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, Math, Information Technology, Research, 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 General Foundation Program (GFP) is an integral part of Scientific College of Design (SCD). It is a non-credit program founded in 2004 taking into account the students’ need to improve their English language skills so that they can efficiently enroll in the various disciplines available in the college. Although the English language constitutes the main aspect of the General Foundation Program, other key areas of focus are also emphasized including study skills, CALL, Research, IT skills and Mathematics that were introduced to enhance students’ knowledge and skills in these areas.

Program Objectives

To select reading techniques to effectively read academic passages for textual analysis and responsive activities.
To use listening strategies to actively analyze information presented in lectures/talks.
To participate actively in conversations/discussions/presentations to express their opinions orally in various contexts.
To use appropriate essay writing techniques to produce coherent, cohesive and accurate essays of various genres.
To evaluate information effectively and ethically to complete a major-related research report.
To recognize the concepts of applied mathematics proficiently in a variety of contexts.
To select appropriate computer literacy concepts and skills to make academic work effective and efficient.

Program Learning Outcomes

Recognize 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.
Display knowledge of communication techniques to effectively take part in oral discussions and presentations.
Develop effective, accurate, cohesive and coherent essays by employing the conventions of academic writing.
Assess relevant information to complete an art & design related research report in an APA documentation style.
Identify applied mathematical concepts algebraically and geometrically in related problems.
Demonstrate understanding of the essential elements and software applications of a computer to efficiently 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

GFPR1/3

Reading

GFPW1/3

Writing

GFPG1/3

Grammar

Semester 2

GFPL2/3

Listening & Speaking

GFPR2/3

Reading

GFPW2/3

Writing

GFPG2/3

Grammar

GFPS2/3

Study Skills

GFPM02

Math

GFPC02

Computer

Semester 1

GFPL1/3

Listening & Speaking

GFPR1/3

Reading

GFPW1/3

Writing

GFPG1/3

Grammar

Semester 2

GFPL2/3

Listening & Speaking

GFPR2/3

Reading

GFPW2/3

Writing

GFPG2/3

Grammar

GFPS2/3

Study Skills

GFPM02

Math

GFPC02

Computer

Semester 3

GFPL3/3

Listening & Speaking

GFPR3/3

Reading

GFPW3/3

Writing

GFPCALL3/3

Computer Assisted Language Learning (CALL)

GFPRCH3/3

Research

GFPM03

Math

GFPC03

Computer

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

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.
Students should bring their Identity Cards to be allowed to take the placement test.
The results of the placement test are announced by the Admission Office within two working days at the latest.

Composition of the Placement Tests

Component	Questions	Mark	Duration
A. English Language
Listening	50	100	30 minutes
Reading	50	100	55 minutes
Grammar	70	70	35 minutes
Writing	31	100	[Objective/20 minutes + Essay writing/40 minutes]=60 minutes
B. Math	25	100	30 minutes
C. Computing	50	100	30 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