KUCHING – Swinburne University of Technology Sarawak Campus School of Foundation Studies is implementing a new foundation course structure for 2022, following the Malaysian Qualifications Agency (MQA) audit and comprehensive course review in 2021.
In summary, the changes in the new foundation courses are outlined below:
1. Each course is changed to two common, two stream and four elective units (a total of eight units)
2. No pre-requisite units
3. Unit level changes to aims, learning outcomes, content, assessments and syllabus while the unit code remains unchanged
4. New contact hours and academic calendar teaching weeks
In terms of Learning and Teaching practices, generally, there shall be a reduction in conventional assessments, that is, exams, tests and tutorials; moving towards an increase in authentic assessments, projects and real-world learning activities.
Implementation and Transition
The new foundation course structure will be implemented for all intakes in 2022. To facilitate the transition period for current continuing students, the following table summarises the differences between new intake and current students.
| Item | New Intake Students, 2022 Onwards | Current Continuing Students, 2021 Intakes or Prior |
|---|---|---|
| Foundation course structure | New | Previous (Old) |
| Number of units | 8 units including Academic Integrity Training Module | 9 units including Academic Integrity Training Module |
| Programme study planner/ course planner | New planner with recommended 8 units per programme | 2021 or prior planner with 9 units per programme, with equivalent unit(s) offered from 2022 onwards |
| Pre-requisite units | Nil | To register into the equivalent unit(s), following the same unit code |
Students from 2022 intakes onwards will begin their foundation programme with the new structure. For current continuing students from 2021 intakes or prior, they would still be completing the programme based on the previous structure in 2021 or prior.
Equivalent Units
For the equivalent units offered to current continuing students, the following table on new unit titles under the new foundation course structure can be referred to.
| Unit Code | Previous Unit Title | New Unit Title |
|---|---|---|
| EP1 | English Proficiency | |
| FCE10020 | Introductory Mathematics | |
| FCL10001 | Academic & Communication Skills A | Foundation English |
| FCL10002 | Academic & Communication Skills B | Academic Reading and Writing Skills |
| FCL10003 | Innovation and Change | Creative Thinking and Communication Skills |
| FCT10010 | Information Technology | |
| FSB10030 | Accounting | |
| FSB10031 | Economics | |
| FSB10032 | Law | |
| FSB10033 | Marketing | |
| FSD10040 | Design Studies | |
| FSD10041 | Drawing & Illustration | |
| FSE10021 | Chemistry | |
| FSE10022 | Engineering Mathematics A | Calculus |
| FSE10023 | Engineering Mathematics B | Linear Algebra |
| FSE10024 | Introductory Physical Science | Introduction to Physics |
| FSE10025 | Physics | Engineering Physics |
| FST10011 | Fundamentals of Web Technology | Web and Cloud Technologies |
| FST10012 | Mathematics for Computing | |
| FST10013 | Multimedia | |
| FST10014 | Programming |
For more information, contact the School of Foundation Studies and/or the Coordinators.