Foundation program courses
Foundation Program Courses
Students will study five courses throughout the Foundation Program. Depending on the undergraduate you're packaged with, you will have a choice of three electives (four for non-education HASS students) based on the stream your undergraduate program belongs to.
Within your first week in the Foundation Program, you'll have the oppurtunity to choose your elective courses. Here is some more infomation about what you will learn in each course.
Core Courses
Academic English
This core course focuses on developing academic language skills required to successfully read, write, listen and speak in academic contexts. As well as developing fluency and accuracy in each skill, learners will be introduced to core academic literacies including assignment writing, referencing, critical thinking and oral presentations.
General Mathematics
Covering basic algebra, regression analysis, geometry, measurement, financial mathematics, statistics, graphs and network analysis, this course gives you the every-day maths skills needed for a non-mathematically based tertiary program.
Mathematical Methods
In this course students will develop your understanding of the mathematical concepts of algebra, calculus and statistics that will equip you with the necessary skills to solve real-life mathematical problems. Topics include linear equations, computation, sequences and series, logarithmic functions, trigonometry, differential and integral calculus, statistics and probability.
To meet prerequisite entry requirements, this course is recommended for students wishing to progress into Commerce, Science, Biomedical Science, Information Technology and Engineering programs.
Elective Courses
Accounting
This aim of this course is to introduce accounting concepts and the role of accounting within business. Students will learn how to use Excel to produce financial reports such as balance sheets and profit and loss statements.
Behavioural Science
As a general introduction to the social sciences, in this course you will examine human behaviour and the role that the individual plays in the wider community. The course will also address the psychology of the individual, covering memory, social influence, learning and research.
This course is recommended if you would like to pursue a program in the Faculty of Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences.
Business Management
Covering a broad range of management concepts and business operations, this course helps you develop an appreciation of business principles, planning, marketing, organisational behaviour and human resource management. You will apply the theory learnt in class to plan your own business enterprise in a group.
Biology
Biology provides opportunities for students to develop their understanding of cells and multicellular organisms and how they regulate their internal environment in response to stimuli. You will develop your understanding of DNA, patterns of inheritance and the processes and mechanisms of how life on Earth has changed and diversified over time. Students learn about factors influencing biodiversity and have the opportunity to investigate several local ecosystems by attending a field trip to the UQ Moreton Bay Research Station on Minjerribah (North Stradbroke Island) or Heron Island.
This course is recommended for students wishing to progress into Science, Medicine and Health programs.
Chemistry
This course introduces the foundational concepts of physical, inorganic and organic chemistry, with a focus on the study of the structure and properties of materials. You will develop valuable skills required for scientific investigation and critical evaluation and have opportunities to experience laboratory techniques and analysis.
This course is recommended for students wishing to progress into Science, Medicine, Health and Engineering programs.
Design
This course is an introduction to the fundamental processes and methods of design that are applied to build environments, engineering and business disciplines. You will examine the work of designers and how they evaluate problems and generate solutions.
Design is recommended for students wishing to progress into Architecture, Design, Engineering and Arts programs.
Economics
In this course you will explore macroeconomic and microeconomic issues and develop an understanding of how decision makers within the economy (consumers, firms, governments) use limited resources to satisfy the level of demand.
Students will also develop an ability to make economic decisions based on an analysis of economic information.
Health and Nutrition
This course introduces the multidimensional nature of health and wellbeing, and how it is influenced by diet and exercise. You will gain an understanding of the function of nutrients in the body, the challenges facing the food system and how the body responds to exercise. Students will also apply this knowledge to develop a personal diet and exercise plan to improve or maintain your own health and fitness.
Humanities and Social Sciences
This course examines topics such as global strategies and perspectives, and creative arts and history to develop skills in critical and creative thinking, research and evaluation, argument mapping, problem solving and reflective learning.
This course is recommended if you wish to progress to programs within the Faculty of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences.
Information Technology
In this course you will develop an understanding of the applications of information systems in organisations and the workings of computer hardware and software, networking, security, database management, and system development and programming.
This course is recommended if you wish to progress to programs related to Information Technology, Information Systems, Computer Science or Data Science.
Physics
This course provides the theoretical and experimental basis to engage in classical and modern understandings of the universe. You will study force and motion, thermodynamics, electricity, gravitational and electromagnetic fields, waves, radioactivity and modern physics. The practical work in the course will give you experience in laboratory techniques and analysis.
This course is recommended if you wish to progress to Engineering or Science programs.
Research
This course gives students the opportunity to research an agreed topic of your own choice within a chosen discipline. You will develop practical skills and apply key terminology and principles that will be able to utilise throughout your tertiary studies.