University of Sydney Foundation Program modules

Social Research and Inquiry is the study of the research process and development of research skills in preparation for university study. The module is designed to enhance language ability through the investigation of society and culture. Students will develop critical thinking and draw on self-reflection to justify interactions between human behaviour and course concepts. 

Students will undertake research in an area of personal interest with their peers and present data in a Research Project. Students will explore and analyse a variety of media forms and research methods and utilize creative formats to express their ideas. 

In this module students will develop skills to think critically through the analysis and interpretation of data collected using primary research methods and secondary research. Students will assess the validity, usefulness, reliability, and bias of sources to make informed decisions during the research process. Students will investigate contemporary social issues and pose solutions through problem solving and group collaboration. 

The Accounting and Financial Management module is a foundational course designed to equip business students with essential skills in recording, classifying, and summarising financial transactions. The module lays the groundwork for effective resource management and strategic decision-making in business by providing a general understanding of accounting principles and practices.

In this module, students will develop an understanding of key accounting terms and concepts, emphasising the recording and reporting of financial data within business contexts. The module introduces basic financial and management accounting tools and techniques, such as budgeting, break-even analysis, and ratio analysis. These tools are essential for planning, organising, controlling, and evaluating financial resources and activities.

With a focus on real-world application, the module prepares students to analyse financial information, evaluate accounting practices, and communicate recommendations effectively. Practical scenarios and case studies enhance students’ ability to apply theoretical concepts in business contexts.

The module provides a comprehensive overview of various aspects of digital design and production, with a focus on video game development. Students will delve into the fundamentals of video game production and design, gaining insights into the entire process from concept to execution. Additionally, the curriculum covers essential skills such as logo design, image editing, and website creation specifically tailored for marketing games. Participants can expect to acquire a well-rounded skill set that combines creative design elements with practical knowledge for effectively promoting and showcasing video games in the digital landscape.

In this module, students will be introduced to the role of the Digital Visual Arts Process Diary (DVAPD) which will support their exploration of different concepts developing Material and Conceptual Practice. 

They will use a range of drawing, painting, and mixed media to develop an original concept to be resolved in artworks, one resolved artwork will explore the theme “The Human Condition,” and a second resolved artwork exploring “The World from My Window,” in innovative and imaginative ways. 

Following this, students will explore traditional and/or contemporary material and techniques of their choosing to begin forming their individual Bodies of Work. To assist their development of ideas, students will engage in a series of Art Critical and Historical research that explore the practice of a variety of modern and contemporary artists. Research, reflection and experiments are documented in their Digital Visual Arts Process Diaries supporting the development of their artworks.

The biology module is an introduction to the fundamental concepts and processes of living organisms and a study of modern biology in the context of the world around us.

The module develops practical, research, analysis, and presentation skills. The module facilitates the development of critical skills including collaboration, creativity, data analysis, problem solving and critical thinking skills. 

The chemistry module is designed to assist students to develop a broad range of knowledge and skills in the scientific discipline of chemical sciences. This module includes an introduction to the fundamental concepts, developing practical, research, analysis, and critical thinking skills.  

The Chemistry module is organised as a series of lecture sessions followed by discussions, practical laboratory sessions and research tasks of related content.

Cultural studies investigate the study of the development of Australia through an inquiry into the historical and geographical context. Students will embark on a journey of exploring Australian history whilst evaluating how these noteworthy events have impacted on the changing nature of Australian environment, landscape, and culture. 

Students will develop a sense of place in Australia through investigation into historical and contemporary case studies and their relevance in an ever-changing world. 

In this module students will develop skills to think critically through the analysis and interpretation of historical sources and contemporary case studies. Students will collaborate with peers through workshop lessons to problem solve. 

Students will experience two fieldwork opportunities in Sydney. They will visit Taronga Zoo and Hyde Park Barracks. These unique experiences will form part of the assessment task requirements but will also assist students with developing a sense of belonging in an Australian learning environment.

This module at the Foundation Level for business students provides a comprehensive understanding of fundamental economic concepts, models, theories, and policies. The module delves into microeconomics, macroeconomics, and development economics to equip students with the analytical tools necessary to navigate fundamental economic issues. 

Microeconomics is the study of the relationships between consumers and firms in markets. In this module students will analyse economic models that explain consumer choices, firm behaviour, and address current economic issues. The module also examines the impact of government intervention in correcting market failures and ensuring fair outcomes in the free market system.

Macroeconomics is a branch of economics that studies the overall performance of an economy. It examines the factors that affect national income, employment levels, inflation rates, and economic growth. In this field, students analyse how government spending or taxation changes impact macroeconomic variables such as GDP and inflation rate.

Development economics explores global trade patterns, investigating why certain countries possess absolute or comparative advantages in specific industries. The module evaluates various trade policies governments employ to safeguard domestic industries or boost exports. Furthermore, it assesses economic development strategies tailored to less-developed countries to foster sustainable economic progress.  

This module provides students with an understanding of mathematical functions and their applications and the fundamentals of calculus with emphasis on applications to problems in Economics and Finance. This module also introduces students to statistics, probability and applications including probability distributions.

This module gives students an understanding of mathematical functions and their applications and the fundamentals of calculus with emphasis on applications to problems in Rates and Trigonometry. This module also introduces students to statistics, counting techniques, probability and applications including probability distributions.

This module will offer learning experiences that help the students develop an understanding of physicists' work. The students will be introduced to the knowledge and applications across a range of physics topics. This module covers an introduction to motion, electrostatics, electrodynamics, waves, electromagnetic spectrum, and astronomy. The module provides learning experiences that help students develop practical, research and critical thinking skills. Experiments are designed to introduce students to modern technology for the study of undergraduate degree in science, engineering, and some health science fields.