course focus - 19 august 2014
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Course Focus - 19 August 2014TRANSCRIPT
StarSpecialTHE STAR Tuesday 19 August 2014
Exploring opportunities > 5 Setting higher standards > 8
COURSE FOCUS:ENGINEERING & ARCHITECTURE
Turning the cogs of development
2 COURSE FOCUS StarSpecial, Tuesday 19 August 2014
Engineering development
By NG VEAN TAT
ENGINEERING is the application of mathematics and science to solve problems
by creating new technological solutions. Engineering has improved the quality of life of humankind for centuries.
Engineers are people who innovate and shape the modern world by creating quicker, easier and cheaper solutions to problems.
Malaysia is a developing country striving to become a developed nation by 2020.
The Vision 2020 ideal, introduced by former Prime Minister Tun Mahathir Mohamad in 1991, calls for a self-sufficient and industrialised Malaysia by 2020.
To achieve Vision 2020, the country needs more young and talented engineers to bring new and innovative ideas to the table.
Types of engineering
The needs of Malaysian and that of the world is changing. To stay ahead and contribute significantly, Malaysia needs engineers that will not only help the country achieve developed nations status but those that are experts in the following areas.
l Sustainable and green engineering – With the pressing issue of global warming, great effort is being made to reduce the usage of natural resources such as wood and oil. One example of these efforts is the introduction of hybrid cars that consume less fuel and run mainly on electricity.
l Sustainable engineering – This scope of engineering aims to integrate ecology, science and engineering to design industrial systems that use less energy and resources.
Examples of systems that sustainable engineering can be incorporated into include public transportation systems, waste management systems and industrial manufacturing systems.
A good example of sustainable engineering is the invention of the photovoltaic SUDI shade. It is a mobile station in France that provides electrical energy to electric vehicles using solar energy.
The station is small and compact so it does not use much space and runs on renewable solar energy.
Integrating elements of sustainable engineering in our buildings and our transportation systems can help Malaysia create eco-friendly systems such as
the SUDI shade, which will play an integral part in reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
l Green engineering – Similar to sustainable engineering, green engineering integrates science and engineering to design and create eco-friendly products that reduce the usage of energy and resources.
An example of green engineering is exemplified in the Voltaic Solar Backpack. A solar panel is attached to the front of the backpack and you can charge your mobile devices using the wire channels in the backpack. This reduces energy usage because devices are charged with solar energy.
l Geosystems engineering – Geosystems engineers use their engineering expertise to monitor the development and usage of engineering approaches in the management of water, oil and gas resources.
They are also involved in the environmental restoration of contaminated sites.
A contaminated site is an area where the soil and underlying groundwater is polluted with a high concentration of toxic and hazardous substances. These areas are usually located within industrial zones.
Geosystems engineers have to mitigate the effects of hydrocarbon (petroleum in liquid form) generated at these sites by the oil and gas industry. Geosystems engineers design and develop more eco-friendly methods of extracting resources like water and oil.
l Computer engineering – Computer engineering is a sub-discipline of electrical engineering. Computer engineers develop computer hardware and software for computers and applications.
As daily life become more influenced by technology, the need for computer engineers has grown exponentially.
Here are some tasks of a computer engineer:• Design and implement hardware for the next generation of computing systems (for maximum performance and to reduce energy consumption)• Design and analyse computer architectures (an assembly language system that connects various hardware into one functioning computing system) • Design and implement software for applications (coding that make an application run)• Design man-machine interface systems for factory automation,
automation and control.By producing more computer
engineers locally, we can develop hardware and software and integrate them into local computing systems.
Future and prospectsof a career in engineering
Working as an engineer is rewarding and engineers have a bright future. Engineering is also a portable career that enables you to find employment in any part of the world.
Depending on what type of engineer you choose to become, you could earn an average of RM7,000. As long as there are still problems to be solved, the demand for engineers will continue. Some examples of solutions we need to address include:• making solar energy more economical• providing access to clean water in third-world countries• engineering better medicine • making virtual reality a reality• improving on robotics, including industrial robots in manufacturing lines and medical surgical robots.• developing computing software and hardware that run on maximum performance and minimal energy.
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StarSpecial, Tuesday 19 August 2014 COURSE FOCUS 3
Making experiences countSTUDENTS of engineering and
architecture obtain the foundational knowledge and practice of these fields.
What does this mean in terms of their options for the workforce and how do their studies relate to their professional life?
Many assume that graduating with a degree in a particular field limits you to a future in that industry.
What it equips you with, however, are skills that are transferable to a variety of job positions.
Here are what some professionals have to say.
Having the right foundation
Aileen Chew graduated from Taylor’s University with a BSc (Hons) in Architecture with LAM Part 1 by Lembaga Arkitek Malaysia, fully expectant that the course would be a rough ride.
That did not mean that burning the midnight oil was easy to accept but Chew believed the course suited her artistic and nerdy personality.
She saw it as a opportunity to design big and beautiful buildings incorporating intelligent designs.
Having worked as an assistant architect for just under a year, Chew’s job entails liasing with clients, consultants and suppliers and doing production work that involves revising drawings, designing and presenting layouts.
Chew believes her degree has equipped her with the knowledge and skills needed to grow in the industry.
Although the more practical subjects came later, she believes that having started out with a focus on the design process and science gave her the design acumen she needed.
“Design acumen takes time to acquire and perfect, so it makes sense to introduce that very early on. It provides a good foundation for reading and evaluating your consultants’ data,” she says.
Chew sees the market as being a good stage for fresh graduates as once an interview is carried out, employers are keen to get them started as the turnover for fresh graduates is quite high.
Courses usually include an internship period that can last between two and six months depending on the institution.
Aileen Chew.
Lee Sheng Yi.
Matthias Yap.
Branching out
Before graduating with a Bachelor of Engineering (Hons) Material and Manufacturing Engineering degree from University Tunku Abdul Rahman, Matthias Yap expected his engineering course to be textbook-oriented and involves studies of many technical aspects of materials and its manufacturing process.
He used to believe that it was a specialised and niche area of study but it turned out to involve many aspects of other engineering fields such as chemical engineering and mechanical engineering.
In addition, Yap and his coursemates thought that the future of engineers lay in laboratories and involved a large amount of research.
However, since starting work, Yap has gained different perspectives on what an engineering degree can offer him.
One of the skills he found transferable was its analytical and problem-solving skills that he picked up during the course.
As such, Yap believes there is always a chance to branch out into different industries such as finance, banking, sales, oil and gas service engineering and civil engineering.
Yap now works in the sales department of a construction company, drawing on his knowledge from his course and also learning new skills on the job.
Yap believes that continuous professional development is important for engineers. “Continuous professional development in this field is important because advancements in construction, new mindsets and methods of operation as well as knowledge of new products are essential to continue being the forerunner in the industry,” he says.
Gaining perspective
Lee Sheng Yi graduated with a Bachelor of Environments, majoring in architecture, and has recently obtained a Master of Architecture from The University of Melbourne.
Lee expected her undergraduate degree to give her specific direction for her career but found it in her master’s programme
instead. She believed that architects were just people who designed buildings, but in fact learned that they can see the future in many forms and design systems and create stories.
Additionally, she has also been inspired by people who have branched out into areas such as hospitality and art and seeks to explore options in other fields for her future as well.
Lee says that to become a registered
architect, one requires a degree and master’s qualification as your educational qualification is a reflection of your capabilities. She adds that continuous professional development is also important for the field.
“Architects need to continuously be aware of their surroundings. This includes people, culture, technology and changes to the environment as we are designing for the world and to advance in our field,” she says.
4 COURSE FOCUS StarSpecial, Tuesday 19 August 2014
Aeronautics and astronautics to launch your career
BEGINNING September next year, the University of Southampton Malaysia
Campus will expand its range of programmes in Malaysia by offering an undergraduate degree in aeronautics and astronautics.
It offers the students a unique Southampton experience of receiving one degree in two countries – two years in the Malaysia campus and two years at the Southampton campus in the United Kingdom.
Students at the Malaysia campus benefit from the same teaching modules as those taught in the first two years in Southampton at an overall cost that is 40% less than the same degree in the UK.
Supported by Southampton’s unrivalled reputation and long successful history for education, research and enterprise, these degree programmes are designed to pave the career paths of aspiring engineers in Malaysia and around the world.
The aeronautics and astronautics programmes at Southampton are highly regarded in the industry for their blend of analytical, computational and experimental work.
These courses are ranked No.1 in the UK by the Guardian University Guide 2013 for the following reasons:
Course structurel The first two years of the
courses provide a solid, focused foundation for the design and operation of air vehicles and spacecraft. You will follow a core set of modules before specialising in your chosen area in the third and fourth years. l In Year 3, you will have the
opportunity to specialise by selecting a theme. You will also undertake an individual project, as well as a group aircraft (or spacecraft) design exercise.l In Year 4, you take modules
relevant to your chosen theme and participate in a group design project (GDP).
How will you learn?
Southampton offers a dynamic mix of lectures and seminars led by experts who are at the forefront of their fields, practical
laboratory sessions in its world-class facilities, industry site visits and project work.
The university’s lecture programmes include guest speakers from the industry and other institutions from around the world.
In addition to lectures, in Year 1 and Year 2, you will have tutorials and laboratory classes that are held in small groups and individual supervision for your projects in Years 3 and 4.
The university helps its students develop key skills, including written and oral presentation skills using a wide variety of learning methods.
Group work
Practical experience is essential for today’s employment market. Southampton’s group projects provide the perfect opportunity for you to enhance your practical and team-working skills.
All undergraduates complete an individual research or design project in their third year as well as a group aircraft or spacecraft design exercise. In the past, students have designed an A320-type replacement airliner, a microlight aircraft and a moon orbiter.
The Year 4 GDPs are often linked to current research activities or topics that have practical relevance to industry. Some examples include unmanned air vehicles, spacecraft instrumentation, electric propulsion devices and racing car components.
Field trips
Students are often taken on an exciting one-week practical course in flight testing at Southampton International Airport. At the airport, experiments are performed onboard a Jetstream flying laboratory aircraft.
The university has connections with key players across the aerospace and automotive industries and organises a number of visits to industry partners and research establishments.
In the past, students have visited industry giants such as Agusta Westland, Airbus UK, Rolls-Royce and Qinetiq.
E-learning
Most staff use Blackboard as an electronic medium to disseminate printed notes, exercises and other teaching material. In some cases, tests are carried out via Blackboard. Besides being part of the assessment, such tests are designed to provide you with rapid feedback on your understanding of the taught material.
Student supportservice for learning
The students are each assigned
a personal tutor, whose role is to monitor and supervise their overall progress on their degree. The personal tutor also provides pastoral care, support and advice where appropriate for any non-academic problems faced during their time at the university.
Southampton’s employability coordinator can point them in the right direction to help them obtain the relevant skills and experience they need to further their career.
They have good relations with local and international employers as well as the university careers advisory service. The university also has a Staff-Student Liaison Committee in place to give students the opportunity to voice any issues and help improve the student experience.
The University of Southampton Malaysia Campus’s Open Day will be held on Sept 13.
n For more information,call 07-560 2560, [email protected] or visit www.southampton.edu.my
Students are able to test pilot their designs in the university’s flight simulator.
The Rolls Royce University Technology Centre in Computational Engineering Design and the Airbus Noise Technology Centre are based at the university.
StarSpecial, Tuesday 19 August 2014 COURSE FOCUS 5
Exploring opportunitiesENGINEERS have a rich and important
history dating back to ancient times when humans invented life-changing
items such as the wheel, pulley and lever.Over decades, engineering marvels have
changed the way we live. There are many different engineering
disciplines that intertwine to create the world as we see it today.
Car, overhead pedestrian bridges or aircraft would not be possible without engineering.
Furthermore, many everyday products such as toothpaste, cooking oil, pesticide, petrol and detergents exist because of engineering.
Heriot-Watt University, recognised internationally as a centre for high-calibre research in engineering, science and business, now offers students the chance to excel in engineering studies at its new campus in Putrajaya.
Heriot-Watt University Malaysia offers a wide range of bachelor’s and master’s programmes in various engineering fields.
Applications for undergraduate programmes in chemical engineering, petroleum engineering and mechanical engineering are now open for the university’s September intake.
Applications are also open for its postgraduate programmes in petroleum engineering and renewable energy engineering.
Postgraduate classes in renewable energy engineering, energy, petroleum engineering, construction project management, business psychology and international business management with marketing are already underway at the university, with upcoming intakes next month.
Other postgraduate programmes available at the university include the Master of Business Administration and Quantity Surveying, with more courses to be included in the coming years.
Chemical engineers can work in any industry that involves scientific, industrial and manufacturing processes.
They are not confined to manufacturing or processing that only involves chemicals.
Chemical engineers are employed by palm oil refineries, toy manufacturers, cosmetics producers, pharmaceutical
companies, semi-conductor manufacturing companies and more.
A career in chemical engineering requires you to have a strong knowledge of chemistry, physics and mathematics for complex problem-solving and to streamline manufacturing processes.
Those who choose to pursue petroleum engineering will learn that petroleum engineers do not have a set daily routine.
They can gain employment anywhere in the world and on various types of terrain from mountains to the ocean floor.
Petroleum engineers do not necessarily need to work offshore throughout their career but it is highly recommended that they do in the early stages of their career.
Mechanical engineers have a wide choice of industries to work in, including energy, aerospace, transportation, chemical, manufacturing and even entertainment.
In Asia’s export-led economy, top mechanical engineers are perpetually in demand.
Mechanical engineering is one of the broadest and oldest engineering disciplines and it can be applied to various jobs involving any product or machinery that is motorised.
By carrying out extensive research on the various engineering fields, you can discover which best suits you.
Students who register for undergraduate programmes during Heriot-Watt University Malaysia’s September intake will be awarded a scholarship of RM3,000.
Scholarship packages for students with financial difficulties and high achiever scholarships for undergraduate studies are also available.
In addition, all students who maintain a 70% average in their undergraduate studies will be awarded a 35% scholarship in the following year.
Additional scholarships from foundation to postgraduate studies are also available from the university’s corporate and industry partners such as YTL Corporation Berhad, Great Eastern Life Malaysia, MNRB Holdings Berhad and Loh & Loh Corporation Berhad.
n For more information, call 03-8881 0918, e-mail [email protected] or visit www.hwu.edu.my
Heriot-Watt University Malaysia offers a wide range of programmes in various engineering fields.
6 COURSE FOCUS StarSpecial, Tuesday 19 August 2014
Keeping pace with technologyTHE latest programme to be offered
by University College of Technology Sarawak (UCTS) is mechanical
engineering, which leads to a degree in Bachelor in Mechanical Engineering (Hons).
The Mechanical Engineering Programme offered in UCTS is a four-year degree programme.
The programme is developed with a balance in theoretical and technical skills. With recent modern advancements in technology, courses are developed and
designed to incorporate these latest
innovations. For instance,
in design courses, students will model and create a prototype using machines such as a
3D-modeller. Students will also be introduced
to subjects that
World-class programme awaits
Assoc Prof Ir Dr Mohammad Shahril Osman.
Assoc Prof Dr Salfarina Abdul Gapor.
utilise specific software. The use of analytical and modelling
software will be incorporated into subjects. Theoretical aspects coupled with a learning-by-doing concept will teach students to identify the difference between theoretical design and actual ones.
In the final year, students will be engaged in a final year project. These projects vary in design, experimentation, fabrication, manufacturing, field work and survey.
In addition, technical electives are offered to prepare students for the workforce. Subjects such as noise and vibration, finite element analysis, advance material, non destructive test and others will also be offered.
All in all, the mechanical engineering programme in UCTS will have the fundamental elements that mechanical engineers require.
In UCTS, soft skills such as good English and communication will also be instilled and students will also get to participate in sports and club and societies activities. – By Assoc Prof Ir Dr Mohammad Shahril Osman
THE Bachelor of Science in Architecture (BSA) is aimed at fulfilling the mission and vision of UCTS as a global technical university founded on science and technology.
The mission is to provide world-class architectural programmes and a learning environment that nurtures creative and entrepreneurial leaders.
In terms of professional recognition, the BSA is a three-year programme designed to meet the accreditation requirements of the Board of Architects Malaysia - Part 1.
The department is staffed by qualified and experienced academicians and professional architects with broad academic skills, professional international experience and vast networking in the industry.
The programme complements UCTS’ philosophy and representation of sustainability in addition to the dynamic socio-economic hub of Sibu and its rich multicultural and ethnicities.
Architectural training is not only limited to conventional classical Western architectural philosophy but also highlights local values and heritage such as tropical architecture and green design using latest scientific technology, meeting the needs of the people, state and nation.
Students will be taught
first-hand experience and skills using studio-based learning methods.
In addition, students will also be exposed to the theories, history and principles of architecture.
Environmental science and construction technology are also highlighted as well as acts and regulations pertaining to the construction industry.
Students will go through a six-month internship that will boost their confidence level and expose them to the workforce.
They will enjoy the outstanding modern facilities and learning environment of UCTS that provides easy access to local and international market as Sibu is a logistic hub. BSA graduates are expected to excel and serve in all sectors, including private and public.
Graduates from this programme will be equipped with architectural and
communication skills, strong theoretical understanding, outstanding design creativity with humanity values and professionalism to work in multi-disciplinary practices, which will enable them to not only compete but stand out in the market with
confidence. – By Assoc ProfDr Salfarina Abdul Gapor
n For more information, visitwww.ucts.edu.my
Career tracks in architectureARCHITECTURE is the process of planning, designing and constructing of structures and buildings.
Architects are responsible for planning and constructing safe and sturdy structures for people to occupy.
Architects must be innovative and have good problem-solving skills.
They must also be able to clearly visualise the concept or design of a structure and communicate their instructions to their team and workers effectively for the building process to goon without a hitch.
There are a few careers that you can pursue in the field of architecture. Here are some of the more common types.
Residential architect
Residential architects focus on designing and constructing houses for homeowners. Houses in residential areas often look the same because they have the same designs.
However, a residential architect must also be able to construct a custom-designed house that satisfies the request of the homeowner.
Landscape architect
Landscape architects usually focus on designing and constructing public outdoor spaces such as parks, gardens, town squares and even golf courses.
As a landscape architect, you will be working a lot with natural elements such as plants, trees and rocks. A well-designed landscape needs to include plants and trees so that it is aesthetically pleasing.
As more and more people now want to live in areas that are lush and surrounded by nature, the demand for landscape architects is on the rise. Project manager
A project manager oversees the construction stage of a construction project.
He makes decisions regarding the changes that are to be made during the construction, manages contractors and ensures that the construction is completed on time and within the allocated budget.
In order to be a project manager, you would typically need 10 years of working experience as a professional architect.
UCTS practises a learning-by-doing concept in its courses.
StarSpecial, Tuesday 19 August 2014 COURSE FOCUS 7
Engineering programmes at SEGi University are delivered using applied methodologies and well-equipped laboratories.
Fields to pursueTHE word “engineer” conjures various images. This is because engineering
encompasses a wide range of fields and offers a bright future with various opportunities. Here is a list of the different fields one can pursue in engineering. l Civil engineering – Be
involved in all stages of development of the physically and naturally built infrastructure in the modern world as a civil engineer. Civil engineers are involved in the planning, establishment and maintenance of transportation systems, tall structures and in ensuring constant supply of clean water for consumption.
Working in a team to ensure that the infrastructure used by everyone is running effectively is essential and civil engineers need to constantly adapt to meet challenges such as population growth, climate change and natural disasters. l Chemical engineering – It
is closely related to mechanical engineering, which is a combination of technology and engineering.
The field involves developing the industry that manufactures chemicals, operate refineries and chemical plants. Chemical
engineers need to know about materials, reactor designs, and mass and heat transfer operations.l Mechanical engineering –
Mechanical engineering involves the designing and manufacturing of parts and systems that make up a range of machinery and equipment. These engineers design the tools and processes necessary to create all types of devises or machinery, from
conceiving an idea to producing the finished product. l Electronic and electrical
engineering – Electronic and electrical engineers are involved in manufacturing electrical equipment from start to finish.
With rapid transformation occurring across industries and a greater emphasis on green technologies, electronic and electrical engineers are set to play
a vital role in building our future society.l Automotive Engineering
– Automotive engineers work on the development of vehicles. Automotive engineers’ activities largely involve design in new products or revising existing ones, research and development to find solutions to engineering problems or production, which involve the planning and designing of new production processes of vehicles.
The SEGi engineering edge
The SEGi School of Engineering focuses on a student-centred environment, where students interact with dedicated and highly trained teaching staff.
SEGi University has one of the most well-equipped and modern engineering laboratories in the Klang Valley, providing students with the essential tools in the development of engineering skills.
The programmes are delivered using applied methodologies and well-equipped laboratories for each field of engineering.
The degree programmes offered are:• BEng (Hons) Civil Engineering, dual award by SEGi University and University of Greenwich, UK• BEng (Hons) Chemical Engineering, awarded by SEGi University• BEng (Hons) Mechanical Engineering, dual award by SEGi University and University of Sunderland, UK• BEng (Hons) Electronics & Electrical Engineering, dual award by SEGi University and University of Sunderland, UK• BEngs (Hons) Automotive Engineering, awarded by University of Sunderland, UK• BEng (Hons) Mechanical Engineering (3+0), awarded by University of Sunderland, UK• BEng (Hons) Electronic and Electrical Engineering (3+0), awarded by University of Sunderland, UK
n For more information, call 03-6145 1777 or 1800 887 344 or e-mail [email protected] or visit www.segi.edu.my
8 COURSE FOCUS StarSpecial, Tuesday 19 August 2014
Setting higher standardsMAHSA University is diversifying its portfolio in new and
imaginative ways to offer a dynamic and contemporary range of programmes in the field of engineering that are recognised by international and professional bodies.
The engineering programmes of MAHSA meet the requirements set by the Engineering Accreditation Council of the Board of Engineers Malaysia and are quality assured by its United Kingdom partners, Anglia Ruskin University at Cambridge and Chelmsford.
Through this quality assurance, MAHSA engineering students will also receive an award from Anglia Ruskin University in addition to the MAHSA University degree in engineering.
Additionally, upon full accreditation of the programmes by the Engineering Accreditation Council, successful graduates
will be able to embark on their career in a number of international organisations as the Board of Engineers Malaysia is a signatory of the Washington Accord, which is an international accreditation between at least 15 countries around the globe.
MAHSA has developed engineering programmes in fields that will meet local and global market demands and employability requirements.
The programmes incorporate cutting-edge technology and scientific knowledge.
The four-year degree programmes offered at MAHSA University are:l B.Eng (Hons) in Electrical & Electronic Engineering l B.Eng (Hons) in Electronics and Communication Engineeringl B.Eng (Hons) in Mechatronic Engineeringl B.Eng (Hons) in Electronics Engineering (Automotive)l B.Eng (Hons) in Medical Electronics Engineering
The engineering programmes at MAHSA are designed to have a common Year 1 curriculum, which
MAHSA’s engineering programmes meet local and global market demands.
provides students with the flexibility and comfort of time to decide on their intended specialisation of the programme, which will begin in Year 2.
MAHSA students are expected to incorporate soft skills and communication skills in the programme that will enhance their employability upon graduation.
They are also required to undergo an internship programme, which is also part of the curriculum.
Students will spend a couple of months in the industry at the end of Year 3, where they will be exposed to real-life practice as engineers.
This will also enable students to come up with high-quality, industry-relevant final year projects.
It follows an outcome-based learning approach that has been designed to enable students to be taught the necessary cognitive and analytical skills alongside relevant subjects in their area of study because in this fast-paced ever-evolving landscape, industry-ready engineering professionals are becoming a necessity to most nations.
n For more information, call1800 880 300 or 03-7965 2555or visit www.mahsa.edu.my
Students of the programme are taught the necessary cognitive and analytical skills required for the field.
Successful graduates would be able to embark on their career in a number of international organisations as the Board of Engineers Malaysia is a signatory of the Washington Accord.
StarSpecial, Tuesday 19 August 2014 COURSE FOCUS 9
Sunway’s ADTP students on an academic field trip at the Shell Refining Company.
An enriching experienceSUNWAY University’s
American Degree Transfer Programme
(ADTP) is the first step towards obtaining a recognised American degree. ADTP adopts the United States’ education system, which is unrivalled worldwide in terms of the choice and flexibility it offers.
Sunway University offers a wide range of disciplines in the ADTP course, including business, engineering, psychology, science, aviation, communication, liberal arts, tourism and hospitality, and computer science.
The programme offers many opportunities for students to explore and experience new things within and outside of the classroom.
It is characterised by accessibility, diversity and autonomy as a gateway to academic advancement.
At Sunway University, a highly qualified and experienced academic team offers personal attention, mentoring and high teaching standards.
Student’s motivation, leadership potential, dedication, integrity, sports and creative learning are incorporated into the learning process to meet the challenges of a changing world.
The ADTP’s unique approach to education is aimed to ensure that students realise their full potential.
The holistic perspective embedded into the programme provides
opportunities for students to study and perform in an exclusive environment that nurtures and builds intellectual minds.
Field trips form an integral part of the ADTP’s classroom learning. Academic field trips are vital for creative and
enjoyable learning as they contextualise and enrich teaching through real-world experience.
Earlier this year, as part of Sunway University’s ADTP initiatives in enhancing students’ learning and industrial exposure, a group of students visited the Shell Refining Company in Port Dickson.
The trip for the students of the dynamics, statics and thermodynamics of engineering class required them to come up with a two-page report on selected engineering equipment related to their subject.
Field trips such as this provide students with an opportunity to learn better by engaging with industry players and of the various career opportunities available.
These students are equipped with the skills required to perform well academically.
At Sunway University, these students are exposed to a flexible and adaptable education system, which includes interactive and creative learning through forums, field trips, presentations and seminars.
Students also gain community and industry experiences through their participation in extracurricular activities.
The ADTP at Sunway University is widely recognised in the United States and Canada.
n For more information call 03-7491 8622 or e-mail [email protected] or log on to sunway.edu.my
At Sunway University, a highly qualified and experienced academic team offers personal attention, mentoring and high teaching standards. Student’s motivation, leadership potential, dedication, integrity, sports and creative learning are incorporated into the learning process to meet the challenges of a changing world.
10 COURSE FOCUS StarSpecial, Tuesday 19 August 2014
ENGINEER A BRIGHT
FUTUREwith a leading name in
education excellence
Heriot-Watt University is one of the top universities in
the UK for Engineering. Now you can enjoy the best
of British education in Malaysia at our scenic, lakeside
Putrajaya campus.
Affordable Quality EducationHeriot-Watt University Malaysia offers a High Achiever Scholarship which awards up to 30% off first-year undergraduate tuition fees, and 35% off the subsequent year for students who maintain a 70% average in their studies.
GET IN TOUCH WITH US TODAY! Open Monday - Saturday for consultation
Heriot-Watt University Malaysia (KPT/JPS/DFT/US/W 18)
No. 1, Jalan Venna P5/2, Precinct 5, 62200 Putrajaya
+603-8894 3666 / +603-8881 0918 [email protected]
Pullman Putrajaya & Marina Putrajaya
+6014-513 7177 / 7277 hwumalaysia facebook.com/hwumalaysia
Creating future leadersQUEST International University Perak (QIUP) is focused on developing graduates with a strong conscience who respect the environment and get involved in society.
Nicholas Goh, chief operating officer of QUIP, says “We do not want to be just another degree. We want our undergraduates to not only excel in their studies, but also to participate in various conferences and educational competitions during their study here.
“We were very proud when one of our first year medical undergraduates was selected to present a paper at the 3rd International Public Health Conference & 20th National Public Health Colloquium, which took place in Kuching, Sarawak.”
This paper was a project by first year medical undergraduates and was titled “Prevalence of hypertension and its risks factors in an Orang Asli community in Perak, Malaysia”.
Additionally, four undergraduates of the Bachelor of Computer Science programme participated in the IBM Mobilithon 2013 competition and were crowned as champions.
The academic panel at QIUP is also nothing short of impressive. Vice-chancellor Datuk Prof Hashim Yaacob is an accomplished teacher, researcher and academic administrator who was
appointed as the chair professor of University of Malaya for 21 years.
Dean of the Faculty of Medicine, Prof Dr Alam Sher Malik, is a frequent speaker, organiser and facilitator for conferences and seminars in local and overseas universities.
Prof Dr Helen Nair, research professor and dean of the Faculty of Integrative Sciences & Technology, is known for her research and pioneering efforts in plant biotechnology and consults for various universities and organisations.
Throughout their time at QIUP, students will be exposed to impactful research work and work ethics delivered by a passionate panel of staff.
There are three faculties and one centre at QIUP, including the Centre for Foundation Studies, Faculty of Medicine, Faculty of Integrative Sciences & Technology and Faculty of Business Management & Social Sciences and offers programmes at Foundation, diploma, degree and postgraduate levels.
QIUP’s interim campus is located in Ipoh, away from the distractions of city life and offers a lower cost of living.
Registration for the September 2014 intake is on-going.
n For more information, call 1800 887 487 or e-mail [email protected] or visit www.qiup.edu.my
Students bag top prize at competitionUCSI University has an
impressive list of local and international awards that
its engineering and architecture students have won over the years.
In the past year, UCSI students have bagged the grand prize in the 2013 Schlumberger Ocean Plug-in Competition, 13 major prizes at the 17th MIID Interior Design Competition, seven major awards at the PAM Students’ Architectural Workshop, three gold medals and one silver at the Fifth International Engineering Invention and Innovation Exhibition 2014 and second place at the 2014 Schlumberger Enhanced Oil Recovery Contest.
The university’s Faculty of Engineering, Technology and Built Environment dean Dr Jimmy Mok says that the culture of excellence is a result of the faculty’s emphasis on industrial relevance.
“By developing plug-ins to test
Satyaraj (left) and Prabu credit UCSI for providing them with the aptitude to succeed in the Schlumberger Ocean Plug-in Competition.
Students of Quest International University Perak will be exposed to impactful research work.
oil wells and seeking to improve the way crude oil is extracted, UCSI students are essentially working on global solutions. We encourage this as it accelerates one’s learning process and creates an avenue for students to apply their knowledge. As a result,
our students grow in confidence and most are work-ready before they even graduate,” he says. Dr Mok adds that this arrangement is possible thanks to UCSI’s close partnership with leading engineering and architecture firms. These tie-ups establish
healthy two-way channels of communication, putting the university at the forefront of industrial development.
This is exemplified through UCSI students Prabu Gunasagaran and Satyaraj Muniandy, winners of the RM15,000 grand prize in the 2013 Schlumberger Ocean Plug-in Competition. Developing a plug-in named TESWell to evaluate oil well conditions, predict fluid behaviour and estimate reservoir parameters, Prabu and Satyaraj beat 30 teams from Australia, Singapore and Malaysia to win the competition. Crediting UCSI for their success, Prabu says that the exposure to the different types of software helped them adjust quickly to the Petrel software that Schlumberger had provided to develop the plug-in.
“We are constantly introduced to different types of software in classes and lab sessions and
this enabled us to handle the software better. Apart from the smooth adapting process, effective communication played a major part in our win. It was vital for me to understand Satyaraj’s work and present the technical terms in a way that is easy to understand. In order for me to do so, he had to give me comprehensive explanations. Effective communication was a big factor in our success,” explains Prabu.
Satyaraj says that he gained better time management skills at UCSI and this helped when he began work on the plug-in. Prabu and Satyaraj add that the engaging learning environment at UCSI helped them dig deeper when it mattered most.
n For more information, call 03-9101 8882 or visit www.ucsiuniversity.edu.my/onlineenquiry
StarSpecial, Tuesday 19 August 2014 COURSE FOCUS 11
Students of UniKL get to enjoy the university’s facilities, including the current equipment used in the chemical and bioengineering technology industry.
Pioneers in biosystem engineeringUNIVERSITI Kuala
Lumpur Malaysian Institute of Chemical
& Bioengineering Technology (UniKL MICET) offers the Bachelor of Engineering Technology (Hons) in Biosystem under the Section of Bioengineering Technology.
UniKL MICET is a higher educational institution that specialises in chemical and bioengineering technology education. It is located in Taboh Naning, Alor Gajah, which is approximately 35km from the Malacca town centre.
Being Malaysia’s first technical university, UniKL MICET has the latest equipment used in chemical and bioengineering technology.
It is also one of the private universities ranked Tier 5 (Excellent) in SETARA 2009 and SETARA 2011 by the Malaysian Qualifications Agency (MQA).
Biosystem engineering is a science-based engineering discipline that integrates engineering science and design with applied biological, environmental and agricultural sciences. Biosystem engineers apply engineering analysis and design to solve problems involving biological organism and their natural or controlled environments.
The advances in quality of life and health made possible by biosystems engineering are potentially enormous.
New technologies and techniques are emerging, which are made possible by enhanced computational power, new scientific discoveries and advances in fundamental sciences.
Biosystem engineering technologists have the
ability to understand and unite these concepts, accelerate development and the use of new biotechnologies through better education of the public, governments and other influential bodies.
The bedrock of advancement will involve a radical increase in interdisciplinary work relations and mutual understanding, which will promote new bioprocess technology and innovative manufacturing applications.
Involving biosystem engineering technologies earlier in the development cycle will enable companies and institutions to increase the speed and efficiency of their process development and product manufacture.
Various employment options
Graduates can apply their expertise to various jobs.
They can be involved in pioneering a scientific breakthrough in biotechnology or in the preservation and protection of the Earth’s resources.
The systems they design for the life support of plants and animals may include structures, machines, processes, management models, energy systems or controlled environments.
Specific applications include environmental quality and monitoring, bioreactor for bacterial/pharmaceutical applications, plant tissue culture and micropropagation, irrigation, drainage and environmental control for agricultural production, biological waste processing and management for minimal environmental impact,
environmental regulatory activities, remediation of environmental damages, and the production, storage and handling of agricultural products.
The Section of Bioengineering Technology in UniKL MICET also offers two education programmes that are structured towards bioprocess engineering – Bachelor of Chemical Engineering Technology (Hons) in Bioprocess and Diploma in Chemical Engineering Technology in Bioprocess.
n For more information, visit www.unikl.edu.my
Testimonials:
“I valued my time at UniKL MICET because my entrepreneurial skills were successfully developed and applied for my current position. My colleagues and I also managed to obtain good industrial networking during our industrial training.”
Azrul Izwat ShafiqExecutive BioNexus Engagement, Biotech Corp
“UniKL MICET has provided me with essential education in biosystem engineering that suited the local industry and provided numerous opportunities for me to develop my leadership and technical skills that I have come to appreciate.”
Fakhrulrazi IsmailSenior Biotechnologist, MyEnzyme Sdn Bhd
12 COURSE FOCUS StarSpecial, Tuesday 19 August 2014
Engineers create amazing structuresSINCE ancient times, mankind has taken engineering to soaring
heights with marvels such as The Pyramids, The Hanging Gardens of Babylon and The Temple of Artemis. Over the decades, we have
seen the rise of more structures, which are symbols of pride in their respective countries.
With today’s technological advancements, mankind has given birth to more breathtaking structures that are worthy of being called wonders. Here are some of those engineering marvels.
The Burj Khalifa (Khalifa Tower) is the tallest man-made structure in the world, standing at 2,722ft with 160 storeys. The construction of the tower took approximately 22 million man-hours and it was completed in 2010. The Burj Khalifa now serves as the centrepiece of downtown Dubai and was built as a multi-purpose building.
The tower houses a hotel and also office and residential spaces. It is surrounded by a mix-usage development area with 30,000 houses, the Dubai Mall, the man-made Burj Khalifa Lake, 19 residential towers and a large park that spans up to three hectares. With a few public beaches nearby, as well as the Meydan Racecourse just around the corner, the Burj Khalifa is a must-visit destination for anyone travelling to Dubai.
Stretching 24.51km, the Laerdal Tunnel is the longest road tunnel in the world. The tunnel connects the cities of Laerdal and Aurland in Sogn Og Fjordane, a county in the west of Norway. The construction of the tunnel took about five years and it was completed in 2000.
Besides breaking the record for being the longest road tunnel in the world, the Laerdal Tunnel is also the first tunnel to have its own air treatment plant with two large fans and an electrostatic and carbon filter, which serve to remove dust and nitrogen dioxide. The tunnel is split into four sections by three large caverns, which are six kilometres apart. It takes the average driver 20 minutes to drive to the end of the tunnel. To prevent drivers from falling asleep, each cavern is equipped with blue lighting, which makes it glow magnificently.
Burj Khalifa – Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Palm Islands – Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Laerdal Tunnel – Sogn Og Fjordane, Norway
The Palm Islands consists of two man-made islands, the Palm Jumeirah and the Palm Jebel Ali set in the Persian Gulf. The designs for the islands are in the shape of palm trees, hence the name Palm Islands. The islands were built to attract tourists and to sustain the economy in Dubai through luxury tourism as its oil reserves were running out. The islands serve as residential areas for both locals and expatriates and boasts a number of world-class hotels.
The islands were built completely out of sand and rocks in accordance with the order of Dubai’s crown prince who wanted to make the island as natural as possible.
The sand used in the construction were dredged from the bottom of the Persian Gulf using a process called rainbowing due to the arch created when sand is sprayed. The sand was sprayed using dredging ships, which were guided by Global Positioning Systems (GPS) to accurately place the sand on the required area to form the island.
At only 39ft, the Rolling Bridge is famous not because of its length but for its innovative design. The Rolling Bridge is a curling moveable bridge, which was built for pedestrians in 2005. The bridge is a part of the Grand Union Canal office and development project at the Paddington Basin in London.
When a boat sails through the canal, the bridge curls back into a ball of steel and when the boat has passed, the bridge uncurls itself to allow pedestrians to cross.
The Rolling Bridge – London, England