation Programs. The emphasis of the English program is on the genera communication and academic skills. The Math program is divided into Basic, Applied and Pure sessions, while the IT program focuses on the skills required to use technology effectively in routine studies.

Tests and alternative assessment schemes are used to evaluate the students’ performance throughout the semester.

The FP Student Support Unit offers personal and academic support to FP students.

ENGLISH LANGUAGE UNIT

Since English is the medium of instruction at Dhofar University, there is a definite need to approach the testing of English at the University in a systematic, meaningful and purposeful manner. The English Language Unit offers incoming students with low proficiency in English, an intensive program to help them pursue their studies in the major of their choice through the medium of English. The English program is divided into a General English course and an Academic English course, with the aim of immersing the students in the English language.

MATHEMATICS AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY UNIT

MATHEMATICS

This two-semester course aims at bridging the gaps in students’ knowledge in mathematics. Basic Mathematics is taken in the first semester (Level 1) while Applied OR Pure Mathematics is taken in the second semester (Level 2) based on the students’ major  in the university. Basic Mathematics skills emphasize conceptual understanding and problem solving. The program covers Arithmetic, First Degree Equations and Inequalities, Matrices, Linear Functions and Inequalities in Two Variables, Systems of Equations and Inequalities, Polynomials and Exponents, Rational Expressions, Sequences and Series, Introduction to Complex Numbers and Introductory Trigonometry.

INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

This two semester course aims to bridge the gap for students who wish to join Dhofar University and lack pre-college Information Technology (IT) fluency and competency skills. It emphasizes the essential parts of standard curriculum in IT, giving students basic understanding of computers, the use of word-processing software, and essential IT skills. It uses a practical approach by investigating a variety of situations from across the spectrum of technology. Furthermore, it provides students with knowledge of graphics and the use of the Internet.

STUDY SKILLS

Study Skills are integrated in the English, Math and IT programs and aim to help students develop the range of useful study skills that they need to succeed in college. They learn how to use and organize their time, read faster with comprehension, expand their vocabulary, take good notes in class, keep track of assignments, interpret and analyse graphic information, and adopt the most effective communication strategies.

PLACEMENT IN THE FOUNDATION PROGRAM

Students are placed in the appropriate Level based on their results in the placement tests for English, Math and IT.

PROMOTION POLICY AND EXIT FROM FP

Students in FP are evaluated regularly to help determine their progress and attain the set goals. They are provided with every opportunity to be promoted to upper levels based on the promotion policy requirements stated in each syllabus. Students who fulfill the promotion requirements of English Level three exit the FP and join the university programs. All English Level three students are required to take the IELTS test at DU as part of the promotion requirements to the university.

EXEMPTION FROM THE FOUNDATION ENGLISH PROGRAM

Students enrolled in any of the English Levels at the FP can be admitted to the university programs (Year 1), if they present an official IELTS certificate (band 5 or above) or equivalent evidence.