General Foundation Programme


Programme Overview


The General Foundation Programme (GFP) in Oman College of Health Sciences (OCHS) is designed to equip fresh intake of students with the necessary learning and language skills needed to join health sciences specialties programmes, in alignment with Oman Academic Standards for General Foundation Programmes. The GFP academic year is composed of three trimesters of 12 weeks each. The subjects taught are (1) English with three levels (coded FND01,FND02 and FND03), (2) two levels of Math (coded FND201 and FND201) and (3) two levels of Information Technology (IT coded FND301 and FND302). During their studies in GFP, students are exposed to various learning experiences along with embedded study skills. The course employs the diverse approaches and strategies to guide the students towards active independent learning.

Programme Details


Academic English and Introduction to Health Sciences provide opportunities to learners for language learning from pre-intermediate to high intermediate levels through a communicative-integrative approach. It develops communicative competence among learners in the four macro-language skills: listening, speaking, reading and writing. In trimester 1, only FND101 is taught for 288 hours at a rate of 24 hours per week. Upon completion of this course, students are expected to achieve language proficiency at Pre-intermediate level. FND 102 (offered in trimester 2) demands a higher level of comprehension, critical thinking and communication from the learners in the four language skills. Learners spend 240 contact hours scheduled for 20 hours weekly. Upon completion of this course, students are expected to attain language proficiency at Intermediate level. FND 103 (offered in trimester 3) is covered in 240 hours at a rate of 20 hours per week. Upon completion of this course, students are expected to demonstrate High Intermediate level language proficiency.


Math
Math is offered in trimerster 2 and 3 of the GFP academic year. FND 201 covers basic mathematical concepts and their uses. This 36-hour course is covered in a12-weeks at the rate of 3 hours per week. FND 202, a sequel to FND 201 is an advanced course in Pure Mathematics. This 36-hour course is covered in 12-weeks at the rate of 3 hours per week.


Information Technology
Information Technology is offered in trimester 2 and 3 of the GFP academic year. FND 301 offers basic theoretical Computing Fundamental to understand the makeup of computer system in terms of hardware and software, data storage and memory. It exposes the students to the importance of networking and provides hands-on experience with common software applications. The course emphasises on developing file management skill using Microsoft Windows operating system. Besides, Students gain practical knowledge about preparing well formatted documents and tables using Microsoft Word. This 24-hour course is covered in 12-weeks at the rate of 2 hours per week. FND 302 This course is built as a sequel to the FND 301 and therefore, students are required to successfully complete the FND 301 before they join this course, which enhances students’ abilities in creating PowerPoint presentation, managing
spreadsheets and introduce them to the fundamentals of computer networks and communication systems which assist in providing the students with the tools for searching and accessing information remotely and using electronic mails for communicating with other people. This 24-hour course is covered in 12-weeks at the rate of 2 hours per week.


The fourth component of GFP; Study Skills, is not represented as an independent course, the required skills (as specified in the OASGFP) are integrated in the English, Maths and IT programmes and help students develop a range of generic skills needed for life-long learning. They learn to organize their time, meet deadlines, read faster with comprehension, expand their vocabulary, take notes in class, keep track of assignments, interpret and analyse graphic information, adopt the most effective communication strategies, apply research strategies and write essays/reports. They also learn exam preparation techniques, mathematical skills related to basic and pure mathematics (as defined in the OASGFP) and essential computer skills such as managing the desktop, searching the world wide web, word processing, creating presentations and managing spread sheets.

Foundation Programs