UNIVERSITI Teknologi Brunei (UTB) established the new School of Applied Sciences and Mathematics (SASM) in 2016.
The school currently offers two new innovative degree programmes namely Bachelor of Science (Hons) in Applied Mathematics and Economics as well as Bachelor of Science (Hons) in Food Science and Technology.
On the rationale behind the establishment of the new school, the Deputy Dean of the School of Applied Sciences and Mathematics, Dr Namasivayam Navaranjan, noted that UTB is in a unique position to bring its existing multi-disciplinary expertise to establish the School of Applied Sciences and Mathematics.
According to him, SASM can offer new degrees that can apply and integrate the existing scientific, mathematical, economical, technical and computing knowledge to develop highly practical skill oriented programmes. He said that this can further elevate the potential of UTB to produce more graduates for Brunei’s job markets with new skills that currently depend on Bruneian graduates from overseas universities.
At the last UTB Convocation, His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah ibni Al-Marhum Sultan Haji Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien Sa’adul Khairi Waddien, Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam in his titah said that the Food Science and Technology programme, among others, is hoped to support the growth of the country’s food industry and make it more competitive in the international arena.
In this regard, Dr Navaranjan said that the curricula of SASM programmes aim to meet the educational and career needs of learners where students are prepared for working in environments that benefit from technical competency, practical knowledge and applied skills. These skill requirements are important for research and development and fast growing industries.
The school also maintains close links with applied science and technology sectors in Brunei Darussalam for the exchange of ideas and transfer of technology. It is also ready to provide services to industries and develop innovative science and technological advances through high quality research outputs and generating commercial revenue.
The first cohort of students will enroll in both programmes in July 2017, with the first group of students expected to graduate in May 2021.
The school will also propose and develop additional programmes on depending on national and international needs.
The Deputy Dean of the School of Applied Sciences and Mathematics, Dr Namasivayam Navaranjan. – PHOTOS: UTB
General curriculum structure of the undergraduate programmes of the new School of Applied Sciences and Mathematics.
The undergraduate degree programmes offered by the School of Applied Sciences and Mathematics are as follows:
(1) Bachelor of Science (Hons) in Applied Mathematics and Economics
Applied Mathematics and Economics programme introd-uces blends of mathematics and economics to provide the quantitative tools necessary for modern economic analysis and mathematical applications.
The combination of both provides variety of important applications such as optimisation, operational research, predicting and forecasting of economic and financial health.
The study involves developing problem-solving skills and applying them in financial and economic sectors for developments.
Skills and knowledge gained from the study can be used to solve a broad range of issues related to economic development and financial crises.
Mathematical modelling of economic relationships and testing hypotheses against real-time data can be a solution to those issues.
Applied mathematics skills and knowledge have high social value and can also be used in other applications, for example, computer science, city planning, climate science, among others.
(2) Bachelor of Science (Hons) in Food Science and Technology
Food Science and Technology is the application of science and technology principles to deliver safe, appealing and convenient food products from raw materials to consumers. The programme integrates principles and concepts in the physical, chemical, biological and engineering sciences.
The programme then applies them to the scientific and technological aspects of food formulation and development.
The role of a food scientist or technologist is successfully integrating these disciplines to assure an abundant, high quality and nutritious food supply.
The supply chain incorporates the design, analysis, processing, packaging, production, prepa-ration, evaluation and storage of foods, food ingredients, and beverages.
Students will be able to complete an interesting and exciting scientific curriculum that prepares them well for various job opportunities available in the food industry for example product development, quality assurance, food plant management, food research, food marketing and sales, education and extension.
Students are also prepared for graduate studies in human nutrition, biosecurity, medicine, biological sciences, and biotechnology.
Both undergraduate programmes are four years in duration with six months work-placement in the third year under the UTB ExperiencePLUS.
The programmes are struc-tured to obtain accreditation by internationally-recognised professional institutions.
In addition to undergraduate degrees, the school is also planning to offer Master and PhD degrees in both programmes by research by August 2017.
UTB also offers a number of undergraduate and postgraduate programmes in business, computing and engineering through the UTB School of Business, School of Computing and Informatics, and Faculty of Engineering. Interested applicants can learn more about the degree programmes offered at UTB by visiting www.utb.edu.bn. (UTB)
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