ANNUAL REPORT - The Petroleum Institute

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The Petroleum Institute | Annual Report - Academic Year 2011 - 2012 The Computing Department was subsumed into the Mathematics unit at the beginning of the academic year. In addition to basic computing skills, elements of programming instruction are now included in a second computing course. As a result of this merger, the full time faculty complement of the department now numbers ten. Hussam Suleiman Chemistry Faculty David Adcock Chemistry Faculty A new Mathematics ‘help centre’ operates daily on both male and female campuses to provide added assistance as and when necessary. A determined effort to place new students in newly revised courses has continued in this fall term. Students are given lectures and directed learning through classroom work sessions. This gives students increased time for the acquisition of the required English background they need for undergraduate studies. Research efforts have been presented at local, regional, and international conferences, including the UAE Math Day. Additionally, AUP students were accompanied to a mathematics conference at the Higher Colleges of Technology. AUP Chemistry developed exit and placement exams with members of the Arts & Sciences faculty. Special projects on minerals involved input from both the Department and AUP English. The Outreach program brought in guest speakers and professional development sessions were held to promote hands-on lab skills for non-science teachers. The department plans to incorporate a lab skills computer program (with A&S collaboration) which will be permanently accessible and will aim at developing students’ understanding and practical skills in the lab. c. Chemistry Department This year, AUP Chemistry was restructured to better prepare students for freshman chemistry courses, with hands-on lab skills being accentuated. AUP I Chemistry 028 and AUP 2 Chemistry 029 were launched with projects and presentations introduced into both courses. The department welcomed Mr. Hussam Suleiman and Mr. David Adcock as faculty members at the beginning of the 2011-12 academic year and saw Nicy Kallely promoted from Lab Technician to Lab Engineer. In short, AUP Chemistry developed interesting projects which promoted student motivation and developed team-building skills. Our courses will be modified in yearly strategic planning sessions. 42
A year of transformation, growth and success d. Physics Department AUP Physics has re-engineered its curriculum based on the competencies needed by students. Soft skills have been incorporated in the methodology and more student-centered activities, in line with Studio Physics, have been adopted. Courses will be shifted to the Arts and Science Department and will be run in parallel with the regular Physics courses. Major emphasis will be initially placed on the physics ‘soft skills’. The parallel courses will have non-degree credits but will be required by all students who do not meet the placement requirements. IV. Special Projects, Activities & Events The compulsory use of textbooks has been initiated and the statistical analysis of all questions and exams has been undertaken. Perhaps this year’s greatest innovation was SPA&E, headed by English faculty member, Mara Barrow. AUP faculty and students alike have seen their working environment improve beyond recognition as lounges, photo displays, noticeboards, galleries and games rooms have sprung up around Zarkuh building. In addition, working with PI-wide committees, SPA&E has sponsored and organized cultural, sporting, outreach and awareness-raising events, including the AUP Sports Tournament, Global Day, National Day, PI Open Day and Casual Day, as well as visits from a number of guest speakers. Strong participation in students’ extracurricular activities, projects and competitions have been foregrounded in this academic year. In order to foster student retention, a bridgebuilding competition, airplane dynamics activity and field trips were undertaken. The faculty worked alongside their Physics counterparts in A&S to modify outcomes and ensure a better fit between the two curricula. Major changes are in effect during the academic year, 2012-13. These changes will contribute to speed the advancement of students into enrolling in the engineering programs. 43
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ANNUAL REPORT - The Petroleum Institute

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