Page 10 - University Bulletin

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STRUCTURE OF ACADEMIC PROGRAMS
The structure follows the international academic curricula standards and consists of the
following elements:
▪ Preparatory Year Program [PYP]: one year of preparatory study that prepares students
for their future enrolment in the University's undergraduate programs, providing them
with the necessary guidance and counseling that ensure their wellbeing in their new
educational environment.
▪ General Education Requirements [University Requirements]: set of core academic
subjects that every PSU college student takes.
▪ College Requirements: set of courses designed to meet the specific needs of individual
colleges.
▪ Program Requirements: set of courses designed to meet the specific needs of
individual degree programs.
▪ Major or Core Requirements: set of core subjects that constitute the main areas of
knowledge in a particular field of specialization of an academic degree program.
▪ Electives: complementary courses that are incorporated into the various program
curriculums for purposes of adding depth or breadth of learning.
▪ Experiential Learning or Community Link: set of programs or activities targeted to
enrich the student knowledge through practical experience, observations of real work
behaviors, and hands-on application of knowledge gained from classroom lectures and
discussions to actual situations such as solving real organization problems and concerns.

▪ Language of Instruction: the medium of instruction at PSU is English except for those
subjects that are devoted to the study of the Arabic, Islamic Studies and Islamic Law.

▪ PSU Environment: the University maintains a small class size, standard faculty-to-
student ratio, computer and science laboratories, sports facilities and community/
industry link programs, thus providing ample opportunities for students to advance and
grow intellectually, professionally, physically, socially and culturally.
▪ Faculty Research and International Engagement: the University encourages and supports
faculty research and promotes collaboration with other higher educational institutions in
the Kingdom, the region and internationally in order to address the major educational,
economic and social needs of Saudi society as well as the global needs.