On This Page: Foundation courses University compulsory courses LAN courses Headstart programme SFS Faculty

The School of Foundation and Liberal Studies (SFLS) conducts two categories of courses for all students. They are University compulsory and LAN (Lembaga Akreditasi Negara) compulsory courses. SFLS provides a Headstart Programme to enhance students' readiness for tertiary study before they embark on degree programmes at the University. In addition, SFLS also offers Foundation courses to further consolidate students' basic knowledge and competency in English and Mathermatics.

The School of Foundation Studies is also in the process of developing other programmes on lifelong learning. These include short and long term courses and degree programmes for individuals, the community, industry, government and non-government organisations. These courses are designed to help people enrich their knowledge, living skills, and to upgrade and enhance workplace skills and competencies.

Currently, the School offers the following courses:

• Foundation courses:

  These courses are offered as electives to strengthen and further consolidate your basic knowledge.

  Foundation Mathematics
  This course serves to reinforce simple concepts and applications of mathematics. Topics include algebra, matrices, system of linear equations, functions, coordinate geometry, vectors, differentiation and integrations.

  Foundation English
  This course uses themes and topics related to everyday life to enhance your English language proficiency. It enables you to develop and integrate the use of the four language skills and encourages you to formulate and express your own ideas in a variety of topics and to communicate effectively and appropriately.

• University compulsory courses:

  Learning Skills for University Studies
  The main aim of this course is to develop and enhance a set of attitudes and practices that will lead to successful and independent lifelong learning in an Open and Distance Learning (ODL) environment. The course equips you with skills to learn effectively, to manage time and stress, to cope with assessments, to prepare written and oral presentations, to search for information and to manage Wawasan Open University's learning systems.

  University Mathematics
  This course covers the basic knowledge of calculus. Topics include limits, continuity, derivatives and integrals of polynomial, rational, trigonometric, exponential and logarithm functions.

  Basic Computing and the Internet
  This course introduces you to the basic concepts of a computer system and its operation. It includes the hardware components and system software that constitute the system. Common office productivity tools will also be introduced. The course also provides a basic introduction to the Internet.

  English for the Workplace
  This course focuses on the skills you require to communicate effectively in a wide range of workplace situations. It starts by providing you with an overview of the communication process and the various communication media. This is followed by telephone skills, business writing (letters, memorandums, faxes) and interviews.

  Communication for the Workplace
  This course aims to develop further your ability to communicate effectively in the workplace. It includes skills you need to write reports, to give oral presentations and to handle meetings. You will also be exposed to the use of electronic media in communication.

  Writing Skills for University Studies
  This course emphasizes the development of writing skills which are central to the production of well-researched and accurately presented written assignments. It focuses on improving your ability to present your own ideas and information gathered from different sources effectively. It also equips you with citation and editing skills.

• LAN courses:

  Bahasa Kebangsaan A
  This course aims to improve your proficiency in Bahasa Malaysia and prepares you to express your thoughts and ideas and communicate effectively in formal and informal settings. It also trains you to acquire listening and writing skills for career advancement.

  Malaysian Studies
  This course provides you with an overall understanding of Malaysia as a nation. It covers various historical aspects and the system of rule of law practiced in Malaysia. It explains major development policies and plans and discusses national and socio-economic development and other contemporary issues.

  Pengajian Moral
  Moral studies is aimed at instilling the ability to appreciate and practice moral values among students in the Malaysian society. The course encourages logical and rational thinking based on various moral theories and religious values, thereby providing you with some guidelines on how to overcome moral conflicts and dilemmas.

  Pengajian Islam
  This is a compulsory LAN subject for all Muslim students studying at private institutions of higher learning. It explains Islam as a way of life in a complete, balanced and integrated manner.

• Headstart programme:

  The Headstart Programme is a one semester programme with face-to-face tutorial sessions conducted on every weekend. It is designed to help students enhance their literacy and numeracy skills before proceeding for tertiary studies. The following courses are taught in this programme:

  • English Language
  • Bahasa Melayu
  • Mathematics
  • Study Skills

Assoc. Prof. Mogana Dhamotharan - Dean
PhD (Glasgow), M Ed (Malaysia), M Ed (Wales), B Journalism (Panjab), BA (Hons) (Panjab)

Ms Jasmine Selvarani Emmanuel - Lecturer
MA (English Language), BA Ed (Hons) (USM); currently pursuing Doctorate in Education at OUM.

Ms Vickneswarinee Ganisha - Lecturer
MA (Linguistics & English Language Studies), BComm (Hons) (USM)

Ms Rabikha Hasni bt. Suparman - Lecturer
MPA (USM), BA (Hons) (Malay Language and Linguistics) (UPM), Dip IT