UC Irvine Launches New University Preparation Program

IRVINE, Calif., July 16, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Students preparing to enter as freshmen at a University of California campus this fall are invited to take advantage of a new preparatory program offered through the University of California, Irvine Extension. The "University Preparation Program," a set of online modules, is designed to help new undergraduate students prepare for the academic rigor of university studies. Each of the five modules covers gateway topics such as math, science and writing. The modules, which start as early as July 29, are appropriate for students planning to attend the University of California as well as other universities and community colleges, and may also be of interest to academically-motivated high school students.

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"These modules are designed to support students' individual learning needs," explained Gary W. Matkin, Ph.D., dean of Continuing Education, Distance Learning and Summer Session. "Students will develop core skills, enhance subject knowledge, and get a head start in pursuing their undergraduate studies or preparing for college – with the added benefit of relieving some freshman-year stress. The University Preparation Program will help students develop effective learning strategies and gain a strong foundation for future success in meeting the demands of a rigorous undergraduate academic experience."

The program includes five modules: algebra, pre-calculus, pre-chemistry, preparation for introductory biology and preparation for university writing. Each module includes video lectures, online peer interaction through discussion forums, and exercises. The math and science modules use ALEKS, a web-based learning and assessment system that applies adaptive questioning to evaluate student knowledge and then presents the student with the specific topics that he/she is ready to learn.

The modules cost $95, with the exception of "Preparation for Introductory Biology, which is free of charge and offered on the Massive Online Open Course (MOOC) platform Coursera.  For more information about the University Preparation Program or to register for a module, visit http://unex.uci.edu/areas/upp/ or call (949) 824-5414.

About UC Irvine Extension: University of California, Irvine Extension is the continuing education arm of UC Irvine. Through thousands of courses and programs offered on campus, online and on site, UC Irvine Extension helps adult learners reach their career advancement and personal enrichment goals —and celebrates 50 years of providing universally accessible, university-level learning to local, regional, and global communities. Learn more at extension.uci.edu, or join us on Facebook at facebook.com/uciextension.

About the University of California, Irvine: Founded in 1965, UCI is a top-ranked university dedicated to research, scholarship and community service. Led by Chancellor Michael Drake since 2005, UCI 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, UCI contributes an annual economic impact of $4.2 billion. For more UCI news, visit www.today.uci.edu. 

CONTACT: Vivian Chan-Slater, 714-573-0899 ext. 235, vivian@echomediapr.com

SOURCE University of California, Irvine Extension