Duration

One Year

Medium of instruction

English

Degree awarding body

SCD

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.

Accreditation

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.

Certificate 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 strengthen English language, tackle mathematical challenges and enhance computing skills 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.

One Year Program

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

GFPCALL2/3

Computer Assisted Language Learning (CALL)

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

GFPCALL2/3

Computer Assisted Language Learning (CALL)

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 SCD 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 or be exempted. Students who provide an IELTS Band 5 or TOEFL 500 for English or ICDL certificate or IC3 certificate or Cambridge IT Test certificate for computing or a General Foundation Program completion certificate from any Higher Education Institution within the Sultanate of Oman are exempted from taking the Placement Test.

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 and Registration Department.
Students should bring their Identity Cards ( National ID / Passport) to be allowed to take the placement test.
The results of the placement test are announced by the Admission and Registration Department within two working days at the latest.

Composition of the Placement Tests

Component	Total Questions	Mark	Duration
English Language	61	100	60 minutes
Use of English	36	36
listening	12	12
Reading	12	12
Writing	1	40
Math	25	100	30 minutes
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