UC Irvine Announces STEM-Focused University Preparation Program

IRVINE, Calif., May 12, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- As a leading research institution, the University of California, Irvine is committed to providing incoming freshmen and high schools students with a affordable, convenient and effective way to gain knowledge in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) subjects that are essential for college success. The STEM University Preparation Program (STEM UPP) is a set of online modules designed to help newly admitted undergraduate students prepare for the academic rigor of university level STEM studies. This program is also particularly suitable for high school students entering their senior year and who want a head start in preparing for undergraduate studies.

"Getting students interested in and prepared for STEM related careers is an important priority to keep our nation competitive. At UC Irvine, one of our main drivers in developing this program is to give all students, especially underrepresented minorities, an opportunity to have a positive STEM academic experience," said Gary W. Matkin, Ph.D., dean of Continuing Education, Distance Learning and Summer Session. "This preparatory program, delivered entirely online, will give students the individualized learning experience they need to be successful in university introductory STEM courses."

The program includes five modules: Quantitative Skills, Pre-Calculus, Pre-Chemistry, Pre-Physics, and Pre-Biology. Students begin by taking free diagnostic exams that help identify gaps in STEM topic knowledge and skills needed for particular majors, and recommend a subset of the 5 STEM UPP modules to help prepare for success in relevant introductory math and science courses. Each module includes video lectures, online peer interaction, and exercises to give students the classroom experience from any location.

Each module is three weeks in length and costs $125.  The program has modules beginning as early as June 23, but students can take the diagnostic exams anytime and there are modules offered throughout the summer.  For more information about the STEM University Preparation Program or to register for a module, visit www.extension.uci.edu/stemupp or call (949) 824-5414.     

About UC Irvine Extension: University of California, Irvine Extension is the continuing education arm of UC Irvine, serving nearly 40,000 students globally and offering more than 3,200 classes annually on the UC Irvine campus, online and at employer sites throughout California and worldwide. Since 1962, UC Irvine Extension has served Orange County with programs and classes to help adult learners reach their career advancement and personal enrichment goals, and remains dedicated to providing broad access to the resources of the University for the benefit of the public, both through University Extension certificate and specialized studies programs and a broad range of free and open educational resources including UC Irvine OpenCourseWare. Learn more at http://extension.uci.edu, or join us on YouTube or Facebook.

About the University of California, Irvine: Founded in 1965, UC Irvine is a top-ranked university dedicated to research, scholarship and community service. Led by Chancellor Michael Drake since 2005, UC Irvine is among the most dynamic campuses in the University of California system, with nearly 28,000 undergraduate and graduate students, 1,100 faculty and 9,000 staff. Orange County's largest employer, UC Irvine contributes an annual economic impact of $4.2 billion. For more UC Irvine news, visit today.uci.edu. 

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SOURCE UC Irvine Extension