Creative skills for a strong career
THE second cohort of International Medical University (IMU) Foundation in Science (FiS) students carried out an environmental awareness recycling project in November last year for their Cross Boundary Studies module.
This module teaches students creative problem-solving techniques. Problem-solving is a crucial soft skill for 21st century teenagers, providing them with the ability to think on their feet and solve problems both independently and as a team.
The 96 FiS students were given the theme of environmental awareness. Using creative problem-solving skills such as idea-finding, problem-finding and solution-finding, the students came up with the idea of doing a recycling activity to raise environmental awareness.
Specifically, the students came up with the ideas to collect recyclable materials, enlisting the help of environmental clubs of various secondary schools to collect the materials from homes in the residential areas within the vicinity of IMU, as well as from IMU staff members and students.
With a total of 1.5 tonnes of recyclable materials collected, the students then had to find ways to sell the items. Ultimately, the sale of the materials amounted to RM462, which was used to purchase household items that were later donated to Pusat Penjagaan Kanak Kanak Cacat Taman Megah.
All in all, this project effectively taught the students multidisciplinary issues, ranging from event organising and planning to communication skills and most importantly, teamwork.
Taught by highly experienced lecturers who have taught various pre-university programmes, the IMU Foundation in Science is a one-year programme conducted in three semesters.
The FiS programme is awarded by IMU and offered at the University’s main campus in Bukit Jalil, Kuala Lumpur.
The programme offers a curriculum which is holistic, developing varied competencies.
The curriculum is tailored to provide a smooth transition from pre-university studies to tertiary education, with subjects such as Chemistry, Biology, Mathematics, English for Academic Purposes, Physics for Health Sciences, Computing Studies and Cross Boundary Studies.
The standard of FiS is benchmarked to the standard of local foundation programmes. On top of that, the university engages external examiners who are also experienced lecturers in foundation programmes to obtain their feedback on assessments.
Embedded in these subjects, students are taught to reflect on their learning through Reflective Writing.
One of the key features of the FiS is early integration into the university community and exposure to IMU’s learning methodologies in a stimulating and conducive learning environment. Learning is thus fully interconnected – academically, socially and culturally.
FiS students in IMU will also have numerous opportunities to interact with staff and students of other programmes and fully explore various areas in healthcare professions. This experience will ultimately assist them in identifying the degree and career of their choice.
Scholarships are available for Malaysian and international school leavers who have good results in their SPM or O-Level examinations along with proven leadership qualities.
Eligible students will be invited to apply for the scholarship through their FiS letter of offer. The amount received by the scholarship recipients will depend on their SPM or O-Level examination results upon application of the IMU Foundation in Science.
Applications are now open for the May 2015 commencement. Make an online application today to study at IMU.
For more information, log on to e-mail start@imu.edu.my or call IMU at 03-2731 7272.