Duration

One Year

Medium of instruction

English

Degree awarding body

SCD

Institutionally Accredited by OAAAQA & Overseen by the MOHERI in the Sultanate of Oman

Program Mission

The mission of the General Foundation Program is to enhance students’ proficiency in English language, Mathematics, Computing and Study Skills by providing a student centered teaching- learning environment to successfully engage in their academic programs and foster independent lifelong learning.

Program Description

The GFP is a one-year, non-credit, full-time program to improve English language and other academic skills in a student-centered environment. Although English language constitutes the main aspect of the General Foundation Program, other key areas emphasized for academic preparation such as study skills, research skills, computer assisted language learning (CALL), computer skills and mathematics.

Program Objectives

  • To examine reading techniques for textual analysis and responsive activities.
  • To use listening strategies to actively analyze information in academic discourses.
  • To practice active participation in conversations/presentations to express their opinion.
  • To select appropriate essay writing techniques to produce essays of various genres.
  • To simplify the concepts of applied mathematics proficiently in a variety of contexts.
  • To employ appropriate computer literacy concepts and skills in academic work.

Program Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of the program, students should be able to:
  • Identify reading comprehension strategies for various text-types to analyze and perform a task.
  • Apply listening strategies in different arenas to identify specific information and take notes.
  • Practice various communication techniques to take part in oral discussions and presentations.
  • Develop cohesive and coherent essays by employing the conventions of academic writing.
  • Use appropriate study skill strategies and techniques to improve academic performance.
  • Identify applied mathematical concepts algebraically and geometrically in related problems.
  • Examine the essential elements and software applications of a computer to complete an academic task.

Exit Exam

An exit exam is conducted for all GFP3 students by the end of each and every semester. This is to make sure that the GFP requirements and academic standards are successfully met.

Certificates of Attainment

A GFP student is not eligible to get a certificate of GFP completion unless he/she fulfills all GFP requirements; that is, passing all GFP courses including Math and IT.

GFP Club

This club provides a good opportunity for students to use English language in a friendly and comfortable setting outside their classroom. It gives participants the opportunity to take part in many co/extra-curricular activities at their own convenience and choice.

first
Year
Semester 1

GFPL1/3

Listening & Speaking

4

GFPR1/3

Reading

4

GFPW1/3

Writing

4

GFPG1/3

Grammar

4

Semester 2

GFPL2/3

Listening & Speaking

4

GFPR2/3

Reading

4

GFPW2/3

Writing

4

GFPG2/3

Grammar

4

GFPS2/3

Study Skills

2

GFPM02

Math

2

GFPC02

Computer

2

Semester 1

GFPL1/3

Listening & Speaking

4

GFPR1/3

Reading

4

GFPW1/3

Writing

4

GFPG1/3

Grammar

4

Semester 2

GFPL2/3

Listening & Speaking

4

GFPR2/3

Reading

4

GFPW2/3

Writing

4

GFPG2/3

Grammar

4

GFPS2/3

Study Skills

2

GFPM02

Math

2

GFPC02

Computer

2

Semester 3

GFPL3/3

Listening & Speaking

6

GFPR3/3

Reading

4

GFPW3/3

Writing

4

GFPCALL3/3

Computer Assisted Language Learning (CALL)

2

GFPRCH3/3

Research

2

GFPM03

Math

2

GFPC03

Computer

2

Purpose of Placement Test

Students who apply to study in Scientific College of Design should take placement tests in English Language, Math and Computing. They are used as indicators of a student’s current competence of English Language, Math and Computing and help in placing students into appropriate levels in the General Foundation Program.

Test Administration

  1. Placement Tests at SCD are conducted on campus, so students should be available in the college 15 minutes prior to the commencement of the test to collect their Placement Test entry tickets, pass words, and the test instructions from the Admission Office.
  2. Students should bring their Identity Cards to be allowed to take the placement test.
  3. The results of the placement test are announced by the Admission Office within two working days at the latest.

Composition of the Placement Tests

ComponentQuestionsMarkDuration
A. English Language
Listening5010030 minutes
Reading5010055 minutes
Grammar707035 minutes
Writing31100[Objective/20 minutes + Essay writing/40 minutes]=60 minutes
B. Math2510030 minutes
C. Computing5010030 minutes

Head of English Language, Basic Sciences, and Humanities

It gives me immense pleasure to welcome you to the English Language, Basic Sciences and Humanities Department! You are now part of our departmental community where our experienced and well-qualified faculty members will provide you with exceptional educational experiences. As the semester begins, you will be familiar with what it means to be an active learner, get acquainted to different teaching and learning methodologies, get involved in unique classroom activities, understand latest technological trends to enhance learning, take part in extra/co-curricular opportunities and many more. I hope all of you make the most of this amazing journey. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with me or our faculty members. We're here to support you to learn, explore, and grow. I wish you every success and hope you have a wonderful time.

Dr. Sylvia D’mello ,
Head of English Language, Basic Sciences, and Humanities
Scientific College of Design

Shahlan Abdullah
Instructor

English Language Basic Sciences & Humanities

Noor Al-Ayasrah
Instructor

English Language Basic Sciences & Humanities

Tariq Rifaai
Instructor

English Language Basic Sciences & Humanities

Fakhri Al-Najjar
Instructor

English Language Basic Sciences & Humanities

Naji Hassan
Instructor

English Language Basic Sciences & Humanities

Manhal Al Rawahi
Instructor

English Language Basic Sciences & Humanities

Dr. Alaaedein Qoussini
Instructor

English Language Basic Sciences & Humanities

Dr. Doha AlThani
Instructor

English Language Basic Sciences & Humanities

Ikhlas Al Mawaly
Teaching Assistant

English Language Basic Sciences & Humanities

1

English language: in order to be promoted to the next level, a student has to attain an average mark of 60% in the English courses taken in the current level provided that he/she attains at least 50% in each and every course he/she studies in a given semester .

2

Math and IT (GFP-Levels 2 & 3 only): a student should score 60% and/or above to be promoted to the next level

General Foundation Program

Tuition Fees

DurationCredit HoursFeesOther FeesSub Total
Grand Total0 OMR

* Fees / tuitions are subject to changed accoridng to the college financial polcies / procedures and upon MoHERI approval

Finance Details

Oman Arab Bank

3128231666500

Bank Muscat

0313029205120016

*All payment are accepted through bank deposit.