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Wednesday, December 31, 2008

Pre-university Programme: Canadian Pre-University / Matriculation

Posted by Erlina

Pre-university Programmes Overview: Form Six, Matriculation, A-level, AUSMAT, SAM, ICPU, IB, Foundation

Canadian Pre-University / Matriculation


The Ontario Secondary School Diploma (Grade 12) from Canada is a recognized qualification for entry into universities in Canada and most universities in the USA, Australia, New Zealand and the UK. Private institutions of learning in Malaysia offer the diploma through the following programs:
  • International Canadian Pre-University (ICPU)
  • Canadian International Matriculation Program (CIMP)

Entry Requirements
SPM, O-levels or its equivalent with 5 credits including English, mathematics / science.

Duration
1 year

Intake
January, March and July

Fee
RM15,000 – RM 18,000

Subjects
Candidates must pass:
  • 7 subjects, including English
  • An official external literacy test
Subjects include:
  • Chemistry
  • Physics
  • Biology
  • Economics
  • Advanced functions and calculus
  • Geometry an discrete mathematics
  • Mathematics and data management
  • Principles of financial accounting
  • Organizational studies – organizational behavior and human resources
  • Analyzing current economic issues
  • English
  • Computer and information science
  • Geography –world issues
  • World history – the west and the world
  • Law – Canadian and international law
  • Individuals and families in a diverse society
  • Challenge and change in society
  • Introduction to international business

In addition, students are also required to take 3 subjects stipulated by MQA. Students are also required to dedicate themselves to 10 hours of community service.

Assessment
A student’s final grade is based on coursework (70%) and a final examination (30%). Coursework is carried out throughout the program and includes assignments, quizzes, attendance, participation in class and class tests.


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Tuesday, December 09, 2008

Taylor’s University College Open Day

Posted by Chong

If you visited Malaysia Students blog frequently in the last two weeks, you would have seen ad banners promoting Taylor’s University College open day (December 5 – 7, 2008). So last Saturday, I paid a visit to Taylor’s University College, Subang Jaya campus to find out more about this reputable private education institution in Malaysia.
Taylor's University College, Subang Jaya

I took a taxi from KTM Subang Jaya station to Taylor’s since it is located near to the station, which is an advantage for students who don’t plan to bring own vehicle when studying at Taylor’s. In fact, when going back, I walked from Taylor’s to the KTM station and it took me just 10 minutes.
Students waiting outside Lecture Theater before the next talk commenced

It was a very happening open days with a lots of talks by professionals and activities running concurrently. The first talk that I attended was Pre-U Studies: “Your Foundation to Success”. In the talk, representative from Taylor’s explained the four pre-u programmes that are being offered at Taylor’s – Cambridge A Level, South Australian Matriculation (SAM), International Canadian Pre-U (ICPU) and Foundation in Science – in great details. The talk ended with experience sharing by ex-Taylor’s students who are now very successful in their degree programmes.
The Pre-U talk
Education counselors and students

After that, I went for Hospitality & Tourism: “Career Prospects & Management Development in the Tourism Industry” by Mr Rohizat Baharum, Director of Human Resource, Convex Malaysia Sdn Bhd, KL Convention Centre.
Students paying attention to the talk
Mr Rohizat giving talk

It was an insightful talk where Mr Rohizat talked about the prospects of tourism industry in Malaysia. Also, he shared with us the selection criteria, interview selection process, performance management, training and development of KLCC.
Hitz.fm crew's visit made this open day a happening one
Creative Chillout

Between the talks, I went to the Creative Chillout where artistic art work is exhibited and creative culinary skills are demonstrated. I find the talk on Exploring Science of Cooking by Pierre - Louis Genier, lecturer of Taylor’s, very fun and creative and was amazed to learn a bit of molecular gastronomy – which is science in food preparation – the new wave in cuisine.
Art work exhibition
Creative chefs at workThe swan was made from sugar. The biscuits taste great!

The following talk that I attended was the highlight of the day, Communication: “Not Just A Pretty Face – Challenges of An Actor and TV Host” by Allan Wu, the host of The Amazing Race Asia Season 3. He shared with us his experience in hosting the reality TV show and a bit on his personal life. As a father of two, he also talked on how he manages his time between work and family. It was really an entertaining and educational talk which Allan Wu shared his life experience.
Allan Wu, the Host of The Amazing Race Asia

My favourite session is the last talk, Computing: “Unveiling the Secret of Success in ICT Career at MNCs” by Mr Pang Yee Beng, Managing Director of Dell Asia Pacific. He shared with us the 8 leadership competencies – engage (customer first, personal effectiveness, engage other), execute (inclusive, decide, simplify) and excel (drive strategy, innovate) – and his valuable experience in climbing up the career ladder from a fresh graduate with University Sains Malaysia (USM) Computer Science degree to current position.
Mr Pang from Dell Asia Pacific

Overall I think Taylor’s Open Day was very educational and informative. I enjoyed every talks and learnt a lot of effective tips for personal development from renowned speakers from the industry like Mr Pang.

For those who missed the open day, you are invited to go to Taylor's Campus Day on this Saturday and Sunday (December 13 & 14, 10am - 5pm). Visit Taylor's University College website for more information.

Taylor's Campus Day
Date: 13 & 14 Dec 2008
Time: 10am - 5pm
Venue:
Taylor's University College, Subang Jaya
Taylor's College, Sri Hartamas
Taylor's College, Petaling Jaya - only on 14 Dec 2008


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Friday, December 05, 2008

Advertorial: Building Blocks to a Career in Science

If you’ve always wanted to pursue a career in a science-related field, be it medical, engineering or pure sciences, consider taking up a foundation course in science.

Many students choose to take up a common pre-university programme like A Levels or SAM after Form 5 as a pre-requisite before continuing on to tertiary studies. A Levels and SAM are popular because it’s been around in Malaysia for a long time and most people are familiar with it.

Such programmes also offer a general combination of subjects. This is very convenient for those who are undecided about their degree majors as they could use their time during pre-u studies to discover themselves better.

However, there are some who are already sure of what field to go into after pre-u. If you are thinking about pursuing a degree in a science-related field, then you may be interested to know more about another practical option available.

A foundation programme is like a pre-university programme which is catered to the field of study or institution of higher learning you wish to pursue after you complete. For example, let’s say you’ve already decided to go to Melbourne University, Australia for your degree. Then, it makes real sense to take up the foundation course offered by Trinity College that leads straight to the university after completion.

If you really weigh the pros and cons, doing a foundation course before tertiary studies is a really cool option!

5 Reasons To Do a Foundation Programme

What are the benefits of taking a foundation programme?
  1. It’s a 1-year programme, so it is a faster and more direct pathway

  2. It leads you directly to the degree major or institution you would like to link to

  3. Like its name, it provides a good foundation with the basic subjects that are relevant to your degree

  4. You will most likely be tested on almost equal percentage of ongoing coursework and final exams.

    This is great because of two points: (1) your future will not depend entirely upon the final exam results, and (2) this format is closer to the study structure in university.

  5. Best of all, it is one of the cheaper options compared to some popular pre-u programmes!

Read on to know what some students from the Foundation in Science (FIS) course at Taylor’s University College have to say about their course and experience:

Taylors University CollegeBuddies in science… (L-R) Sia Ming Yan, Louis Poh, Dillon Sarim & Tommy Chua

Pass with flying colours
“I have grown a lot since I joined this course 3 months ago. Being so different from secondary school, I struggled very hard to adapt to the course at first. But after 2 months, I began to catch up with the routines of this course and started doing well. I am learning new things every day. It is my dream to graduate from Foundation in Science with flying colours. I think that I should be able to do it with help from teachers and also with my own effort.”
FIS Student, Sia Ming Yan's Group Presentation on Int Science Project

“One thing I like about the course is the opportunity to do our E-Portfolio. It is one of the best ways introduce myself to future employers because it contains details of my resume, goals, aims, academic skills and much more. I can set my academic goals and let employers see how determined I can be and how I plan to develop myself.”

~ Sia Ming Yan, 18
Biggest change in meTaylors Students Doing ResearchTaylors Students Doing Research
“I was a very quiet and cool person before. But after 3 months, I found myself turning into a very talkative person. To give an example, for our integrated science project on the topic Fruit Batteries and Its Potential, I learned to overcome my panic and fear of giving presentations. My communication and presentation skills have improved tremendously and I have become good at persuasion and debates.”

“Doing this course has also taught me to manage my time properly, do research work, increase my computer literacy and brush up on my practical skills. These skills gave me the confidence to face difficult times like sitting for exams. To manage my time, I prepare a timetable and discipline myself to follow it in order to complete my to-do list. I am very happy to have bettered myself in many areas and to learn so many things in this course.”

~ Louis Poh, 18
A better human being
“Entering Taylor’s has changed me a lot, not just academically but also as a person. Now, I know the important meaning of friendships. Having a small class is an advantage because we really get to know each other very well and we get full attention from our lecturers. I am also learning a lot of soft skills from my lecturers and my peers. I need to think in a mature way in order to keep improving. Being trustworthy and responsible is the way to success. A very special word of thanks goes out to my lecturers and my peers.

~ Dillon Sarim, 18
Taylors Foundation in Science July 2008 BatchTaylors Foundation in Science July 2008 Batch

Not an ordinary programme
“At first I thought the Taylor’s Foundation in Science was just an ordinary course. Boy, was I wrong! As time went by, I found that it was a very well-rounded course – we were trained to do well in academic subjects but beyond that, we had to learn soft skills and do hands-on work in the different types of workshops. We attended workshops on time management, stress management, personal development, etc. I found that very useful and it really helped me to do better in my performance and grades. The lecturers are very knowledgeable and they are good mentors.”

~ Tommy Chua Jin Wei, 18

Foundation in Science by Taylor’s University College

The Foundation in Science offered by Taylor’s University College started with its pioneer batch of students in July 2008. The curriculum and assessment is developed by Taylor’s but fully monitored by the University of Melbourne, Australia.

At the end of this 1-year programme, students will receive a Certificate of Foundation in Science and will be able to qualify for first-year entry into medicine, biotechnology, engineering, pure science or even business.

The Foundation in Science qualification is recognised and accepted by all partner universities of Taylor’s University College.

Entry Requirements
SPM, O-levels or its equivalent with 5 credits including English and Math

* For those intending to do medicine, minimum B4 and above for Biology, Chemistry, Physics and Math

Intakes January and July

Curriculum
The Foundation in Science programme consists of 2 semesters and subjects are offered in modules:

English 1
English 2
Statistics & Calculus
Organic Chemistry
Physical & Inorganic Chemistry
Fundamental Physics
Modern Physics
Compulsory MQA Subjects: Malaysian studies and Moral/Islamic studies

There are 2 streams available: (1) Health Sciences Stream (2) Engineering Sciences Stream.

Specific additional subjects catering to each stream are: a. Health Sciences stream
Cell Biology, Human Biology & Psychology

b. Engineering Sciences stream
Statistics & Calculus, Algebra & Geometry, Advanced Calculus and Mechanics

Students are also inculcated with soft skills and cognitive skills in line with Taylor’s Graduate Capabilities:
Foundations & skills for lifelong learning, Problem solving skills, Communication skills, Intrapersonal skills, Interpersonal skills, Cosmopolitan thinking & intercultural competence, Technology savvy

Teaching & Learning Methodologies
The Foundation in Science makes use of special teaching and learning methodologies such as:
  • Problem-based learning
  • Action learning
  • Project-based learning
  • Collaborative learning
  • Discovery learning
  • Generative learning
  • Simulations
  • Reciprocal teaching & many more

Assessment
50% of the assessment is based on course work and internal continuous assessment, while the other 50% on a final examination. Examination scripts and marking schemes are monitored by the University of Melbourne.

Pathways
After completing the Foundation in Science at Taylor’s, students may opt to continue their tertiary studies on any of the following pathways:
  • Direct entry into the University of Melbourne or RMIT degree programmes
  • Taylor’s School of Engineering – twinning programme with the University of Birmingham (Majors: chemical, electrical & electronic, mechanical. Optional majors: civil and biomedical)
  • Taylor’s School of Biomedical Sciences – twinning programme with University of Queensland, Australia (Majors: biomedical science or biotechnology)
  • Taylor’s School of Computing – twinning programme with RMIT University, Australia
  • Taylor’s Business School – twinning programme with the University of the West of England (UWE) or University of South Australia (UniSA)
Visit Taylor’s University College website for more information


► Read more on Advertorial: Building Blocks to a Career in Science

Wednesday, December 03, 2008

Pre-university Programme: South Australian Matriculation (SAM)

Posted by Erlina

Pre-university Programmes Overview: Form Six, Matriculation, A-level, AUSMAT, SAM, ICPU, IB, Foundation

South Australian Matriculation (SAM)


The South Australian Matriculation (SAM) program is an internationally recognized 1 year matriculation program that is administered by the Senior Secondary Assessment Board of South Australia (SSABSA), a statutory authority of the South Australian government.

Students who successfully complete the SAM program are accredited with the South Australian Certificate of Education (SACE) and provided with a university entrance score that is used by universities around the world to select students for degree courses.

Entry Requirements
SPM, O level or its equivalent with 5 credits including English.

Intake
January and March

Fee
RM 8,550 - RM10,000

Subjects
The SAM program consists of 5 subjects. They are as follows:
  • English studies or English as Second Language (ESL)
  • The remaining subjects must include one subject from each from List 1 and List 2:
List 1
  • Chinese
  • Economics
  • English as second language
  • English studies
  • Legal studies
  • Malay
  • Modern history
List 2
  • Accounting studies
  • Biology
  • Chemistry
  • Information technology studies
  • Mathematical methods
  • Mathematical studies
  • Specialist mathematics
  • Physics
  • Psychology
In addition to these subjects, students will have to study the compulsory MQA subjects which include: Malaysian studies, moral/Islamic studies and Bahasa Malaysia (exempted if a credit in Bahasa Malaysia has been obtained at SPM Level)

Assessment
It is important for students wishing to excel to consistently perform well in their course work as 50% of the final marks are from the coursework set and marked at college. The remaining 50% is based on the examination that is set and marked by the SSABSA. On top of that, students in the SAM program must also achieve s satisfactory score (10/20 or better) in either English studies or English as second language to obtain the qualification.


► Read more on Pre-university Programme: South Australian Matriculation (SAM)

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