Overview
General University Education (GUE) courses are a set of 33 credit hours courses that must be studied by all undergraduate candidates at AAU regardless of their major. These courses cover topics from wide diverse fields to emphasize the interdisciplinary nature of knowledge and to reinforce the spirit of inquiry. These courses aim to equip the candidates with a comprehensive range of essential knowledge, fundamental personal and professional skills and essential attitudes; enabling them to purse smoothly in their university studies, and perform highly in their careers. This set of courses are divided into two main categories: First, the compulsory courses which include 9 courses (27 CR.H.). Second, the elective courses cluster which include (6 CR.H). and is divided into two sub sets: society and civilization set and managerial skills set. AAU candidates are requested to choose one course (3 CR.H.) from each elective sub set.
Learning Outcomes
| S.No. | GUE Learning Outcomes | Aligned with L7 QFE Descriptors* |
|---|---|---|
| A |
Demonstrate a general knowledge of humanities, social studies, sciences, and technology. |
QFE 1, 3 |
| B |
Communicate effectively in a variety of formats, including verbal and written communication. |
QFE 3,8 |
| C |
Recognize the ethical aspects and social responsibilities in personal and professional life. |
QFE 9,11 |
| D |
Present new ideas, methods, and ways of thinking to deliver creative and sustainable solutions. |
QFE 2, 3, 4, 8 |
| E |
Demonstrate the ability to work effectively and collaboratively in a team. |
QFE 6, 9 |
| F |
Identify the need for and be able to engage in life-long learning. |
QFE 9, 10 |
| G | Apply research methodology and critical analytical skills to solve problems and make decisions. | QFE 2, 4, 5, 7 |
* Consistent with National Qualifications Framework Emirates (QFE)
General University Education - Courses
| Course No. | Course Title | CR.H. | Prereq. |
|---|---|---|---|
| General University Education (33) CR.H. | |||
| (1) Compulsory Courses (27) CR.H. | |||
| 0102120 | Computer Skills | 3 | |
| 0201111 | Science and Life | 3 | |
| 0401120 | English I | 3 | |
| 0401121 | English 2 | 3 | 0401120 |
| 0405100 | Arabic Language | 3 | |
| 0406110 | Islamic Culture | 3 | |
| 0409103 | Emirates Studies | 3 | |
| 0501170 | Fund. of Innovation and Entrepreneurship | 3 | |
| 0508203 | Scientific Research Methodology | 3 | |
| (2) Elective Courses (6) CR.H. | |||
| The Student is required to choose Only One course from each of the following groups: | |||
| (a) Society and Civilization (3) CR.H. | |||
| 0406100 | Arabs & Muslims’ Contributions to Arts & Sciences | 3 | |
| 0408101A | Physical Education & Health | 3 | |
| 0408100 | Introduction to Psychology | 3 | |
| 0409100 | Ethical Awareness | 3 | |
| 0409101 | Arab Society | 3 | |
| 0409102 | Environmental Awareness | 3 | |
| (b) Managerial Skills (3) CR.H | |||
| 0303100 | Law and Society | 3 | |
| 0408103 | Thinking Skills | 3 | |
| 0408104 | Self Assessment | 3 | |
| 0501100 | Introduction to Time Management | 3 | |
| 0501150 | Leadership and Teamwork | 3 | |
General University Education Brief Course Description
| Course Title & No. | Brief Course Description |
|---|---|
| Computer Skills 0102120 | This course introduces the students to the use of computers in everyday life. The students will learn to organize electronic filing systems, communicate ideas effectively using a variety of software tools, and develop further as autonomous users of IT. The course discusses some of the ethical and moral issues raised by the use of Internet and email. Towards the end of the course, the students work in groups to select a subject, search for the information, organize and analyze it integrating the software they learned and present it publicly. |
| Science and Life 0201111 | This course addresses the relationships between science and human beings. It describes major health and environmental issues and their relevance to social customs and traditions in the Arab society in general and in the Emirate society in particular. The course not only increases student awareness of protection methods through the introduction of the most recent scientific and technical developments but also focuses on the ethical aspects in dealing with them. |
| Law and Society 0303100 | This course deals with the study of law and its relationship with the Emirati society in terms of describing the concept of law, its characteristics and types. It also tackles briefly some of the legal systems in the UAE such as: the judicial, governing, the commercial, the criminal, taxation as well as the Emirati family system. |
| English 1 0401120 | This course provides the basic skills needed to function within an English medium university context. It brushes up and enhances students’ fundamental knowledge of the English language in the areas of grammar, reading, writing, and speaking skills to the level that they become competent enough to launch out in a more in-depth study of English as a second language in Effective Communication in English2. |
| English 2 0401121 | This course puts emphasis on the ability to master the skills and tools of using the English language to communicate effectively orally and in writing. The content of the course provides a variety of materials and practices that hone the linguistic and interpersonal skills necessary to construct informative and persuasive conversations in English. |
| Arabic Language 0405100 | This course aims at developing the basic language skills that enable the student to speak, read, and write effectively in Arabic. It focuses on helping the student to acquire the information in his/her field and transfers it communicatively to others. |
| Islamic Culture 0406110 | This course emphasizes the Islamic values in criticism and to be open on the international community and think critically and creatively. It gives importance to the role of reason in understanding Islam from its original sources and using this knowledge to handle the new problems, challenges, and changes of the modern time. It tackles the main axes of Islam. In addition, it addresses the issues of woman, human rights, civilization and dialogue. |
|
Thinking Skills 0407111 |
This course is an introduction to the main thinking skills and strategies. A brief definition of thinking and intelligence will be considered. Students will study and exercise critical and creative thinking skills. They will also apply different problem solving and decision taking strategies. |
| Ethical Awareness 0407224 | This course introduces the main concepts of ethics and ethical standards including professional, personal, institutional, and social values. Skills such as problem solving and making decisions will be exercised. Values such as accepting the other, privacy and responsibility will be emphasized. The course also encourages students to reflect on contemporary ethical dilemmas. |
| Self- Assessment 0407251 | This course is an exploration of concepts, theories and techniques related to the self. Students will be allowed to express strengths and weaknesses in order to develop a realistic sense of the self. Determinism vs. freewill will be explored as well as the concepts of motivation and self-efficacy. |
| Arab Society 0407252 | This course explores the Arab society, its characteristics, historical roots and current problems. Family structure, notes of individuals, social mobility, politi- cal structures are among the issues addressed in this course. |
| Arabs & Muslims’ Contribution to Arts and Sciences 0407298 | This course is designed to introduce students to the contributions of Muslims and Arabs to arts and sciences. It addresses Muslim and Arab civilization, its roots, characteristics, and factors of its flourishing and the ways it reached the West. It also deals with its role in promoting universal progress in theoretic and applied sciences. Additionally, it focuses on creativity in architecture, and thinking skills of today’s Muslim and Arab intellectuals. |
| Environmental Awareness 0407392 | The course consists of four major focus areas: biodiversity, population, re- courses, and pollution. Within each major focus area, the course explores how change is occurring at the local, regional, and global scales. It focuses on ana- lyzing different approaches to decision- making about environmental issues and examines the impact of the rapid rate of population growth, increased energy consumption, and contemporary technology in causing environmental problems. |
| Introduction to Psychology 0408100 | This course provides an overview of the scientific study of human behavior. Topics include history, methodology, biopsychology, sensation, perception, learning, motivation, cognition, abnormal behavior, personality theory, social psychology, and other relevant topics. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate a basic knowledge of the science of psychology. |
| Physical Education and Health 0408101 | This course aims at clarifying the role and importance of physical fitness and health as a prevention and treatment to most health problems of modern life; such as diseases related to age and lack of movement, malnutrition, and stress facing individuals in their daily life. Students also learn the importance of sports activities and movement in modern life in terms of their impact on different body systems and organs. In addition, the course presents means of avoiding bad daily habits as well as dealing with deformities and lack of movement related diseases such as: heart disease, atherosclerosis, obesity, and spine problems. The course also covers relevant information on fitness, weight control as well as essential first aid knowledge. |
| Introduction to Time Management 0501100 | This course combines values, relaxation, time management and mental re- hearsal to develop personal productivity and a balance in life. It allows the individual to develop physically, emotionally and mentally which leads to bet- ter relationships, more effective work practices and clarity of purpose. |
| Leadership &Teamwork 0501150 | This course is designed to help students to learn how to initiate, develop, im- plement and maintain high performance work teams. It introduces leadership strategies necessary for group communication, team building, and coaching skills to achieve organizational objectives. |
| Fund. Of Innovation and Entrepreneurship 0501170 | This course approach to learning innovation and entrepreneurship that can be applied to any high-growth enterprise or other organization in the UAE. The class is composed of three modules: Module 1: Design Thinking, Module 2: Entrepreneurship, Module 3: Growth and Leadership. This is a rigorous innovation and entrepreneurship courses for a 16 weeks. The course is appropriate for undergraduate students at a third year level or advanced second year level. Each session could include a mix of the following components: lecture, discussion, an interactive activity in class, and open Q&A if an appropriate expert or guest speaker is available. |
| Scientific Research Methodology 0508203 | This course is designed to introduce the students to the concepts and values of scientific research. Students will employ research and formal documenta- tion to produce a paper written appropriately to meet the objectives of the course. The course also emphasizes editing for clarity. The instruction will include critical analysis of primary and secondary sources through a series of reading and writing assignments. |