About Course
FOUNDATION IN SCIENCES
The Foundation in sciences is a foundation period offered by some universities for students who wish to pursue their academic studies in various fields such as engineering, medicine, natural sciences, and others. This Foundation aims to provide students with the skills and basic knowledge they need to succeed in their university studies in those fields. These programs often include courses in core subjects such as mathematics, physics, chemistry, and biology, in addition to foundation courses for English language and study skills and scientific research. These programs are designed to help students bridge the gap between their current educational level and the academic requirements in science majors.
Overview
The academic field that a student or researcher focuses on during their academic or training period. Specializations can be in various fields such as medicine, engineering, natural sciences, social sciences, technology, and arts, among others.
Information about the Program
Study duration
The duration of studying the Foundation in sciences in Malaysia usually ranges from one year only.
Course Subjects
The course subjects that students study vary depending on the specialization and academic level, but here are some common subjects that may be part of study programs in different fields:
- Mathematics
- Physics
- Chemistry
- Biology
- English Language
- Mechanical Engineering
- Electrical Engineering
- Psychology
- Sociology
- Microbiology
- Pathology
- Preventive Medicine
- Surgery
- Anatomy
- Computer Science
- Software Development
- Networks
Bachelor's Available for Foundation Graduates in Sciences
1. Bachelor of Engineering (such as Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Computer Engineering)
2. Bachelor of Medicine and Surgery
3. Bachelor of Natural Sciences (such as Physics, Chemistry, Biology)
4. Bachelor of Computer Science and Information Technology
5. Bachelor of Mathematics and Statistics
6. Bachelor of Pharmacy
7. Bachelor of Earth Sciences and Environmental Science
8. Bachelor of Marine Sciences and Oceanography
9. Bachelor of Veterinary Sciences
10. Bachelor of Food Science and Nutrition
11. Bachelor of Social Sciences (such as Psychology, Sociology, Economics)
12. Bachelor of Veterinary Medicine
13. Bachelor of Agriculture and Agricultural Environmental Sciences
14. Bachelor of Medical Imaging Sciences
15. Bachelor of Data Science and Analysis
16. Bachelor of Energy and Environmental Technology
17. Bachelor of Microbiology and Microbial Sciences
18. Bachelor of Biotechnology and Bioengineering
19. Bachelor of Pharmaceutical Chemistry
20. Bachelor of Environmental Sciences and Natural Resource Management
21. Bachelor of Genetics and Genomics Research
22. Bachelor of Mental and Neuroscience Sciences
23. Bachelor of Political and International Sciences
24. Bachelor of International Relations and Diplomacy
25. Bachelor of Anthropology and Cultural Social Sciences
26. Bachelor of Philosophy and Humanities
27. Bachelor of Dental Sciences
28. Bachelor of Clinical Nutrition and Public Health
29. Bachelor of Physiotherapy and Occupational Therapy
30. Bachelor of Data Science and Artificial Intelligence
Pros and Cons of the Sciences Specialization
Pros
• Pathway to Specialization: Providing the Foundation allows students to establish a strong foundation of knowledge and basic skills needed for studying various specializations in sciences.
• Academic Skills Improvement: Providing a foundation period allows students the opportunity to develop their academic skills such as reading, writing, analytical thinking, and self-learning.
• Guiding Interests: During the Foundation, students can explore a variety of scientific topics and identify interests and suitable career paths for them.
• Increased Acceptance Opportunities: The Foundation may help raise students’ levels and improve their academic performance, increasing their chances of acceptance into desired university programs.
• Additional Support Provision: The Foundation can provide a supportive environment where students can receive additional assistance and support from teachers and academic advisors.
Cons
• Increased Time and Costs: The Foundation may lead to increased time and costs required to complete university studies, especially if the student is unable to alleviate the financial burden.
• Delay in Starting University Studies: The Foundation may represent a delay in starting actual university studies, which may affect the total duration of study and the financial impact thereof.
• Restrictive Guidance: Some students may find that the Foundation restricts them in determining the suitable specialization early on, without allowing time and opportunity to explore their options further.
• Program Intensity: The Foundation program may be intensive and exhausting, which may increase students’ pressure and affect their personal and social lives.
• Non-acceptance into Preferred Specialization: Completing the Foundation in sciences may not lead to acceptance of the student into the desired university specialization, especially if places are limited in the study program.
Admission Requirements for Studying the Foundation in Sciences in Malaysia
Admission requirements for studying the Foundation in Malaysia may vary between universities and colleges, but typically include the following:
• High School Diploma or its equivalent
• O Level Certificate or its equivalent
• Proficiency in English language (e.g., IELTS or TOEFL)
• Valid passport with an expiration date of at least 18 months
Study in Malaysia
