Programme aims

The AIBS Online University Preparation Programme has been created for students who do not have the standard qualifications required for direct entry into a UK university undergraduate degree programme. The stated objective of the programme is to bring students to the required degree entry level and prepare students for further academic study.

The programme will broaden the students’ cultural and linguistic knowledge, improve communications skills, and enhance writing and numeric skills and help develop an understanding of basic business concepts.


Programme objectives
1. Develop in the student an awareness of the meaning of the baccalaureate experience and the process by which one obtains a degree
2. Strengthen each student's critical thinking, decision making, problem solving, and career exploration skills;
3. Enable each student to become better organized through the use of time management and study skills
4. Acquaint each student with a range of Campus resources and services, and incorporate in them a fuller understanding of university life
5. Enhance each student's academic, personal and social adjustment to College life
6. Promote for each student a sensitivity and appreciation for living in a diverse, multicultural society
7. Foster and improve each student's expressive, analytical, and communication skills through writing assignments and class discussions
8. Foster and improve each student's use of computer skills and technology through active interaction with the Internet and computer software.
 

Learning Outcomes
At the completion of the program, students should be able to:

1. Demonstrate strong communication skills
2. Demonstrate an English reading ability which supports university level work
3. Demonstrate an understanding of the role of business
4. Demonstrate a basic understanding of the principles of cross cultural communication
5. Perform basic mathematical functions required for university level work
6. Identify information needs appropriate to their studies, and apply the techniques required to gather and interpret such information
7. Demonstrate an understanding of basic information technology required for university level work
8. Satisfy academic admission requirements for a university
9. Understand and act within the ethics of academic study
 

UPP Module List and Syllabi

University Preparation Skills	Foundations of Technology
University Numeracy and Analysis	Academic Writing
Academic Research	Sociology and Cultural Studies
Introduction to Business	British Culture and English Language

University Preparation Skills
This module is designed to maximize each student’s ability to benefit from his or her university experience. An instructor led yet seminar format, the modules’ objective is to provide the skills and disciplines necessary to be successful within the higher education environment and ensure progression to award level. Included are time management, collaborative learning, teamwork strategies, research and study skills, conflict resolution, personal financial management, and professional development.

Study Unit (Lesson) Titles
Lesson 1. Student Expectations and University Environment
Lesson 2. Time Management
Lesson 3. Concentration and Memory
Lesson 4. Managing Stress and Anxiety
Lesson 5. Listening to Lectures
Lesson 6. Taking Notes
Lesson 7. Reading Your Textbooks
Lesson 8. Group Work
Lesson 9. Participating in Discussions and Debates
Lesson 10. International Students and Cultural Adjustment

Contact Hours
30 classroom and 30 individual study hours distributed over a minimum of 10 weeks.

Learning Objectives
Upon completion of this course you should be able to:

• Understand why you are enrolled in college, increase your understanding of the purpose of higher education, and more clearly define your values, goals, strengths, weaknesses, and interests.
• Understand how universities work and develop an awareness of the many services provided which can benefit students.
• Find information on careers and the skills required to be successful in particular careers.
• Utilise study skills and time management skills.
• Comprehend academic program structures, regulations, and procedures.
• Know how to develop your critical thinking skills and put those enhanced skills into action.
• Be able to explain the fundamentals of using a university library for research.
• Utilise enhanced computer literacy skills with e-mail, the World Wide Web, and word processing.

Learning Resources
The AIBS Online module course book University Preparation Skills which will be supplied to you on the first day of class or earlier.

The AIBS Online Virtual Learning Platform at
 http://www.aibus.org/virtual-campus.html


Suggested Supplementary Textbooks
John N. Gardner and A. Jerome Jeweler, Your College Experience: Belmont, Wadsworth Publishing. 1998.

Foundations of Technology
This module explores and examines the many technologies which make up the modern business world and simultaneously provides the student with an introduction to computing skills. Included are the scientific foundations of electromagnetic technologies, distribution technologies, and a historical perspective on computing technologies. The student will be introduced to computer terminology, hardware and software, and basic computing skills to assist them in their higher educational experience.

Study Unit (Lesson) Titles
Lesson 1. How Computers Work
Lesson 2. Operating Systems
Lesson 3. Types of Computers
Lesson 4. Input Devices
Lesson 5. Output Devices
Lesson 6. Storage Devices
Lesson 7. Memory
Lesson 8. Serial Communications
Lesson 9. Digital Communications
Lesson 10. Mobile CPU Technology

Contact Hours
30 classroom and 30 individual study hours distributed over a minimum of 10 weeks.

Learning Objectives
Upon completion of this course you should be able to:

• Be familiar with information technology hardware including types of computers and telecommunication hardware.
• Understand the role of Operating Systems.
• Understand the history and legacy of computing.
• Appreciate the utility, benefit and limitations of computers and information technology.
• Recognize and describe the components of a computer.
• Understand the categories of application software, give examples of each.
• Be able to identify and describe the purpose of each component of the system unit including the processor, chips, adapter cards and motherboard.
• Recognise chips, adapter cards and other components of a motherboard.
• Describe various input devices including optical scanners, reading devices, and biometric input devices.
• Identify different types of storage media, explain how each works, and compare their advantages and disadvantages.
• Compare types of system software and network operating systems and describe the functions of an operating system.

Learning Resources
The AIBS Online module course book Foundations of Technology which will be supplied to you on the first day of class or earlier.

The AIBS Online Virtual Learning Platform at
http://www.aibus.org/virtual-campus.html

Suggested Supplementary Textbooks
Introduction to Information Technology, Efraim Turban & R. Kelly Rainer, Wilet Press, 2000, ISBN 0471170658

University Numeracy
This module is an introduction to m athematics with first degree equations, use of calculators, counting methods, probability and statistics. Student’s progress to basic quantitative methods used in business management and the social sciences. An emphasis is placed on problem solving strategies and students are introduced to the algebraic method. An emphasis is placed on the application of learned concepts to the decision making process.

Study Unit (Lesson) Titles
Lesson 1. Whole Numbers and Decimals
Lesson 2. Fractions and Percentages
Lesson 3. Scales
Lesson 4. Earnings
Lesson 5. Working with Money
Lesson 6. Ratio
Lesson 7. Formulas
Lesson 8. Constructing Tables and Graphs
Lesson 9. Constructing Charts
Lesson 10. The Essence of Algebra

Contact Hours
30 classroom and 30 individual study hours distributed over a minimum of 10 weeks.

Learning Objectives
Upon completion of this course you should :

• Be able to perform operations in addition, subtraction, multiplication and division using fractions, percents and decimals. Understand signs for radicals, absolute values, exponents, ratios, and proportions.
• Have knowledge of algebraic computation and problem solving procedures.
• Be acquainted with useful study skills that will increase your ability to organize and solve basic mathematical problems.
• Know how to identify a problem, select an appropriate formula or mathematical model, organize and display the data properly, substitute the correct quantities for the variables, and solve the problem.
• Have developed skills, which are helpful in solving problems, which will be, presented in future college courses.
• Have reviewed basic principles of arithmetic and algebraic computation for problem solving and learn efficient techniques to expedite the solution.
• Know how to overcome a fear of mathematics and/or feelings of insecurity in working with mathematics.

Learning Resources
The AIBS Online module course book University Numeracy which will be supplied to you on the first day of class or earlier.

The AIBS Online Virtual Learning Platform at
http://www.aibus.org/virtual-campus.html

Suggested Supplementary Textbooks
Bittinger, Marvin L. & Ellenbogen, David J. Pre-algebra and Introductory Algebra, Addison Wesley: Boston, 2004

Academic Writing
This module is an introductory study of the written essay emphasizing idea generation, paragraph development, and sentence construction. The objective of this module is to provide students with needed skills in writing academic papers to assist them in their educational effort. Students are introduced to the concepts of thesis, outline formation, drawing conclusions, and documentation. A strong emphasis will be placed on research methodology and source investigation.

Study Unit (Lesson) Titles
Lesson 1. Getting Started
Lesson 2. Organisation and Thesis Statements
Lesson 3. Arguments and Fallacies
Lesson 4. Research and the Literature Review
Lesson 5. Procrastination, Transitions, and e-mails
Lesson 6. Plagiarism, Documentation and the MLA
Lesson 7. Editing and Proofreading
Lesson 8. Conclusions and Revising
Lesson 9. Reading Assignments and Writing a Business Letter
Lesson 10. Writing to Find a Job

Contact Hours
30 classroom and 30 individual study hours distributed over a minimum of 10 weeks.

Learning Objectives
Upon completion of this course you should be able to:

• Understand basic principles of rhetoric and develop an understanding of written texts as arguments generated for particular purposes, audiences, and rhetorical contexts.
• Examine similarities and differences in forms of inquiry and writing across academic disciplines.
• Practice analytical reading strategies and hone the ability to summarize, paraphrase, draw evidence from, synthesize, and respond to the scholarship of others.
• Find and evaluate print and electronic source materials appropriate for academic research projects.
• Develop original arguments for a range of academic purposes.
• Practice critically evaluating their own and others' work and collaborating effectively with other writers throughout the writing process.
• Practice and refine technical skills in areas such as grammar, mechanics, and the documentation of source materials.

Learning Resources
The AIBS Online module course book Academic Writing which will be supplied to you on the first day of class or earlier.

The AIBS Online Virtual Learning Platform at
http://www.aibus.org/virtual-campus.html

Suggested Supplementary Textbooks
The Essentials of Academic Writing, Derek Soles , Drexel University

Academic Research
Building on the concepts learned in AW1UAP Academic Writing – this advanced composition module introduces the concept of rhetoric, objective and subjective perspectives, thesis support, referencing methodologies and formats, and electronic research and documentation. The student will be required to do parallel reading in support of the in class activities.

Study Unit (Lesson) Titles
Lesson 1. The Research Project
Lesson 2. Documentation Styles
Lesson 3. Research Sources
Lesson 4. Organising your Information
Lesson 5. On-Line Research
Lesson 6. Research Support: The Environment of Mistrust
Lesson 7. Writing an Abstract
Lesson 8. The Literature Review
Lesson 9. Plagiarism / Blending Research Materials into your Writing
Lesson 10. Preparing the Research Report / Presentation

Contact Hours
30 classroom and 30 individual study hours distributed over a minimum of 10 weeks.

Learning Objectives
Upon completion of this course you should be able to:

• Develop reasonable familiarity with library resources and services, both physical and virtual
• Understand the variety of content and format of information and be able to effectively state an information need, problem, or issue
• Determine the information requirements for a research question, problem, or issue in order to formulate a search strategy that will use appropriate information tools
• Develop the capability to locate and retrieve relevant information using a variety of information tools
• Develop the capability to critically evaluate and analyze information content gathered from a variety of sources.
• Begin to understand the ethical, legal, and socio-political issues surrounding the use of information

Learning Resources
The AIBS Online module course book Academic Research which will be supplied to you on the first day of class or earlier.

The AIBS Online Virtual Learning Platform at
http://www.aibus.org/virtual-campus.html

Suggested Supplementary Textbooks
Lester, James D. Writing Research Papers; A Complete Guide, 8th edition, Harper Collins, 1996, ISBN 0-673-99449-X (w/ accompanying insert; Citing Cyberspace)

Sociology and Cultural Studies
This sociology module examines the dynamics of communication and understanding between cultures and nations. It employs a linguistic and anthropologic approach to solving the universal challenges of ethnocentrism and cultural misinterpretation. The module explores the basic structure of language and the roles of syntax and semantics and introduces the concept of cultural diversity. The objective of this module is to provide the student with practical insights into overcoming the perpetual barriers which hinder peoples appreciating the cultural orientation of others.

Study Unit (Lesson) Titles
Lesson 1. The Sociological Perspective, an Overview
Lesson 2. What is Culture?
Lesson 3. Social Change and Social Movement
Lesson 4. Status and Social Stratification
Lesson 5. Socialization, the Development of “Self”, Gender, Adolescence
Lesson 6. Race, Ethnicity
Lesson 7. Deviance and Social Control
Lesson 8. Population and Urbanization
Lesson 9. Collective Behaviour, propaganda, and the group in Society
Lesson 10. The Family and Society

Contact Hours
30 classroom and 30 individual study hours distributed over a minimum of 10 weeks.

Learning Objectives
Upon completion of this course you should understand:

• Structural-Functional Theory
• Conflict Theory
• Exchange Theory
• Systems Theory
• Describe and explain experimental and non-experimental research.
• Identify, define, and explain how the following impact marriage, family
• Gender Identity
• Forming Partnerships
• Work and Power
• Culture and Ethnicity
• Socioeconomic Status
• Communication
• Conflict
• Aggression and Violence
• Divorce

Learning Resources
The AIBS Online module course book Sociology and Cultural Studies which will be supplied to you on the first day of class or earlier.
The AIBS Online Virtual Learning Platform at
http://www.aibus.org/virtual-campus.html

Suggested Supplementary Textbooks
Sociology, Tenth Edition by John J. Macionis

Introduction to Business
This module is an introductory survey of the business world with consideration of the structure and forms of the business enterprise, the nature of business relationships and the diversity and choice of business careers. The module explores the perceptions and misperceptions of business and its role in society within a multicultural setting.

Study Unit (Lesson) Titles
Lesson 1. Types of Businesses: Forms of Business Ownership
Lesson 2. Business Organisation: Form Follows Function
Lesson 3. Developing and Pricing Products and Services
Lesson 4. Economics: The Creation and Distribution of Wealth
Lesson 5. Human Resource Management
Lesson 6. Business Finance, Understanding Financial Information and Accounting
Lesson 7. Supply Chain Management
Lesson 8. Marketing
Lesson 9. Using Technology to Manage Information
Lesson 10. Management, Leadership

Contact Hours
30 classroom and 30 individual study hours distributed over a minimum of 10 weeks.

Learning Objectives
Upon completion of this course you should be able to:

• Identify current topics and new concepts in the world of business.
• Explain key words and phrases used frequently in the business community.
• Identify career opportunities in the world of business.
• Create a successful business plan (Entrepreneurship).
• Understand the role of profit motive and the free market system.
• Explain basic forms of business organizations, mergers, and consolidation.
• Describe the process of management and various management functions.
• Describe internal organization, organizational charts, various management levels.
• Describe line/staff organization.
• Describe the importance of marketing in our economy.
• Explain the factors involved in product mix decisions, the product life cycle.
•  Explain pricing techniques, markup, and discounts.
• Explain channels of distribution, roles of wholesalers and retailers.
• Identify three major sources of short term financing two basic concepts in finance--assets and liabilities.

Learning Resources
The AIBS Online module course book Introduction to Business which will be supplied to you on the first day of class or earlier.

The AIBS Online Virtual Learning Platform at
http://www.aibus.org/virtual-campus.html

Suggested Supplementary Textbook:
Nickels, McHugh, McHugh. Understanding Business, 5th Edition, New York, Irwin/McGraw-Hill, 1999, or latest edition.

British Culture and English Language
This module explores and examines some of the many aspects which shape the modern British culture and society and simultaneously provides the student with an overview of the main features of English language learning. Included are the overview of British cultural and linguistic history, the current political agenda and welfare status in the UK, and attitudes shares by the British people to their social and political environment. We look at the phases and influences which shaped English language as it is today, find out about using the innovative and yet often undiscovered ways of learning vocabulary and analysis language structure, and pin point what it takes to master pronunciation and be a successful language student.

Study Unit (Lesson) Titles
Great Britain Past, Present, Future
The British People
TV Nation
Welfare (“Nanny”) State
Origins of the English Language
Understanding English Verbs and Tenses
Conditional Sentences
Innovative Ways of Learning and Analysing Vocabulary
What about Learning Pronunciation
Successful Techniques for Learning a Language

Contact Hours
30 classroom and 30 individual study hours distributed over a minimum of 10 weeks.

Learning Objectives
Upon completion of this course you should be able to:

• Demonstrate a broad knowledge of the major events, issues, and ideas of British Literature and Culture in the nineteenth and twentieth centuries (up to World War II).
• Observe, analyse and record the socially constructed nature of a public space, using relevant literature and theories.
• Reflect, comment and record their personal understanding of Britishness and on the social construction of Britishness.
• Construct and communicate clear, well-considered analyses and interpretations of texts and cultural contexts.
• Transcribe modern English speech phonetically.
• Know the principles of etymology and semantic change
  use a historical dictionary.
• Understand general principles of historical reconstruction in linguistics.
• Identify and explain general features of Old and Middle English.
• Know something about the status of evidence for English historical linguistics.
• Discuss, from an informed perspective, the social contexts and mechanisms of language change.

Learning Resources
The AIBS Online module course book British Culture and English Language which will be supplied to you on the first day of class or earlier.

The AIBS Online Virtual Learning Platform at
http://www.aibus.org/virtual-campus.html

Suggested Supplementary Textbook:
Britain: The Country and it’s People – An Introduction for Learners of English, Oxford University Press; 2nd edition (16 Nov 1995), ISBN-10: 019432429X, ISBN-13: 978-0194324298