Program of Studies
English
Foundation English Program
Students in the Foundations program receive twelve hours of intensive English instruction per week. The courses include Grammar, Reading Skills, Writing, and Extensive Reading. In addition to improving their English language skills, the Foundation English courses help students to handle multiple assignments and to develop their time management and study skills. The goal of the program is to develop the students’ English language proficiency so that they can function independently in a university setting.
Academic English Program
Students who place at the top level of the Academic Bridge Program’s placement tests enroll in two Academic English classes plus a one-semester Communications course. The main objective of these classes is to prepare students for success at university. Emphasis is placed on writing and reading assignments that are challenging and incorporate critical thinking skills. The textbooks adopted for these classes are used in regular university settings and are not EFL texts. The instructors of the Academic English classes understand the needs of EFL students as well as the requirements placed on students in higher education settings. Instruction is presented in a step-by-step fashion that allows students to bridge the gap between high school and college.
Mathematics
The math courses offered at ABP help students to expand their understanding of the field beyond the entry-level requirements for college through relevant mathematical modeling with applications, problem solving, critical thinking skills, and the use of appropriate technologies.
Courses offered are Liberal Arts Math, College Algebra, Pre-Calculus and Calculus. Students are placed in these courses according to their English level and their performance on the Accuplacer test.
Science
The ABP offers science courses at Foundation and Academic levels which are integrated classroom and laboratory courses. The goals of the courses include the development of science vocabulary, of reading skills, of critical thinking skills, the application of knowledge, and experimental design.
Science courses improve language proficiency and nurture the skills, attitudes, and behavior needed for academic success. Courses offered include Science Language & Skills 1 and 2, Integrated Science 1 and 2, Biology, Chemistry, and Physics. Students are placed in these courses according to their English level and their intended choice of major.
Computer Skills
Each computer course meets for 9 hours per week. Computer courses are offered at three levels: Essential, Intermediate, and Advanced. Students are placed in computer courses based on their prior computer knowledge. In all three levels, students learn key skills across the range of Microsoft Office software, which enables them to successfully use the software in their studies, both at the ABP and later at university.
Computer courses also teach research techniques and referencing protocols used in academia. During their computer studies, students create CVs, research universities, and research different majors as part of their university preparation. Computer courses also develop reading and comprehension skills. In addition to their main computer course, a select number of students are invited to take a robotics course. In robotics, students use Lego NTX as the platform to learn the fundamentals of robotic engineering, design and programming.
