Bridging Programme paper outlines

Academic English (BP601)

Academic English for Bridging prepares students by developing the following skills: speaking in front of others; reading academic texts; writing short answers and academic paragraphs; and listening and taking notes. During the first tutorial, each student will be given a placement test and, if they score 75% or above, they will have the option of opting out of the English course.

Computing (BP602)

This is a practical course designed to prepare students for the University of Otago Foundation Year full course. No prior knowledge or experience in computing is assumed. Ultimately the aim is to provide students with a solid base of computing knowledge and skills which should lead to success in the Foundation Year and later.

Mathematics for Commerce (BP603)

This paper aims to provide students with an appreciation of the relevance of Mathematics to real life and introduce them to the mathematical skills necessary to continue with further study in Foundation Year Mathematics for Commerce paper FOUN045. Students will learn how to: use the language of Mathematics appropriately; use their skills, as part of mathematical reasoning, interpretation and process, to solve a range of problems in Commerce; explore the use of a range of ideas which may include formulae, number, equations, expressions, graphing, set theory, probability and statistics in a variety of relevant contexts; read, interpret and solve problems using mathematical processes and interpret findings

Mathematics for Science (BP604)

This paper aims to provide students with an appreciation of the relevance of Mathematics to real life and introduce them to the mathematical skills necessary to continue with further study in Foundation Year Mathematics for Science paper FOUN046.  Students will learn how to: use the language of Mathematics appropriately; use their skills, as part of mathematical reasoning, interpretation and process, to solve a range of problems in Science; explore the use of a range of ideas which may include formulae, number, equations, expressions, graphing, set theory, probability and statistics in a variety of relevant contexts; read, interpret and solve problems using mathematical processes and interpret findings.

Arts (BP605)

The aim of this paper is to provide students with an introduction to the four arts-based papers at Foundation Year and to provide them with the necessary knowledge, understanding and skills to study at Foundation level. At the end of this paper, successful students will have: a basic knowledge of geography, contemporary and historical international studies, and New Zealand history.

Commerce (BP606)

This paper introduces students to the core disciplines of business, economics, accounting, and business finance. It provides a broad, introductory-level understanding of the key theories and fundamental concepts within each area, while highlighting the practical relationships between them. Through an integrated approach, students gain insight into how these disciplines connect to real-world commercial decision-making. By the end of this paper, successful students will be well prepared to undertake further study in commerce within the Foundation Studies Certificate.

Commerce and Arts (BP606A)

This paper introduces students to the key principles and practices of marketing and management. It provides a broad understanding of the core theories and concepts that underpin both disciplines, while applying these ideas to practical, real-world case studies. Through this combination of theory and application, students will develop foundational knowledge and critical thinking skills essential for success in further study.

Successful completion of this paper prepares students to confidently progress to the marketing and management papers in the Foundation Studies Certificate.

Chemistry (BP607)

This paper is designed to deliver important principles of chemistry, enabling students to succeed in the Foundation papers, FOUN007 and FOUN008, which in turn prepare them for CHEM 191 at University. While many students in the Bridging Programme course have had little or no Chemistry in high school, some older students, having been away from high school for years, need a refresher on what they learned in the past. It is our experience that students who pass the BP607 paper have an advantage when they encounter topics in Foundation that require some background.

Physics (BP608)

The programme needs no previous study of Physics and focuses on mechanics.
The topics are measurement skills, linear motion, vectors, forces, work, energy and momentum.

Biology (BP609)

To improve a student's chances of success in FOUN004 Biology, FOUN005 Human Biology and FOUN014 Health and Disease, by providing background knowledge; academic skills and appropriate English language skills. This paper is designed for any student who has never studied Biology, any student who has not studied the subject for many years or any student who has not studied Biology in English. The content covered includes: characteristics of living organisms; levels of biological classification; cell biology; cell processes and an introduction to genetics.