Academics

“I know that being a student in the UPP is one of the best things that happened to me. I am impressed with the highly educated native speaker
faculty, the highly organized program, and the excellent curriculum.”
Mohammad Al-Sibae, Medicine Pathway

“UPP has special faculty who were chosen for their high skills in teaching. My advice for students who graduate from high school is to join this program; it is very helpful.”
Muhammad Al-Razzaz, Engineering Pathway

The gulf between high school and a university is a wide one, and the successful student must have the tools to successfully navigate the challenges that lie ahead. UPP aims to provide those tools to every student through a curriculum that emphasizes English language proficiency, math and science, and well-honed academic, study, and computer skills. UPP's intensive curriculum includes the following components.

English language. Intensive English-as-a-second-language instruction integrates the four language skills (reading, writing, listening, and speaking) with the specialized vocabulary needed in math and science. Students will study English for 18 hours per week. All academic courses are delivered in English and include focused attention on specialized vocabulary needed in the math and sciences.

Sciences. General and advanced courses in biology, physics, and chemistry increase students’ knowledge and understanding of scientific concepts. All science classes have significant lab components.

Mathematics. Students strengthen their secondary school background in math and solidify the fundamental concepts that will be essential in their university studies. Math courses progress from a review of basic mathematical concepts and vocabulary to precalculus and calculus for those who qualify.

Study and learning skills. Effective study and learning skills are critical for academic success. In addition to the emphasis on these skills that is integral to all classes, a specialized skills course that meets three hours every week (two hours during the orientation term) provides added training in such skills as note taking, research and documentation, group work and discussions, time management, and critical thinking. Students are encouraged to explore different styles of learning and identify those most effective for them.

Computer skills. Computer literacy supports all of the other courses by providing a tool for writing, information gathering and processing, multimedia presentations, and other applications. The computer literacy course—which meets for 2 hours throughout the year—is designed to help students understand and apply the concepts necessary for the effective use of computers in their studies.