ANNUAL REPORT - The Petroleum Institute

The Petroleum Institute | Annual Report - Academic Year 2011 - 2012
Advanced University Placement (AUP)
Dr. Mohammed Saad Al Kobaisi, Director
I. Executive Summary
As might be expected of a program as dynamic
as the AUP, Spring 2012 saw us complete a
full circle when 36 students (23 males and 13
females) sat for the international Advanced
Placement Examinations in Physics, Chemistry
and Calculus. Like their predecessors, tested
in 2010 and 2011, they were well taught and
comprehensively prepared. In tandem with
their own natural ability this should see them
well, leading to credits for A&S freshman
courses to repay the time they spent in AUP.
What is special about this group is that they
were our final cohort of AP level students.
Placement exam analysis and the tracking of
the AP level students after they leave the AUP
has shown that while students gain significantly
from being part of our program, they have the
ability and skills to start freshman courses
directly.
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The AUP has now returned to its remit
of developing the skills, knowledge and
understanding of those more in need of
preparation for university level courses.
Recent initiatives include the modernization of
the learning environment and the introduction
of courses such as Mathematical Modeling and
Laboratory Skills. They supplement an English
Language Program that provides a relevant
learning experience for students preparing to
study engineering at undergraduate level.
Fall 2012 has seen important changes
across the department. We have warmly
welcomed our new director, Dr. Mohammed
Al Kobaisi and we have completely
overhauled our English language program.
Direct entry is now possible at three levels:
Intensive, Intermediate 1 and Intermediate 2.