Pathways and Streams

Students undertaking the MSAFP will choose to follow one particular stream.  Depending on which undergraduate degree the prospective student wishes to enter on completion of the foundation programme, they would choose from the Social Science, Business and Economics, IT or Health Sciences stream. Students may not enrol for more than four units per semester. All eight units must be passed in order to gain entry into the relevant undergraduate programme at Monash South Africa.

Students have two to three semesters in which to complete their Foundation Programme studies.  All the requirements of the programme must be met within this time.  Students in the Foundation Programme are subject to Monash South Africa’s policies on deferred and special consideration applications. 
(Click on a unit name to read an introduction to the subjects)

Social Science Stream

Business and Economics Stream

Information Technology Stream

Health Sciences Stream

**Please note that the above course outline should be seen as a guideline only as new units may be introduced.

Brief description of the MSAFP units

Academic English A (ADP 1025)

The aim of this unit is to develop and refine the critical skills (reading and writing for academic purposes and information literacy) that students require for this unit and other units in the MSAFP programme and ultimately for first year undergraduate study. The unit makes use of class discussions, written exercises, assignments, tests and various skills-based tasks. These will further equip students with a range of skills which will prepare them for success in their first year of study at Monash.

Academic English B (ADP 1026)

The aim of ADP1026 is to develop academic literacy skills (e.g. writing using different genres, critical thinking, critical reading, research and the Harvard referencing technique) needed in the TSD1611 assessments. This will be achieved by developing relevant learning outcomes and practical, scaffolded activities embedded in these tasks. This will ensure that ADP1026 becomes a support unit for TSD1611 (which historically assists students in gaining access to an undergraduate degree in the Diploma of Tertiary Studies (DoTs) Programme at the Berwick and Gippsland campus).

Databases and Spreadsheet Fundamentals (ADP 1008)

DBSF is a unit which is compulsory for all IT stream students. It forms a fundamental part of the preparation of a student to enter any IT undergraduate course. DBSF covers two main areas of IT namely spreadsheet and database design and implementation.
On completion of this module, students will be able to:

• Identify the features of a spreadsheet package
• Create a simple spreadsheet
• Use functions and formulas to perform calculations in a spreadsheet
• Use formatting features on a spreadsheet
• Employ charts in a spreadsheet
• Use advanced features of a spreadsheet
• Identify the features of a database package
• Create and modify a database table
• Establish relationships between multiple tables in a database
• Create database queries/ views
• Create database forms and reports

Computer Systems and Word Processing (ADP 1003)

Business today heavily depends on the use of computers and therefore computer professionals. This unit provides a grounding in the basic functioning of a computer system and how it is used in a business environment.
Particular emphasis is given to the study and use of Word Processing as one of the most common uses of computers in business, for example:

• Environment
• Formatting
• Document Formatting
• Graphics
• Automatic features
• Merging
• Templates

Word is used as the target word processing package. Other Office software applications, such as PowerPoint, Excel and Publisher are also introduced. These will further equip students with a range of skills which will prepare them for success in their first year of study at Monash.

Geography and Environmental Science (ADP 1002)

The aim of this unit is to develop practical research and writing skills through observation, research, data collection, data analysis and evaluation. Simple research and statistical methods will be introduced. Subject content around the theme of ‘sustainability’ will be used to develop the above skills.
This will include:

• key geographical concepts and techniques;
• presenting data in various representational forms such as graphs;
• interpreting information and representational data;
• environmental problems: their causes and consequences;
• sustainable living and management.

The unit aims to develop the critical cross-field outcomes laid down by the DoE as well as the Monash University Graduate Attributes.

Health and Development (MCD1670)

This unit will explore the interrelationship between health and social development of individuals. It will draw comparisons between the health and social status in developing and developed countries and provide reasons for the differences.  Health differences between population groups within Australia and South Africa will also be analysed. This unit will also explore a range of strategies to optimise health and development, and evaluate the effectiveness of a range of strategies. The key elements of sustainable primary health care which underpins health development will be examined, particularly in developing countries and low income population groups in South Africa.

Introduction to Accounting (ADP 1019)

This unit is an introduction to basic concepts in accounting and their application for decision making by a wide range of potential users (e.g. shareholders, investment analysts, lenders, managers etc). This unit should benefit students who wish to specialise in accounting, and will also be of value to students whose primary interest lies elsewhere in the field of business. On completion, students should have a clear understanding of the accounting process and the language of accounting to enable communication with an accounting professional.
The aim of this semester programme is:

• To equip student with theoretical, practical exercises accounting knowledge and decision skills.
• To enable students to investigate the option of studying further in the discipline of Business Economics.

Introduction to Behavioural Studies (ADP 1024)

Students will be introduced to the theories of psychology which underpins the study of human behaviour.  The main topics for exploration are:
Introduction to psychology, historical foundation of psychology, stages of human development, social psychology, sex and gender and emotions such as stress.
These will further equip students with a range of skills which will prepare them for success in their first year of study at Monash.
The unit aims to develop the critical cross-field outcomes laid down by the DoE as well as the Monash University Graduate Attributes.

Introduction to International Studies (ADP1028)

This course is designed to introduce students to the skills of analysis, research and presentation of ideas within an Social Science/Humanities framework. It aims to provide an introduction to the field of International Studies, providing students with a solid grounding in the concepts, theoretical perspectives and issues currently topical in the field.
As it is intended to prepare MSAFP students for undergraduate studies at Monash South Africa, students should be willing and able to read a range of International Studies texts in English, to discuss ideas and to compare and contrast cultural perspectives.

Introduction to Marketing (ADP 1013)

On completion of this unit, students will be able to identify and explain the individual roles and potential impacts of the integrated elements that constitute the ‘marketing concepts’. The focus of the unit is to ensure that students have a working understanding of marketing as a human activity driven by consumers and practiced by organizations that often conduct business on the knife-edge of ethical and unethical practices.
At the conclusion of this unit, students will also have an understanding of the ethical role of marketing activities related to both products and services and how these activities satisfy customers to achieve sustainable competitive advantage, growth and profitability—key success factors in managing a business.
The Introduction to marketing programme provides a foundational understanding of the importance and processes inherent in the activities of marketing. The programme provides both an academic and theoretical foundation and the applicative practical marketing skills suitable for the budding entrepreneur or potential undergraduate. The aim of this semester programme is:

• To equip the leaner with theoretical marketing knowledge and decision skills.
• To enable learners to investigate the option of studying further in the disciplines of Business Economics.

Mathematics A (ADP 1017)

Linear Functions:  or

• Introduction to linear functions by means of theoretical and practical examples
• Word applications: introduction to modeling; includes valid questions from the disciplines of business, economics, biology, science, marketing
• Concept of gradient: rate of change/positive/negative/steepness
• Concept of y and x –intercept
• Dual intercept method of drawing
• Special lines y = ±x, x = k, y = k where k, k
• Finding equation of line using any method
• Inverses: Basic concepts, Graphically and algebraically
• Word applications: Reading and interpretation of pre-drawn straight line graphs e.g. distance/time graphs
• f(x) notations

Quadratic Equations: ax2 + bx + c = 0

• Solving a quadratic equation using the factorisation method
• Solving a quadratic equation using quadratic formula
• Factorisation of the type:using long division or any other method
• Finding the inverses of quadratic equations
• Applications of quadratic equations in real life situations

Systems of equations

• Solving of simultaneous equations (one linear and one quadratic only)
• Application of simultaneous equations in real life situations

Exponents:

• Laws and definitions governing integral exponents
• Manipulation and simplification using exponential laws
• Solving exponential equations: with rational exponents (where unknown is the base) and variable exponents (exponent is unknown)
• As above, but with base e
• Sketching of Exponential graphs including graphs with base e
• Interpretation from word problems and drawing graph; interpretation of graph, relation to disciplines of study as described above; calculations from word problems e.g. population growth, time periods; exponential curves in modeling situations

Logarithms

• Laws and definitions governing logarithms
• Manipulation and simplification using logarithmic laws
• Solving logarithmic equations
• Sketching logarithmic graphs
• Interpretation from word problems and drawing graph; interpretation of graph, relation to disciplines of study as described above; calculations from word problems e.g. population growth, time periods; exponential curves in modeling situations

Parabola:  where

• Finding roots/x-intercepts using the factorization method or a quadratic formula
• Finding the y-intercept
• Drawing graphs of the type: y = ax2 + bx + c: shape, x and y intercepts, Symmetry and turning point
• Notation: y = a(x - p) 2 + q; what do the different letters represent? Maxima and Minima
• Interpreting sketches in terms of models of situations e.g. profit in business applications, distance-time curves
• Inverses of the parabola: Algebraically and Graphically

Mathematics B (ADP 1010)

• Inverse Relations: graphic method; algebraic method; of exponential functions, as well as other relations; inverse functions; symbolic representation; naming the inverse function of the exponential function (logarithmic function)
• Logarithms: log laws (addition, subtraction, exponents, change of base); expressions and solving equations; graphing transformations; problems and applications; definitions, inverse functions
• Financial Mathematics: simple interest; compound interest; timelines; annuities
• Introduction to limits: Concepts: ‘ tends to’  terminology and calculations.
• Average Gradient: equation derived from ; how gradients change according to the position on a curve; average speed; concept of ‘average’
• Instantaneous Gradient: gradient at a point; tie in the concept of limits; gradient of a curve; tangents and normals; differentiation rules and chain rule
• Curve Applications: curve sketching and interpretation
• Word Applications: word problems; interpretation; analysis application of above theory in real life situations.

Media Studies (ADP 1020)

The aim of this unit is to introduce students to the key themes, which are explored in the first year communications core subject Introduction to Communication Studies. This unit will analyse the key components of Communication Studies theory, and will look at how communications have developed over time, as well as the ways in which different communication media and messages have impacted on different social and cultural groups. Through the completion of prescribed readings, class discussion, oral presentations and written exercises, students will acquire a range of practical and conceptual skills, which will prepare them for the first year Communications/Media Studies sequence.

Problem Solving for IT (ADP 1012)

This unit emphasises the importance of the effective design of solution algorithms by the use of structured techniques and pseudocode.  It examines and explains the steps used to develop a well-designed and correct solution to an information systems problem. .  Algorithm solutions to information problems are implemented and tested using Java.
The unit makes use of class discussions, written exercises, assignments, tests and various skills-based tasks. These will further equip students with a range of skills which will prepare them for success in first year undergraduate studies.
The unit aims to develop the critical cross-field outcomes laid down by the DOE as well as the Monash University Graduate Attributes.

Understanding University Learning (ATS 1369)

This unit is designed to introduce students to the different forms of knowledge and genres that are fundamental to university study.  It provides students with a range of specific and identifiable capacities that are essential for successful undergraduate study.  The thematic content is unified around a consideration of the relationship between the learner, the university’s requirements and the expectations of students.  Students are introduced to the traditions of university scholarship and the changing culture of scholarship.  Particular emphasis is given to the importance of independent learning in university studies.