About Foundation Program
Personnel
| Director | Faical Ben Khalifa |
|---|---|
| Secretary | Fatima Barham , Nasser Al Shahri |
Overview of Foundation Program
The General Foundation Program is a one-year bridge course intended to equip high school graduates to pursue university majors and is undertaken by most university students in Oman. The program focuses on four areas: English, Mathematics, IT, and general study skills.
Dhofar University’s Foundation Program follows the general standards and learning outcomes as outlined by the Oman Academic Accreditation Authority (OAAA). It aims to impart quality education to students and prepare them for their various majors. With courses ranging from Beginner to Intermediate, it caters to the curricular and co-curricular needs of students to actively bridge the gap between secondary and tertiary education.
Since its inception, the Foundation Program has successfully met both these needs and the academic expectations of Dhofar University. There are presently more than 60 faculty members of various nationalities in the Foundation Program. The richness of their professional expertise and experience, their enthusiasm, and their involvement in the community constitute the backbone of the Foundation Program as it equips a steadily increasing student body.
Vision
The Foundation Program aspires to occupy a distinctive position amongst the Sultanate’s GFPs by imparting quality education.
Mission
The Foundation Program strives to equip students with quality, outcome-based education in a rich teacher-learner environment conducive to academic excellence and life-long learning.
Values
- Academic excellence
- Individual responsibility
- Life-long learning
- Quality education
- Continuous improvement
Academic Units
There are 3 academic units in FP:
- English Unit
- Mathematics Unit
- IT Unit
Study Plan
The following table summarizes the FP study plan:
| Hours | Math | Hours | IT | Hours | |
| Regular Courses | |||||
| English Level 1 | 20-25 | Math Level 0 | 2 | 0 | |
| English Level 2 | 20 | Math Level 1 | 5 | IT Level 1 | 3 |
| English Level 3 | 20 | Math Level 2 | 5 | IT Level 2 | 3 |
| Law Courses | |||||
| English Law Level 1 | 20 | Math Level 1 | 4 | IT Level 1 | 3 |
| Arabic Courses | |||||
| English Arabic Level 1 | 20 | 0 | IT Level 1 | 3 | |
| Evening Courses | |||||
| English Level 1 | 20/25 | Pre-Level 1 Math | 2 | ||
| English Level 2 | 20 | Math Level 1 | 5 | IT Level 1 | 3 |
| English Level 3 | 20 | Math Level 2 | 5 | IT Level 2 | 3 |
English Language Unit
As English is the medium of instruction at Dhofar University, there is a clear need to approach English education in a systematic, meaningful, and purposeful manner. The English 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 with the aim of immersing them in the language.
Twelve to fifteen hours a week are dedicated to Reading & Writing, with eight to ten hours a week dedicated to Listening & Speaking. Students take a midterm and a final exam. Grades are determined by exam results, as well as continuous assessment, portfolios, progress tests, and quizzes. The weighting for each skill area is as follows:
| Skill | Weight |
|---|---|
| Reading | 30% |
| Writing | 30% |
| Listening | 20% |
| Speaking | 20% |
English Language Courses:
| Level 1 |
| FPE 101A: Foundation program English Level 1 |
| Course Description: |
| FP 101A is an intensive elementary-level English course designed to develop both English skills and good study habits. kills taught include Reading & Writing and Listening & Speaking. Learning outcomes are aligned with Oman Academic Standards. Upon completion, students transition to FPE 102B (Level 2). |
| FPEL 100 – Foundation Program English for Law |
| Course Description: |
| FFPEL 100 is an intensive elementary-level English course for intended law-degree students designed to develop both English skills and good study habits. Skills taught include Reading & Writing and Listening & Speaking. Upon completion, students are expected to have attained an elementary level of English. |
| FPEA 100 – Foundation Program English for Arabic |
| Course Description: |
| FPEA 100 is an intensive elementary-level English course for intended Arabic-degree students designed to develop both English skills and good study habits. Skills taught include Reading & Writing and Listening & Speaking. Upon completion, students are expected to have attained an elementary level of English. |
| Level 2 |
| FPE 102B: Foundation Program English Level 2 |
| Course Description: |
| FPE 102B is an intensive pre-intermediate English course designed to develop both English skills and good study habits. Skills taught include Reading & Writing and Listening & Speaking. Learning outcomes are aligned with Oman Academic Standards. Upon completion, students transition to FPE 103C (Level 3). |
| Level 3 |
| FPE 103C: Foundation Program English Level 3 |
| Course Description: |
| FPE 103C is an intensive intermediate English course designed to develop both English skills and good study habits. Skills taught include Reading & Writing and Listening & Speaking. Learning outcomes are aligned with Oman Academic Standards. Upon completion, students transition to their respective majors. |
Placement Test
| Criterion | Level | Remarks |
|---|---|---|
| 0 – 22 | Level-1 | Students who score 43+ on Cambridge University Online Placement Test and those who produce either an IELTS certificate with a band of 5+ or a TOEFL certificate indicating a score of 500+ are exempted from doing the FP. Such students join their Majors. |
| 23 –32 | Level-2 | |
| 33 – 42 | Level-3 | |
| 43 and above | Major |
Mathematics and IT Unit
The two-term Mathematics course aims to bridge any gaps in students’ knowledge in mathematics. Basic Mathematics is taken in the first term, while Applied or Pure Mathematics (depending on the student’s major) is taken in the second term.
Similarly, the two-term IT course aims to equip students with basic IT fluency and competency skills. It emphasizes the essential components of a standard IT curriculum as specified for General Foundation Programs by Oman Academic Standards. The curriculum provides students with a basic understanding of computers, the use of word-processing software and the Internet, graphics, and other essential IT skills. It utilizes a practical approach by investigating a variety of situations across the technological spectrum. Details of Mathematics and IT courses are as follows:
| Course Name | Contact Hours per week | |
|---|---|---|
| FPM-101A (Basic) | Foundation Program Math Level 1 | 5 |
| FPM-102B (Pure& Applied) | Foundation Program Math Level 2 | 5 |
| FPML-100 | Foundation Mathematics for Law | 4 |
| FPM-101A: Foundation Program Math Level-1 (Basic) |
| The aim of this course is to teach conceptual understanding and problem solving. The program covers Basic Algebraic Operations, Polynomials, Exponents, Radicals, Rational Expressions First Degree Equations and Inequalities, Quadratic Equations, Equation of a Circle, Straight Lines, and Basic Trigonometry. |
| FPM-102B: Foundation Program Math Level-2 (Pure & Applied) |
| The aim of this course is to prepare students for further study of higher-level mathematics at higher and other non-mathematics-related subjects. The program covers Graphs & Functions, Exponential & Logarithmic Functions, System of Linear Equations, Trigonometric Functions, Basic Statistics and Introduction to Probability. |
| FPML 100: Foundation Mathematics for Law |
| The aim of this course is to provide students who intend to major in Law with a basic understanding of mathematical concepts, including Algebra, Equations, and Fundamentals of Trigonometry. Students are also familiarized with the language of basic mathematics and how to solve real-life problems. |
IT Unit Courses
| Course Code | Course Name | Contact Hours per week |
|---|---|---|
| FPTL 100 | Foundation IT For Law | 3 |
| FPT 101A | Foundation Program IT Level 1 | 3 |
| FPT 102B | Foundation Program IT Level 1 | 3 |
Course Description
| FPT 101A: Foundation Program IT Level 1 |
| The aim of this course is to equip students with the knowledge and skills of IT necessary to source, communicate, and process information related to higher education. Students experience hands-on training with various day-to-day software packages, including MS Windows, Word, and Excel. Students are also exposed to basic IT-related concepts, computer operation, and file management. |
| FPT 102B: Foundation Program IT Level 2 |
| The aim of this course is to further equip students with the knowledge and skills of IT necessary to source, communicate, and process information related to higher education. Students experience hands-on training with various day-to-day software packages, including MS Excel, PowerPoint, and Animation Software. Students are also exposed to concepts, practices, and usage of the Internet in day-to-day life. |
| FPTL 100: Foundation IT for Law |
| The aim of this course is to equip Law students with the knowledge and skills of IT necessary to source, communicate, and process information related to higher education in the field of Law. Students experience hands-on training with various day-to-day software packages, including MS Windows, Word, and Excel. Students are also exposed to basic IT-related concepts, computer operation, and file management. |
Placement criterion for Math
| Criterion | Level | Remarks |
|---|---|---|
| 0 – 49 | Level-1 | Students who score 60+ in the Moodle-Based Math Placement Test are exempted from doing the Foundation Program. Such students join their Majors. |
| 50 – 59 | Level-2 | |
| 60 – 100 | Exempted |
Placement criterion for IT
| Criterion | Level | Remarks |
|---|---|---|
| 0 – 59 | Level-1 | Students are exempted from taking IT and can join the majors if: 1) score 70+ in the Moodle-based IT Placement test or 2) provide an International (English) IC3 or ICDL certificate or 3) provide a Domestic (Arabic) IC3, ICDL certificate or any other equivalent certificate AND 60% score in an IT Challenge test. |
| 59 – 69 | Level-2 | |
| 70 – 100 | Exempted |
Faculty & Staff of Foundation Program
FP ADMINISTRATION
| Name | Position | Contact No. | Office No. | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Faical Hamadi Ben Khalifa | Director of FP | faical_khalifa@du.edu.om | 23237500 | 202 D |
| Fatima Barham | Secretary I | FBarham@du.edu.om | 23237501 | 204 D |
| Michael Hankins | IT Technical Support II | mhankins@du.edu.om | 23237146 | 218 A |
| Nasser Ahmed Said AL Shahri | Secretary I | nalshahri@du.edu.om | 23237502 | 224 D |
ENGLISH LANGUAGE UNIT
| Name | Position | Contact No. | Office No. | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Umamaheswara Rao Bontha | Assistant Professor | u_bontha@du.edu.om | 23237530 | 221 D |
| Fatima Kashoob | Lecturer | fkashoob@du.edu.om | 23237521 | 226 D |
| David G Wiliams | Instructor | dwilliams@du.edu.om | 23237516 | 227 D |
| Adnan Eteiwi | Lecturer | adnann_eteiwi@du.edu.om | 23237511 | 214 D |
| Ahmed Al Ani | Lecturer | a_alani@du.edu.om | 23237512 | 219 D |
| Amal Hassan Mursi Essa | Instructor | amursi@du.edu.om | 23237513 | 211 D |
| Carmel Hankins | Lecturer | Carmel@du.edu.om | 23237513 | 212 D |
| Chowlur Bhargavi | Lecturer | Chowlur@du.edu.om | 23237515 | 219 A |
| David Heavin | Instructor | dheavin@du.edu.om | 23237517 | 228 D |
| Ebaa Refaie Qasim Momani | Lecturer | Ebaa@du.edu.om | 23237518 | 217 D |
| Hyder Al Mughrabi | Lecturer | h_mughrabi@du.edu.om | 23237522 | 205 D |
| Iain Douglas Black | Instructor | iblack@du.edu.om | 23237520 | 215 D |
| Jonathan Titcomb | Instructor | jtitcomb@du.edu.om | 23237528 | 231 D |
| Jonathan Dunnete | Instructor | jrdunnette@du.edu.om | 23237526 | 234 D |
| Lise Marie Lacasse | Instructor | llacasse@du.edu.om | 23237371 | 227 D |
| Mohamed Hamid Achamsi | Instructor | machamsi@du.edu.om | 23237525 | 208 D |
| Mahija Nambiar | Lecturer | m_veetil@du.edu.om | 23237529 | 207 D |
| Merin John Charuvila | Lecturer | merin@du.edu.om | 23237531 | 218 D |
| Millie Paulose | Instructor | Millie@du.edu.om | 23237532 | 219 A |
| Nathaniel Lotze | Instructor | nlotze@du.edu.om | 23237533 | 228 D |
| Ramadevi Sakhamuri | Lecturer | rama_devi@du.edu.om | 23237534 | 235 D |
| Rashida Azhar Iqbal | Instructor | riqbal@du.edu.om | 23237535 | 229 D |
| Shanta Sasidharan | Lecturer | Shanta@du.edu.om | 23237536 | 233 D |
| Sucharitha Gopalan | Lecturer | s_gopalan@du.edu.om | 23237551 | 213 D |
| Syed Arshad Ali Shah | Lecturer | sali@du.edu.om | 23237552 | 216 A |
| Thangadurai | Instructor | tkadarkarai@du.edu.om | 23237553 | 220 D |
MATHS UNIT
| Name | Position | Contact No. | Office No. | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mohammad Mustafa | Lecturer | m_mustafa@du.edu.om | 23237540 | 225 A |
| Tariq Mefleh | Instructor | Kalkhshpan@du.edu.om | 23237541 | 235 A |
| Wesam Sameh Tawfiq Al Karadsheh | Lecturer | wesam@du.edu.om | 23237544 | 230 A |
| Wajdi Hamza Dawod | Lecturer | walredany@du.edu.om | 23237542 | 228 A |
| Waqar Ahmad Khan | Lecturer | wkhan@du.edu.om | 23237543 | 227 A |
IT UNIT
| Name | Position | Contact No. | Office No. | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Veeraiyan Maruthappan | Lecturer | veeraiyan@du.edu.om | 23237560 | 206 A |
| Anita Venugopal | Lecturer | antia@du.edu.om | 23237561 | 207 A |
| Bhagyalatha Chinta | Lecturer | Latha@du.edu.om | 23237563 | 209 A |
| Waqas Javed Khan | Lecturer | wjkhan@du.edu.om | 23237564 | 212 A |
FP Downloads
| English | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
 LVL 1 – T1 Course Syllabus |
Download | |||
 LVL 1 – T1 Listening and Speaking Study Guide |
Download | |||
| LVL 1 – T1 Reading and Writing Study Guide |
Download | |||
| LVL 2 –T1 Course Syllabus |
Download | |||
| LVL 2 –T1 Study Plan Reading and Writing |
Download | |||
| LVL 2 –T1 Study Plan Listening and Speaking |
Download | |||
| LVL 3 – T1 Course Syllabus |
Download | |||
| LVL 3 – T1 Listening and Speaking Study Guide |
Download | |||
| LVL 3 – T1 Reading and Writing Study Guide |
Download | |||
| IT | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| LVL 1 –T1 IT Syllabus and Study Guide |
Download | |||
| LVL 2 –T1 IT Syllabus and Study Guide |
Download | |||
| Manuals & Handbook | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Induction Manual 5.7.2016 |
Download | |||
| Math | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| LVL 1 – T1 Basic Maths Syllabus & Study Plan |
Download | |||
| LVL 2 – T1 Applied Maths Syllabus & Study Plan |
Download | |||
| Pre Level – 1 Maths Syllabus & Study Plan |
Download | |||
FP Faculty Manual
FP Student Handbook
FP Chronicle
FP Outstanding Students
