Are you fresh out of high school and deciding your options on your higher education path? If you desire to pursue a science-relevant degree, what you will need to do beforehand is a Science Foundation Programme. Continue reading to find out the basics of a Foundation in Science programme and how you should apply for science foundation programme in Malaysia.
Foundation courses are a pre-university programme designed for students to prepare themselves for the degree path. This university course primarily focuses on science subjects like Biology, Mathematics, Information Technology (IT), Physics and more, depending on your chosen field. Students who would like to pursue a science degree can opt for a Foundation in Science programme to help them transition out of their SPM mindset. Degrees in the science field may include mechanical engineering, software engineering, medicine, bio-science and many more. Completing a foundation programme will prepare students and aid them with gaining the fundamental information to pursue a science-related degree in the university of their choice.
1. A minimum of 5 credits (5Cs), including mathematics and science, and any equivalent subjects in their SPM results. These subjects may include:
– Physics
– Chemistry
– Biology
– Additional Mathematics
– English (Mandatory)
– Bahasa Melayu (Mandatory)
1. Specified and broad curriculum varying depending on the student’s choice of subjects
2. Course duration is usually 12 – 15 months. .
3. Students may take elective subjects that they are interested in
4. Course modules and options include:
– Mathematics
– Software Engineering
– Chemical Engineering
– Medicine
– Information Technology (IT)
– Accounting
5. Evaluation is based on a combination of assignments and final examinations, assessments (quizzes, presentations, projects, practical tests).
6. The programme will be managed completely by the university of the student’s choice
There are a multitude of benefits that students can reap when they choose to start their higher education path with a foundation in Science programme. Firstly, a foundation programme is known to offer a head start to your undergraduate degree. Students will be well-equipped with the basic knowledge of the chosen science field, and the programme will emphasize on specific sets of subjects to further prepare the student for a degree. Next, it provides the students with scholarship opportunities. As compared to other pre-university programmes, selected universities provide their best students with scholarship opportunities when they choose to further their degree in the same university. Some universities in Malaysia also offer discounts and fee waivers based on your SPM results. The foundation programme also offers students a faster track to pursuing their science related degree programme. As a foundation programme lasts anywhere between 12 to 15 months, it is much quicker than taking their A-Levels or STPM examinations to pursue their undergraduate degree. Lastly, pursuing a Foundation in Science programme can improve your social skills and confidence. The university environment when pursuing a foundation programme will equip students with tertiary education skills in their specialized field. Students will also learn how to complete academic tasks and examinations. It is more likely for students who pursue a foundation programme to be more adaptable and can cope better when they pursue their degree.