The College of Arts and Sciences (CAS) serves a twofold purpose. It offers an extensive selection of general education and specialty courses relevant to degree programs. Moreover, it plays a key role in the development of AUBH graduates through the advancement of both soft and technical skills.

The College of Arts and Sciences (CAS) serves a twofold purpose. It offers an extensive selection of general education and specialty courses relevant to degree programs. Moreover, it plays a key role in the development of AUBH graduates through the advancement of both soft and technical skills.

Program Content

The General Education Program delivers a liberal arts education that aligns with the 21st century. The program aims to develop well-rounded graduates with a variety of transferrable skill sets, experiences, and knowledge. Subjects covered in the program include arts and humanities, language and communication, natural sciences, social and behavioral sciences, mathematics, lifelong learning, and information computing technology. This program emphasizes the skills necessary for success in the digital economy, including analytical skills, critical thinking, communication skills, and creativity.

Mission

The aim of the College of Arts and Sciences curricula is to broaden students’ understanding of the arts, mathematics, natural sciences, and social sciences. This will in turn support the development of individual and common skills enabling students to thrive in their future careers as members of both local and global communities.

Vision

The College plays a central role in fulfilling the University’s mission by encouraging students to engage in interdisciplinary, entrepreneurial, and socially responsible experiences, as well as inspiring them to transform their lives and the world around them.

Course Information

ARHG 101: Arabic for Non-Arabic Speakers (3 Credits)

This course develops reading and writing skills in Modern Standard Arabic with active speaking and listening skills in both formal Arabic and various Arabic dialects. Authentic materials from the Arabic media will be used in addition to text-related video and audio materials.

Prerequisites: None

Course Syllabus

A practical language course which aims at developing the language skills of native speakers of Arabic. This course provides the students with a comprehensive knowledge of the linguistic system. It is intended to help learners reach a superior level of proficiency by expanding vocabulary and providing paragraph-level activities in reading, writing, and speaking; through a selection texts by writers from across the Arab world address literary themes and represent a range of genres, styles, and periods, where each text is followed by exercises that measure understanding and comprehension, vocabulary and language applications, including grammar, morphology, spelling, stylistic applications and composition.

Prerequisites: None

Course Syllabus

The course covers the Modern History of Bahrain since 1500 till 2002. It contains: Chapter I: Introduction geography. Chapter II: A Short History of Bahrain until the beginning of the sixteenth century. Chapter III: Bahrain between European and regional ambitions. Chapter IV: Utub tribe and the establishment of political entities in the Arabian Gulf. Chapter V of Bahrain and British protection. Chapter VI: Bahrain after independence.

Prerequisites: None

Course Syllabus

This course covers human rights historical development, major human rights laws, treaties and conventions. To learn obligations as citizens and residents of Bahrain as well as a member of the international community and to understand Human Rights Enforcement Mechanisms in Bahrain.

Prerequisites: None

Course Syllabus

ENGL 101: Composition I (3 Credits)

ENGL 101 introduces the conventions of academic writing and critical thinking and teaches the writing skills necessary for success in college. Read and respond to a variety of texts from different disciplines and produce academic texts using a range of critical thinking and rhetorical strategies. Learn how to apply APA documentation style to ethically document sources in texts and reference lists. The course is designed to provide guided practice in the multi-step process of academic writing.

Prerequisites: None

Course Syllabus

ENGL 102 introduces the conventions of research writing and teaches how to produce research papers using critical thinking and analytical skills in response to a variety of academic texts. The course is designed to provide guidance in all steps of the research process including choosing a topic, designing a research methodology, analyzing data, and writing up and presenting results.

Prerequisites: ENGL 101

Course Syllabus

MATH 098: Pre-algebra (4 Credits)

This course introduces numbers and number systems, prime numbers, fractions, order of operations, rules of algebra, linear equations and graphs of straight lines, ratios, rates and proportions, direct and inverse variation, percentages, simple interest rates, areas and volumes of simple geometric figures.

Prerequisites: High School Math OR MATH 097

Course Syllabus

This course introduces the rules of algebra, equations, graphs, circles and lines, functions, transformations of functions, one-to-one and inverse functions, exponential functions, logarithmic functions, trigonometric functions and their identities, zeros of polynomials, the fundamental theorem of algebra, and systems of equations.

Prerequisites: High School Math OR MATH 097

Course Syllabus

MATH 115: Business Statistics (3 Credits)

This course introduces the concepts of and need for statistics, collection, tabulations, graphical representation of statistical data, frequency distributions, measures of central tendency, measures of dispersion and skewness, Kurtosis, probability and probability distributions, the binomial, the Poisson and the normal distributions, sampling, estimating means and confidence intervals, and correlation and regression.

Prerequisites: None

Course Syllabus

This course introduces sets, number systems, fractions, polynomials, rules of algebra and linear equations and inequalities in one variable. It also covers functions and graphs, with a focus on polynomial, exponential and logarithmic functions. Other topics include equations of a straight line, systems of equations, and applications to real life situations.

Prerequisites: None

Course Syllabus

This course introduces matrix algebra, inequalities and systems of linear inequalities, linear programming, and basics of differential and integral calculus.

Prerequisites: MATH 130

Course Syllabus

This course aims to enhance the understanding of concepts and the development of problem-solving skills in the areas of single variable differential calculus and single variable integral calculus. Topics include limits, continuity, differentiation, curve sketching, optimization, and introductory integration. Functions studied range from simple algebraic and radical expressions to more sophisticated rational, logarithms, exponentials, and trigonometric functions.

Prerequisites: MATH099 or placement exam.

Course Syllabus

This course involves applications and techniques of integration, including substitution, by parts, trigonometric substitution, by partial fractions. Improper integrals and numerical integration are also covered. The course also introduces sequences and series, geometric series formula, criteria for convergence, power series, and Taylor expansion.

Prerequisites: MATH 151

Course Syllabus

This course aims to enhance understanding of concepts and the development of problem-solving skills in the areas of single variable differential calculus and single variable integral calculus. Topics include limits, differentiation, curve sketching, optimization, and introductory integration. Functions studied range from simple algebraic and radical expressions to more sophisticated rational, logarithms, exponentials, and trigonometric functions.

Prerequisites: MATH 099 or placement exam

Course Syllabus

This course involves applications and techniques of integration, including substitution, by parts, trigonometric substitution, by partial fractions. Improper integrals and numerical integration are also covered. The course also introduces sequences and series, geometric series formula, criteria for convergence, power series, and Taylor expansion.

Prerequisites: MATH 153

Course Syllabus

This course focuses on logic, methods of proof, set theory, number theory, equivalence and order relations, counting (combinations and permutations), and solving recurrence relations.

Prerequisites: MATH 151 or MATH 153

Course Syllabus

This course emphasizes on vector functions (continuity, derivatives, and integrals), parametric curves and surfaces, polar coordinates, as well as functions of several variables (including continuity and partial derivatives, gradient, directional derivatives). Topics also include the chain rule, double and triple integrals, iterated integrals, integration using polar, cylindrical, and spherical coordinates, change of variables, line and surface integrals (including surface area), curl and divergence, and the integral theorems of Green, Stokes, and Gauss.

Prerequisites: MATH 152 or MATH 154

Course Syllabus

This course is a survey of systems of linear equations and matrices, Gauss elimination, matrices, matrix operations, inverses, elementary matrices, diagonal and triangular matrices, symmetric, skew symmetric matrices, determinants of square matrices, vectors in 2- and 3-dimensional space, norm, dot product, cross product, lines, planes, Euclidean vector spaces, linear mappings between Euclidean spaces, properties of linear mappings, general vector spaces, subspaces, linear independency, base and dimension, row, column and null spaces, rank and nullity, inner product, angle, orthogonality, Gramm-Schmidt process, change of basis, orthogonal matrices, eigenvalues, eigenvectors, matrix diagonalization, linear transformations, Kernel, range, isomorphism and inverse linear transformations.

Prerequisites: MATH 151

Course Syllabus

This course is an introduction to probability and statistics. It emphasizes on operations of sets, counting problems, definition of probability, conditional probability, Bayes’ theorem, one- and twodimensional random variables, mathematical expectation and variance, basic discrete and continuous probability distributions, moment generating functions, law of large numbers, and central limit theorem. It also includes aspects of descriptive statistics, statistical intervals, hypothesis testing and simple linear regression and correlation.

Prerequisites:MATH 152 or MATH 154

Course Syllabus

This course provides a foundation of statistical methods to students with different educational backgrounds and work experiences. The topics that will be covered in this course include but not limited to descriptive statistics, elements of probability, probability distributions, sampling distributions, statistical inference for means (including estimation and hypothesis testing), correlation and simple linear regression. Applications of these topics in business and economics are emphasized

BIOL 101: Principles of Biology I (3 Credits)

This course provides students with an introduction to the fundamental principles of biology. Topics covered include: cells and macromolecules; genetics and inheritance; evolution and biodiversity; and ecology. Through this course, students will have the opportunity to increase their understanding of biology as it applies to society and everyday life.

Prerequisites: None

Course Syllabus

This course is designed to reinforce topics presented in BIOL 101 lectures. Through hands-on, scientific experimentation, students will improve their understanding of basic concepts in biology: cells, genetics and inheritance, evolution and biodiversity, and ecology. Students will also participate in a field visit to a local mangrove forest.

Prerequisites: None

Course Syllabus

This course will provide students with a comprehensive overview of the major areas of chemistry. Chemical principles for each topic under discussion are presented together with their foundation in atomic and molecular structure. Topics covered range from atomic theory to the descriptions of chemical reactivity and reactions, quantitative methods in chemistry, reactions in aqueous media
and chemical kinetics and chemical equilibrium. Applications of chemistry are discussed throughout the lectures.

Prerequisites: None

Course Syllabus

This course is an application of the general chemistry concepts studied in CHEM 101. The student carries out experiments including density, chemical equilibria, solutions, titrations, and standardizing solutions. Upon completion of the course the student will have gained a strong foundation for the further study of chemistry, and for the application of chemical principles in a variety of other fields.

Prerequisites: None

Course Syllabus

This course will provide students with a comprehensive overview of the major areas of chemistry. Chemical principles for each topic under discussion are presented together with their foundation in atomic and molecular structure. Topics covered range from atomic theory to the descriptions of chemical reactivity and reactions, heat transfer concepts, enthalpy and quantitative methods in chemistry, reactions in aqueous media and chemical bonding to chemical models on molecular structures. Applications of chemistry, “the central science” are discussed throughout the lectures.

Prerequisites: None

Course Syllabus

 

This course is an application of the general chemistry concepts studied in CHEM 103. The student carries out experiments including calculating enthalpy, nomenclature, solutions, and finding limiting reagent experiments. Upon completion of the course the student will have gained an overall foundation for the application of chemical principles in a variety of other fields.

Prerequisites: None

Course Syllabus

 

This course provides an overview of the fundamental principles of physics in areas of mechanics. Topics include standards and units, vectors and coordinate systems, kinematics, dynamics of single particles, work energy and power, conservation on energy, dynamics of system of particles, collisions, and rotational kinematics and dynamics. The course is designed for students requiring calculus-based physics.

Prerequisites: MATH 151 or MATH 153

Course Syllabus

 

This course is designed to reinforce topics presented in PHYS 101 lectures. Through scientific experimentation, students will improve their understanding of basic concepts in mechanics while developing their foundation of the scientific process. Laboratory work includes the setting up and running of physics’ experiments, whether hands on or online. Regular activities include data taking, data presentation, data visualization, data analysis, fitting, and drawing of conclusions.

Prerequisites/Co-requisites: PHYS 101

Course Syllabus

 

The course provides an overview of the fundamental principles of physics in areas of electricity and magnetism. Topics include electric field, Gauss law, electric potential, capacitance and dielectrics, current and resistance, direct current circuits, magnetic fields, sources of magnetic fields, Biot-Savart Law, Ampere’s Law, Faraday’s law, and Lenz’s Law. The course is designed for students requiring calculus-based physics.

Prerequisites: PHYS 101 and either MATH 152 OR MATH 154

Course Syllabus

 

This course is designed to reinforce topics presented in PHYS 102 lectures. Through scientific experimentation, students will improve their understanding of basic concepts in electricity and magnetism while developing their foundation of the scientific process. Laboratory work includes the setting up and running of physics’ experiments, whether hands on or online. Regular activities include data taking, data presentation, data visualization, data analysis, fitting, and drawing of conclusions.

Prerequisites/Co-requisites: PHYS 102

Course Syllabus

 

This course provides an overview of the fundamental principles of physics in the areas of static equilibrium and elasticity, fluid mechanics, kinetic theory of gases, first and second law of thermodynamics, mechanical waves, vibrating bodies, and acoustic phenomena.

Prerequisites: PHYS 101 and either MATH 154

Course Syllabus

In-depth examination and interpretation of astronomical discoveries occurring at the time the course is taught. Reading includes both background material and current periodicals accessible to General Education students. Likely areas of discussion include spacecraft exploration of the solar system, satellite observations of high-energy radiation from space, exotic astronomical objects (e.g., double quasars, black hole candidates), and new cosmological data.

Prerequisites/Co-requisite: ENGL 102

Course Syllabus

ASTR 352L is designed to reinforce topics presented in ASTR 352 lectures. Through scientific experimentation, students will improve their understanding of basic concepts in astronomy while becoming trained on experimental techniques used in astronomy and increasing their insight on the foundations of the scientific process. Likely topics covered are the exploration of the sky, angular size, the spectrum, the Doppler effect, eclipses, moon phases, transits, day and night, the seasons, our Sun, the search of exoplanets, the state of the universe, and the age of the universe.

Prerequisites/Co-requisites: ASTR 352

Course Syllabus

COMS 356: Intercultural Communication (3 Credits)

This course deals with cultural factors in interpersonal communication such as perception, roles, language codes and nonverbal communication. Students will apply and evaluate theories of intercultural communication.

Prerequisites: None

Course Syllabus

Study of the variety of cultural patterns that human societies use to adapt to the environment, guide social interaction and understand the human condition. Introduces the ideas and methods anthropologists use to develop a scientific and humanistic understanding of the world’s cultures.

Prerequisites: None

Course Syllabus

This introductory course uses an interdisciplinary approach to help students understand the main concepts of sustainability. Students will learn about sustainability as it relates to economic development, social equity, and current environmental challenges. Students will also develop the ability to apply sustainable thinking in their personal and professional lives.

Pre-requisites: None

Course Syllabus

Psychology is the scientific study of behavior and mental processes. The content focuses on the exploration of major theories and concepts, methods, and research findings in psychology. Topics include the biological bases of behavior, ethics involved in research, perception, cognition, learning, memory, emotion, motivation, development, personality, social psychology, psychological disorders and therapeutic approaches, and applied psychology.

Prerequisites: None

Course Syllabus

This course will introduce students to the basic concepts and theories of sociology, as well as to the methods utilized in sociological research. The course will address how sociological concepts and theories can be utilized to analyze and interpret our social world, and how profoundly our society and the groups to which students belong influence them.

Prerequisites: None

Course Syllabus

ENGL 205 is designed to develop the English language skills needed to perform effectively in the current global marketplace. The course builds confidence in communicating orally and in writing in various business contexts, explains essential business vocabulary, and teaches the 21st Century skills essential for success in today’s workplace.

Prerequisites: None

Course Syllabus

ENGL 103 helps students understand the nature of public speaking and develop techniques to improve their public speaking skills. In the course, students will practice planning, preparing, and delivering various types of speeches in a public setting. The course emphasizes research, delivery, and basic analysis and evaluation of students’ own and others’ speeches.

Prerequisites: None

Course Syllabus

Introductory course provides instruction in the interdisciplinary analysis and interpretation of meaning in art, music and literature, and in the understanding of philosophical ideas in their own right and as they influence styles and themes in works of art.

Prerequisites: None

Course Syllabus

A practical language course which aims at developing the language skills of native speakers of Arabic. This course provides the students with a comprehensive knowledge of the linguistic system. It is intended to help learners reach a superior level of proficiency by expanding vocabulary and providing paragraph-level activities in reading, writing, and speaking; through a selection texts by writers from across the Arab world address literary themes and represent a range of genres, styles, and periods, where each text is followed by exercises that measure understanding and comprehension, vocabulary and language applications, including grammar, morphology, spelling, stylistic applications and composition.

Prerequisites: None

Course Syllabus

UNSS 101: University Success (1 Credit)

This course is designed to help students function as independent learners within a university environment. The course teaches students various transferable study skills, including time management, dealing with group projects, test preparation, and critical reading. It also intends to raise students’ understanding of themselves as learners.

Prerequisites: None

Course Syllabus

The American University of Bahrain recognizes the importance of curricular and non-curricular activities in developing graduate attributes. Hence, students are required to compile a portfolio of evidence showing their development throughout their educational journey. The portfolio is expected to include just a sample of activities that the student considers significant to his/her learning. The graduation portfolio aims to:
  • Provide an insight into the student’s personality and areas of interest
  • Showcase the student’s work and development over time
  • Encourage students to engage in their wider academic and social context
  • Encourage students to reflect on their own learning and development
  • Promote AUBH graduates to employers