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GROWTH GROWTH OF OF

SULTAN QABOOS UNIVERSITYSULTAN QABOOS UNIVERSITY

-With Special Reference to Mathematics -With Special Reference to Mathematics

& Statistics& Statistics

Dr. E.V. KrishnanDr. E.V. KrishnanDept. of Mathematics and Dept. of Mathematics and

Statistics (DOMAS) Statistics (DOMAS) Sultan Qaboos University (SQU)Sultan Qaboos University (SQU)

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TopicsTopics

• Education in OmanEducation in Oman• General information about SQUGeneral information about SQU• Academic system at SQUAcademic system at SQU• Dept. of Mathematics & Statistics Dept. of Mathematics & Statistics • Undergraduate & Graduate programs in Undergraduate & Graduate programs in

DOMASDOMAS• Research Activities in DOMASResearch Activities in DOMAS• Future Plans for DOMAS in generalFuture Plans for DOMAS in general• Inclusion of Modern Technology in Inclusion of Modern Technology in

teaching Mathematics & Statistics teaching Mathematics & Statistics

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Education in Oman: An Education in Oman: An OverviewOverview

• Education in Oman has gained momentum at a Education in Oman has gained momentum at a staggering pace since 1970. At that time there were staggering pace since 1970. At that time there were only only 3 elementary schools in the entire country, 3 elementary schools in the entire country, with a total strength of with a total strength of 900+ pupils 900+ pupils and about and about 30 30 teachers. teachers.

• But, But, NOW, NOW, in a space of over 35 years, there are over in a space of over 35 years, there are over 1000 schools in Oman, 1000 schools in Oman, with more than with more than 30,000 30,000 teachers teachers employed in the schools with a student employed in the schools with a student strength of over strength of over 600,000600,000. About 90 % of the schools are . About 90 % of the schools are Government run.Government run.

• Also, there are Also, there are Education CollegesEducation Colleges, , InstitutesInstitutes offering Diploma in Banking, Business Administration, offering Diploma in Banking, Business Administration, Economics, Commerce and Computer Science, Economics, Commerce and Computer Science, PrivatePrivate CollegesColleges including Engineering and Medical Colleges including Engineering and Medical Colleges affiliated to universities in USA, UK, India etc. and a few affiliated to universities in USA, UK, India etc. and a few private universitiesprivate universities as well. as well.

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SULTAN QABOOS UNIVERSITY SULTAN QABOOS UNIVERSITY (SQU)(SQU)

• SQU, the first and the only national University of SQU, the first and the only national University of Oman, is the premier institute of higher education in Oman, is the premier institute of higher education in the country and is considered as a leading university the country and is considered as a leading university in the Gulf and the Middle East. in the Gulf and the Middle East.

• One of the Mission statements of SQU says: Sultan One of the Mission statements of SQU says: Sultan Qaboos University is an institution that makes Qaboos University is an institution that makes student learning its central focus, promotes student learning its central focus, promotes research, enhances faculty and staff development in research, enhances faculty and staff development in its various forms and exhibits organizational its various forms and exhibits organizational learning as it deals with the challenges facing it. learning as it deals with the challenges facing it.

• All the infrastructural facilities at SQU were All the infrastructural facilities at SQU were completed in about 5 years starting from 1981. completed in about 5 years starting from 1981.

• It commenced its academic activities in September It commenced its academic activities in September 1986 with a mere 557 undergraduate students 1986 with a mere 557 undergraduate students admitted to five Colleges, but the annual intake has admitted to five Colleges, but the annual intake has jumped to 2301 students in September, 2006.jumped to 2301 students in September, 2006.

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During the last two decades, SQU has During the last two decades, SQU has witnessed rapid and all round expansion in witnessed rapid and all round expansion in many areas such as: many areas such as:

• Students’ intake • Academic programs • Establishment of various centres • Facilities • Postgraduate education • Scientific research • Staff (academic, technical, and administrative)• Cultural activities• New colleges and buildings• Publication of in-house scientific journals.

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• The University admits the best students The University admits the best students from the school leavers of Oman strictly by from the school leavers of Oman strictly by merit.merit.

• Its graduates have successfully earned Its graduates have successfully earned higher degrees, masters or doctoral, from higher degrees, masters or doctoral, from well known Universities of USA, UK and a well known Universities of USA, UK and a host of other western institutions around the host of other western institutions around the world. world.

• They are occupying key positions in premier They are occupying key positions in premier organizations of Oman including organizations of Oman including Government Ministries, Petroleum Government Ministries, Petroleum Development of Oman, and SQU. Development of Oman, and SQU.

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SQU Colleges ( Number SQU Colleges ( Number of Undergraduate of Undergraduate degrees offered)degrees offered)• College of Arts and Social SciencesCollege of Arts and Social Sciences (12 degree (12 degree

programs)programs) (including degrees in Theatre Arts, Archeology, (including degrees in Theatre Arts, Archeology,

Tourism)Tourism)• College of Agriculture and Marine SciencesCollege of Agriculture and Marine Sciences (8) (8) (including Bio-resources and Agri. Engg, Marine (including Bio-resources and Agri. Engg, Marine

Sciences, Food Sciences)Sciences, Food Sciences)• College of Commerce and Economics College of Commerce and Economics - Business School - Business School

(8)(8)• College of Education and Islamic SciencesCollege of Education and Islamic Sciences (10) (10) (including Bachelor’s degree in Science and (including Bachelor’s degree in Science and

Mathematics Education)Mathematics Education)• College of EngineeringCollege of Engineering (5 degree programs) (5 degree programs)• College of Medicine and Health SciencesCollege of Medicine and Health Sciences (3) (3) (including two 4-year degrees, and the mainstream (including two 4-year degrees, and the mainstream

7-year degree)7-year degree)• College of ScienceCollege of Science (12 Specializations) (12 Specializations)

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• Biotechnology, Chemistry, Computer Biotechnology, Chemistry, Computer Science, Environmental Biology, Science, Environmental Biology, Earth Science, Geophysics, Medical Earth Science, Geophysics, Medical Laboratory Science, Physics, Physics Laboratory Science, Physics, Physics with minor in Medical Physics, with minor in Medical Physics,

• MathematicsMathematics, , StatisticsStatistics, and , and Statistics with minor in Health Statistics with minor in Health StatisticsStatistics..

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• One of the aims of establishing various One of the aims of establishing various Colleges in the same campus was to Colleges in the same campus was to promote interdisciplinary courses as promote interdisciplinary courses as well as research.well as research.

• For instance, an SQU Mathematics For instance, an SQU Mathematics Major or Statistics Major can choose Major or Statistics Major can choose certain number of electives from other certain number of electives from other Colleges such as Commerce and Colleges such as Commerce and Economics, Engineering, Agriculture Economics, Engineering, Agriculture etc.etc.

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Support Centers at SQU• The Deanship of Postgraduate Studies and The Deanship of Postgraduate Studies and

Research (DOPSAR)Research (DOPSAR)• The Deanship of Students Affairs The Deanship of Students Affairs • The Deanship of Admission and Registration The Deanship of Admission and Registration • The Deanship of Educational ServicesThe Deanship of Educational Services• Career Advisory ServicesCareer Advisory Services• The Student Counseling and Guidance CentreThe Student Counseling and Guidance Centre• Centre for Information Systems (CIS) Centre for Information Systems (CIS) • Centre for Human Resources and Staff Centre for Human Resources and Staff

DevelopmentDevelopment• Centre for Educational Technology (CET) Centre for Educational Technology (CET) • Centre for Continuing Education Centre for Continuing Education • Language CentreLanguage Centre (This is the largest academic Department, and is responsible (This is the largest academic Department, and is responsible

for teaching of English Language for all students at SQU).for teaching of English Language for all students at SQU).

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Scientific Centres at SQU SQU has established nine Scientific SQU has established nine Scientific

Centres with the three main objectives:Centres with the three main objectives:• To enhance specialized research To enhance specialized research

activities at SQUactivities at SQU• To offer scientific advice to the To offer scientific advice to the

Government of Oman on key issues Government of Oman on key issues facing the nationfacing the nation

• To conduct multi-disciplinary research To conduct multi-disciplinary research which will render service to the which will render service to the industry and society at large industry and society at large

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Scientific CentresScientific Centres• Oil and Gas Research CentreOil and Gas Research Centre• Water Research CentreWater Research Centre• Communication and Information Research Communication and Information Research

CentreCentre• Remote Sensing Research CentreRemote Sensing Research Centre• Centre for Environmental Studies and ResearchCentre for Environmental Studies and Research• Centre for Omani StudiesCentre for Omani Studies• Earthquake Monitoring CentreEarthquake Monitoring Centre• Joint Virtual Reality Centre for Carbonate Joint Virtual Reality Centre for Carbonate

StudiesStudies• Central Analytical and Applied Research FacilityCentral Analytical and Applied Research Facility

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• Attached to the University is a 500-bed “state of Attached to the University is a 500-bed “state of the art” Teaching Hospital (SQUH). the art” Teaching Hospital (SQUH).

• It was opened in 1990 by His Majesty Sultan It was opened in 1990 by His Majesty Sultan Qaboos. Qaboos.

• SQUH has a staff establishment of over 1300 SQUH has a staff establishment of over 1300 personnel, including 250 + academic staff and personnel, including 250 + academic staff and over 1000 support staff. over 1000 support staff.

• The hospital has advanced diagnostic The hospital has advanced diagnostic equipment and specialist departments for equipment and specialist departments for paediatrics, gynaecology, internal medicine, paediatrics, gynaecology, internal medicine, surgery, psychiatry and cardiology.surgery, psychiatry and cardiology.

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The Academic System The Academic System at SQUat SQU

• SQU follows the credit-hour system which has a SQU follows the credit-hour system which has a fair balance between horizontal and vertical fair balance between horizontal and vertical education with adequate flexibility. education with adequate flexibility.

• The system is based on successful completion of The system is based on successful completion of a number of credit hours at levels specified by a number of credit hours at levels specified by the University for the award of the Bachelor’s the University for the award of the Bachelor’s degree.degree.

• The academic year consists of two main The academic year consists of two main semesters: semesters: Fall Fall (Sept.-Dec.) and (Sept.-Dec.) and Spring Spring (Feb.- (Feb.- May), each with duration of 15 teaching weeks May), each with duration of 15 teaching weeks followed immediately by a 2-week exam period. followed immediately by a 2-week exam period.

• The The SummerSummer semester, paced at twice the semester, paced at twice the teaching rate of a course in a normal semester, teaching rate of a course in a normal semester, is for 7 teaching weeks followed by one week of is for 7 teaching weeks followed by one week of exam, and it caters only to a specific set of exam, and it caters only to a specific set of students.students.

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Each course is graded by a letter grade with Each course is graded by a letter grade with the corresponding grade point averages as the corresponding grade point averages as follows:follows:

• A A (4.0)(4.0)• A- A- (3.7)(3.7)• B+ B+ (3.3)(3.3)• BB (3.0)(3.0)• B-B- (2.7)(2.7)• C+C+ (2.3)(2.3)• CC (2.0)(2.0)• C-C- (1.7)(1.7)• D+D+ (1.3)(1.3)• DD (1.0)(1.0)• FF (0.0)(0.0)Each course Each course and and each instructoreach instructor associated with associated with

every course, is officially evaluated by students on a every course, is officially evaluated by students on a 4-point scale.4-point scale.

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The Degree Programs and The Degree Programs and Assessment CriteriaAssessment Criteria

• SQU offers mainly Bachelor’s degrees (4-7 SQU offers mainly Bachelor’s degrees (4-7 years duration) and Master degree ( 2 year years duration) and Master degree ( 2 year course work including a thesis project).course work including a thesis project).

• The main course components of a Bachelor’s The main course components of a Bachelor’s degree are:degree are:

- University Requirements- University Requirements- College Requirements- College Requirements- Departmental RequirementsDepartmental Requirements- College ElectivesCollege Electives

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AssessmentsAssessments

• The University regulations require that The University regulations require that each course at SQU, with possibly some each course at SQU, with possibly some exceptions, have at least 3 components: exceptions, have at least 3 components:

• Quizzes, In-term tests, Assignments, Quizzes, In-term tests, Assignments, Seminars, including a Seminars, including a mandatorymandatory final final exam. exam.

• For each assessment component, a For each assessment component, a range is prescribed with no component range is prescribed with no component exceeding 60% of the total. exceeding 60% of the total.

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• Among various duties expected of an SQU Among various duties expected of an SQU faculty, the “Academic Advising” is considered faculty, the “Academic Advising” is considered by SQU Administration as an important task.by SQU Administration as an important task.

• Each faculty at SQU is asked to be an Each faculty at SQU is asked to be an “Academic Adviser” to a group of 20-25 “Academic Adviser” to a group of 20-25 students from the faculty’s students from the faculty’s College/Department during the course of College/Department during the course of student’s stay in the University.student’s stay in the University.

• The main role of the adviser will be to guide The main role of the adviser will be to guide the student so that he/she may have a smooth the student so that he/she may have a smooth progression through his/her degree plan.progression through his/her degree plan.

• The important tasks for an adviser also The important tasks for an adviser also include, among others, to advise students include, among others, to advise students under him in selecting appropriate courses, under him in selecting appropriate courses, choosing a correct career, to help solve his choosing a correct career, to help solve his academic difficulties, etc. academic difficulties, etc.

Academic AdvisingAcademic Advising

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First 7 Faculty Members First 7 Faculty Members of DOMAC, 1986of DOMAC, 1986

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• It is among the largest academic departments at SQU It is among the largest academic departments at SQU with with 54 54 faculty members (49 with Ph. D. degree, 4 with faculty members (49 with Ph. D. degree, 4 with Masters Degree and 1 with Batchelor’s degree), 3 Masters Degree and 1 with Batchelor’s degree), 3 coordinators and 1 technician. coordinators and 1 technician.

• The Department of Mathematics and Statistics (DOMAS), The Department of Mathematics and Statistics (DOMAS), formerly known as Department of Mathematics and formerly known as Department of Mathematics and Computing (DOMAC), is almost solely responsible for Computing (DOMAC), is almost solely responsible for mathematics and statistics education at SQU – for Math mathematics and statistics education at SQU – for Math majors, other Science majors as well as service courses. majors, other Science majors as well as service courses.

• It has a huge commitment for It has a huge commitment for Service Teaching Service Teaching across across the University. For instance, in the academic year 2006-the University. For instance, in the academic year 2006-2007, DOMAS offered a total of 90 courses in 2007, DOMAS offered a total of 90 courses in mathematics and statistics to over 6000 SQU students mathematics and statistics to over 6000 SQU students across the University. It is among the largest service across the University. It is among the largest service teaching departments at SQU. teaching departments at SQU.

MATHEMATICS AND MATHEMATICS AND STATISTICS AT SQUSTATISTICS AT SQU

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StructureStructure• The The HODHOD manages the administration of manages the administration of

the Department through the coordination the Department through the coordination of the of the Deputy HODDeputy HOD, , several committeesseveral committees and and officersofficers responsible for various responsible for various activities. activities.

• The Departmental Board, comprising all The Departmental Board, comprising all academic staff members of DOMAS, elects academic staff members of DOMAS, elects the committee members and officers each the committee members and officers each year, and they report regularly to the year, and they report regularly to the DOMAS Board at the DOMAS Board at the mandatory monthly mandatory monthly meetingsmeetings..

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Department’s Main Department’s Main ObjectivesObjectives

• Help young Omanis to acquire and develop skills Help young Omanis to acquire and develop skills in Mathematics and Statistics.in Mathematics and Statistics.

• Maintain high standards of teaching and research.Maintain high standards of teaching and research.• Provide requisite mathematical and statistical Provide requisite mathematical and statistical

skills for students majoring in other disciplines of skills for students majoring in other disciplines of SQU.SQU.

• Produce its own graduates who can serve the Produce its own graduates who can serve the nation with enthusiasm, confidence and necessary nation with enthusiasm, confidence and necessary skills.skills.

• Work with College of Education and Islamic Work with College of Education and Islamic Sciences to produce mathematics teachers, who Sciences to produce mathematics teachers, who could serve the need of the nation as effective could serve the need of the nation as effective teachers or educational administrators. teachers or educational administrators.

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Undergraduate ProgramsUndergraduate Programs

• Starting with just one degree in Starting with just one degree in 1986, DOMAS strives hard to 1986, DOMAS strives hard to continuously broaden its appeal and continuously broaden its appeal and now offers three degrees: now offers three degrees:

• B.Sc. in MathematicsB.Sc. in Mathematics• B.Sc. in StatisticsB.Sc. in Statistics• B.Sc. in Statistics with minor in B.Sc. in Statistics with minor in

Health StatisticsHealth Statistics

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Students take a minor of 20 credits from other Students take a minor of 20 credits from other disciplines in the College or from College of disciplines in the College or from College of Commerce and Economics. Commerce and Economics.

Students doing any major in the College of Students doing any major in the College of Science spend 10 semesters at the Science spend 10 semesters at the University.University.

At least one semester is devoted to the English At least one semester is devoted to the English Language in the very first semester of the Language in the very first semester of the degree program, and the remaining 9 to the degree program, and the remaining 9 to the specialized courses of their degree program. specialized courses of their degree program.

However, those who pass the challenge However, those who pass the challenge examination in English can go directly to the examination in English can go directly to the credit program.credit program.

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• A successful completion of a total of 135 A successful completion of a total of 135 credits (roughly 5 courses per semester) credits (roughly 5 courses per semester) and a minimum cumulative grade point and a minimum cumulative grade point average (CGPA) of 2.0 ( from a maximum average (CGPA) of 2.0 ( from a maximum of 4.0) are required to graduate in a of 4.0) are required to graduate in a math/Science degree.math/Science degree.

• Students opting for a B.Sc. in Students opting for a B.Sc. in Mathematics or Statistics must complete Mathematics or Statistics must complete 48 credits prescribed by the Department.48 credits prescribed by the Department.

• Besides the core courses, a student has Besides the core courses, a student has the freedom to choose as electives the freedom to choose as electives specialized math and/or stat courses, to specialized math and/or stat courses, to broaden the student’s horizon and career. broaden the student’s horizon and career.

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Undergraduate ProjectsUndergraduate Projects

One of the highlights of DOMAS undergraduate One of the highlights of DOMAS undergraduate programs is the programs is the six-credit Undergraduate six-credit Undergraduate ProjectsProjects, which constitute an important part , which constitute an important part of our mainstream B.Sc. programs. of our mainstream B.Sc. programs.

• The intensity of activities in the DOMAS The intensity of activities in the DOMAS corridors and College of Science Seminar corridors and College of Science Seminar rooms during the 13th and 14th weeks of a rooms during the 13th and 14th weeks of a semester is an ample proof of the seriousness semester is an ample proof of the seriousness and enthusiasm with which the students take and enthusiasm with which the students take projects. projects.

• In the first few years, the number of credits In the first few years, the number of credits for the project was nine.for the project was nine.

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• To train the students to work as a team, to To train the students to work as a team, to work independently, and manage time work independently, and manage time effectively;effectively;

• To familiarize them with specific To familiarize them with specific mathematical and statistical techniques and mathematical and statistical techniques and their applications;their applications;

• To introduce them to library search method;To introduce them to library search method;• To train them in their collection of relevant To train them in their collection of relevant

information and in its analysis, organization information and in its analysis, organization and presentation in a coherent form;and presentation in a coherent form;

• To summarize their project highlights in a To summarize their project highlights in a department seminar.department seminar.

The main aims of UG The main aims of UG projects are:projects are:

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• The students of DOMAS have, in The students of DOMAS have, in the past, also carried out specific the past, also carried out specific projects at the request of or with projects at the request of or with the help of prospective employers the help of prospective employers such as government ministries, such as government ministries, oil companies and banks.oil companies and banks.

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Drop-in CentreDrop-in Centre

• DOMAS, with the help of part time tutors with DOMAS, with the help of part time tutors with M.Sc. qualification and a few teaching assistants, M.Sc. qualification and a few teaching assistants, provides extra help to students who need help in provides extra help to students who need help in courses such as Precalculus, Calculus I, Calculus courses such as Precalculus, Calculus I, Calculus II and the first course in Statistics. II and the first course in Statistics.

• This is essentially meant for underperformers. This is essentially meant for underperformers. The Department is trying its best to improve the The Department is trying its best to improve the study habits of the students and thus attract weak study habits of the students and thus attract weak students to the drop-in centre. The department students to the drop-in centre. The department had a couple of workshops to address this issue.had a couple of workshops to address this issue.

• Besides the part time tutors and the teaching Besides the part time tutors and the teaching assistants, a large number of faculty is also assistants, a large number of faculty is also involved in helping the students at the Drop-in involved in helping the students at the Drop-in Centre.Centre.

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Graduate ProgramsGraduate Programs

• The M.Sc. programs, one each in Applied The M.Sc. programs, one each in Applied Mathematics, Pure Mathematics and Mathematics, Pure Mathematics and Statistics, have begun only in the last few Statistics, have begun only in the last few years. years.

• They are designed to provide deeper They are designed to provide deeper understanding of the subject material and to understanding of the subject material and to develop independent thinking through develop independent thinking through research activities in mathematics and research activities in mathematics and statistics. statistics.

• So far, 6 students in Applied Math, 2 in Pure So far, 6 students in Applied Math, 2 in Pure Math and 3 in Statistics have successfully Math and 3 in Statistics have successfully graduated with M.Sc. degree from DOMAS.graduated with M.Sc. degree from DOMAS.

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• The programs are designed to run for The programs are designed to run for two years, and include a course work two years, and include a course work (24 credits = 4 core courses + 4 (24 credits = 4 core courses + 4 electives) and a research project.electives) and a research project.

• Some students, particularly coming Some students, particularly coming from the Education Colleges are from the Education Colleges are required to do an additional year of required to do an additional year of courses called courses called Bridging yearBridging year before before embarking upon the master programs. embarking upon the master programs.

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• Students are required to give Students are required to give two project two project seminars, seminars, one during the semester they start one during the semester they start their project about their proposed study and their project about their proposed study and one towards the end of the program about one towards the end of the program about their work in the thesis.their work in the thesis.

• An external assessor from another university An external assessor from another university and two examiners within the university and two examiners within the university assess the thesis.assess the thesis.

• Ph. D. rules and regulations are being Ph. D. rules and regulations are being discussed by the University authorities and discussed by the University authorities and most departments are contemplating the start most departments are contemplating the start of Ph. D. studies in the near future.of Ph. D. studies in the near future.

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ResearchResearch• The DOMAS considers scientific research as The DOMAS considers scientific research as

an integral part of its mission. The an integral part of its mission. The SQU SQU administrationadministration too formally expects each too formally expects each faculty to be involved in research work and to faculty to be involved in research work and to publish regularly. There are several publish regularly. There are several active active research groups research groups in the fields such as:in the fields such as:

• Analysis, Algebra, Topology, Functional Analysis, Algebra, Topology, Functional Analysis, Fluid Dynamics, Nonlinear Waves, Analysis, Fluid Dynamics, Nonlinear Waves, Mathematical Modelling, Numerical Analysis, Mathematical Modelling, Numerical Analysis, Time Series, Design of Experiments, Sampling Time Series, Design of Experiments, Sampling and Multivariate Analysis, Biostatistics, and and Multivariate Analysis, Biostatistics, and Operations Research. Operations Research.

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• Some groups collaborate with other departments Some groups collaborate with other departments within the College, with faculty of Colleges of within the College, with faculty of Colleges of Agriculture, Engineering and Medicine, with leading Agriculture, Engineering and Medicine, with leading local organizations of the Sultanate or Universities local organizations of the Sultanate or Universities abroad, including applied research on problems of abroad, including applied research on problems of relevance to the nation, e.g. sand movement, ground relevance to the nation, e.g. sand movement, ground water research etc.water research etc.

• The department has very active programs of weekly The department has very active programs of weekly seminars on general and specified areas by academic seminars on general and specified areas by academic staff or visitors. staff or visitors.

• Each year, a large number of DOMAS visitors from Each year, a large number of DOMAS visitors from abroad, on short-term appointment as abroad, on short-term appointment as teaching teaching consultants orconsultants or for collaborating in research with for collaborating in research with SQU faculty, give specialized seminars. SQU faculty, give specialized seminars.

• DOMAS faculty is known to publish their research DOMAS faculty is known to publish their research results in internationally recognized journals and results in internationally recognized journals and conference proceedings. conference proceedings.

• Several faculty members serve as editors and referees Several faculty members serve as editors and referees in reputed journals, and have been honored by in reputed journals, and have been honored by international organizations for their research work.international organizations for their research work.

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• The SQU administration funds a large The SQU administration funds a large number of research projects in which number of research projects in which funds are available for a research visit funds are available for a research visit in Universities abroad and a research in Universities abroad and a research consultant from a University. consultant from a University.

• The administration also provides partial The administration also provides partial support to SQU faculty in attending and support to SQU faculty in attending and presenting papers in one international presenting papers in one international conference per calendar year. conference per calendar year.

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Facilities and Facilities and EquipmentsEquipments

• DOMAS considers the use of technology in DOMAS considers the use of technology in teaching and learning as an essential part teaching and learning as an essential part of education process. of education process. Some Faculty Some Faculty members are using WebCT for their members are using WebCT for their coursescourses..

• The students are now encouraged to use The students are now encouraged to use symbolic software packages such as symbolic software packages such as Mathematica, Maple or Matlab Mathematica, Maple or Matlab in their in their courses. SQU has acquired licenses in courses. SQU has acquired licenses in adequate numbers for many of them. adequate numbers for many of them.

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• Statistics courses in DOMAS make Statistics courses in DOMAS make extensive use of packages such as extensive use of packages such as SPSS, SAS SPSS, SAS and and MINITAB MINITAB in in classroom instructions. classroom instructions.

• Besides its Besides its own computing labs own computing labs and and a lab for Health Statistics program, a lab for Health Statistics program, the well equipped labs spread across the well equipped labs spread across the University are available for the the University are available for the courses needing computing element. courses needing computing element.

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• Separate Separate Resource rooms Resource rooms for final year for final year Undergraduate students and Master Undergraduate students and Master students are well equipped.students are well equipped.

• Each staff in DOMAS has a PC in his or Each staff in DOMAS has a PC in his or her office, which is connected to her office, which is connected to university network and 24-hour internet.university network and 24-hour internet.

• Advanced computer facilities are Advanced computer facilities are available to staff, including access to a available to staff, including access to a Unix workstation.Unix workstation.

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Future Plans for DOMASFuture Plans for DOMAS

• New programs that address the New programs that address the needs of the society:needs of the society:

• Investigate the possibility of offering Investigate the possibility of offering diplomas, joint degrees with other diplomas, joint degrees with other departments, and minors, for departments, and minors, for example, Diploma in Statistics, example, Diploma in Statistics, Mathematics with Mathematics with Finance/Management, Statistics Finance/Management, Statistics with Operations Research etc.with Operations Research etc.

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Graduate Studies and Graduate Studies and ResearchResearch

• Revise and update the M.Sc. courses and Revise and update the M.Sc. courses and introduce the Ph. D. program which will create introduce the Ph. D. program which will create a productive research environment in the a productive research environment in the department. department.

• It will also promote a better research It will also promote a better research atmosphere than what exists now through atmosphere than what exists now through research groups, seminars within the research research groups, seminars within the research groups and speakers from universities abroad. groups and speakers from universities abroad.

• We have existing facilities for exchange of We have existing facilities for exchange of visits through internal research grants among visits through internal research grants among researchers and we hope the University will researchers and we hope the University will provide the same for longer duration. provide the same for longer duration.

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• Recently, SRecently, Sabbatical Leaveabbatical Leave has been has been introduced and hope this will be continued in the introduced and hope this will be continued in the future so that it will lead to fruitful interaction future so that it will lead to fruitful interaction between researchers. between researchers.

• The Department Strategic PlanThe Department Strategic Plan has has recommended conducting 3 research workshops, recommended conducting 3 research workshops, one each in Pure Mathematics, Applied one each in Pure Mathematics, Applied Mathematics and Statistics in the coming three Mathematics and Statistics in the coming three years. years.

• The Department had a few separate workshops The Department had a few separate workshops in Complex Analysis, Topology and Algebra with in Complex Analysis, Topology and Algebra with speakers from other gulf Universities and SQU speakers from other gulf Universities and SQU in the last 5 years.in the last 5 years.

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Manpower ResourcesManpower Resources

• The Department does not have sufficient The Department does not have sufficient competent technical staff. Currently, we competent technical staff. Currently, we have only one and we intend to have two have only one and we intend to have two more for the smooth running of our labs more for the smooth running of our labs and for attending to the computer related and for attending to the computer related queries of our staff in this large queries of our staff in this large department. department.

• We have Omanization plans and to achieve We have Omanization plans and to achieve this, we assess the current distribution of this, we assess the current distribution of Omani faculty, and set up a plan for Omani faculty, and set up a plan for Omanization with respect to different Omanization with respect to different specializations. specializations.

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EquipmentsEquipments

• The existing labs have been upgraded The existing labs have been upgraded and three more teaching labs have and three more teaching labs have been set up. been set up.

• The undergraduate and graduate The undergraduate and graduate resource rooms have been upgraded resource rooms have been upgraded with more computers and printers. with more computers and printers.

• Also, it will be ensured that academic Also, it will be ensured that academic staff has up-to-date computing staff has up-to-date computing facilities with fast computers for those facilities with fast computers for those who do extensive computations. who do extensive computations.

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BuildingsBuildings

• Currently we are facing shortage of Currently we are facing shortage of space and in the future it will be space and in the future it will be ensured that adequate office space is ensured that adequate office space is available for faculty, demonstrators, available for faculty, demonstrators, teaching assistants and the Drop-in teaching assistants and the Drop-in Centre. Centre.

• At the moment there is no common room At the moment there is no common room where the staff can interact which will where the staff can interact which will hopefully be available when the new hopefully be available when the new building comes into existence. building comes into existence.

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Interfacial ActivitiesInterfacial Activities• We intend to develop and maintain links with We intend to develop and maintain links with

relevant government ministries and industries relevant government ministries and industries and consulting services for people and and consulting services for people and departments on and off campus for which we will departments on and off campus for which we will establish a database of experts and research establish a database of experts and research interests within the Department. interests within the Department.

• Also, we will establish formal consultancy groups Also, we will establish formal consultancy groups in the Department and advertise the services in the Department and advertise the services provided. The Statistical Consultancy Group is provided. The Statistical Consultancy Group is already functional.already functional.

• We will also enhance the department’s profile on We will also enhance the department’s profile on and off campus by advertising its programs and and off campus by advertising its programs and activities, including their relevance to Oman. activities, including their relevance to Oman.

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Inclusion of Modern Inclusion of Modern Technology in TeachingTechnology in Teaching

Most of the Mathematics courses in DOMAS Most of the Mathematics courses in DOMAS are offered in the traditional way of are offered in the traditional way of lectures and tutorials of problem solving. lectures and tutorials of problem solving.

• In the latest curriculum revision, efforts In the latest curriculum revision, efforts have been made to introduce technology in have been made to introduce technology in teaching and learning in a number of teaching and learning in a number of courses. courses.

• With the acquisition of some new With the acquisition of some new computer laboratories this will be computer laboratories this will be implemented very soon.implemented very soon.

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• Calculus is the core requirement for science Calculus is the core requirement for science and engineering students and is one of the and engineering students and is one of the most difficult aspects of undergraduate most difficult aspects of undergraduate mathematics education. mathematics education.

• Theory of limits is the basis of calculus and Theory of limits is the basis of calculus and major concepts such as continuity, derivative, major concepts such as continuity, derivative, and definite integral are all defined by limit. and definite integral are all defined by limit. This concept is new for most of the beginners This concept is new for most of the beginners and is different from arithmetic operations. and is different from arithmetic operations.

• It is the bridge from elementary mathematics It is the bridge from elementary mathematics to advanced mathematics. to advanced mathematics.

• Thus the limit concept requires the learners to Thus the limit concept requires the learners to study mathematics with different thinking and study mathematics with different thinking and study methods to advance from elementary study methods to advance from elementary mathematics. mathematics.

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• From my experience, I feel that many students From my experience, I feel that many students need new approaches and powerful tools to need new approaches and powerful tools to overcome the difficulty in studying limit concepts overcome the difficulty in studying limit concepts which will help to have a smooth transition from which will help to have a smooth transition from secondary level to the tertiary level. secondary level to the tertiary level.

• Computer Technology is a powerful tool and a Computer Technology is a powerful tool and a helpful aid in teaching and learning mathematics. helpful aid in teaching and learning mathematics.

• Computation, visualization, and animation which Computation, visualization, and animation which are its components could be helpful in developing are its components could be helpful in developing new approaches to the teaching of the limit new approaches to the teaching of the limit concept. concept.

• This will help students to overcome their difficulty This will help students to overcome their difficulty in understanding this important concept. in understanding this important concept.

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• During the years of teaching undergraduate During the years of teaching undergraduate courses, one of the things we have heard most courses, one of the things we have heard most from students is that they wish they had from students is that they wish they had constant and immediate access for instant and constant and immediate access for instant and unlimited tutorial help. unlimited tutorial help.

• Whenever needed, some one could answer Whenever needed, some one could answer their questions and grade their homework, their questions and grade their homework, day or night. day or night.

• This is possible only with technology. This is possible only with technology. • Our objective is to develop an on-line learning Our objective is to develop an on-line learning

and tutorial system which can play exactly and tutorial system which can play exactly that role for students.that role for students.

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• The scheme should have four The scheme should have four components: initial log-in; material components: initial log-in; material review; self test and on-line test. review; self test and on-line test.

• The database management must contain The database management must contain a problem bank in its database and store a problem bank in its database and store all the data from users for instructor's all the data from users for instructor's use. use.

• The problem bank includes problems The problem bank includes problems such as testing understanding of such as testing understanding of concepts, solving equations and working concepts, solving equations and working on word problems. on word problems.

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• After log-in, they can select the chapter After log-in, they can select the chapter or the section they wish to start with. or the section they wish to start with.

• In each chapter or section, one can In each chapter or section, one can choose to review the material and choose to review the material and concepts, or self testing, or take an on-concepts, or self testing, or take an on-line test.line test.

• The system will report the results to The system will report the results to instructor as a reference of student instructor as a reference of student class performance. class performance.

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• In the Review component, the system will In the Review component, the system will provide the explanation of the concepts provide the explanation of the concepts for each section. for each section.

• User can go back and forth to learn and User can go back and forth to learn and understand the concepts until they feel understand the concepts until they feel comfortable and fully understand. comfortable and fully understand.

• For example, with the concept of limit For example, with the concept of limit which is one of the most difficult topics in which is one of the most difficult topics in beginning level Calculus course, system beginning level Calculus course, system puts a function curve on the screen. puts a function curve on the screen.

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• When user uses mouse to approach any When user uses mouse to approach any point along the curve, both point along the curve, both xx and and yy coordinates appear when the cursor coordinates appear when the cursor moves. They can see exactly how moves. They can see exactly how yy coordinate changes when coordinate changes when xx moves. moves.

• Another example is the definition of Another example is the definition of continuity and derivative. User can see continuity and derivative. User can see how slope of the secant line approaches how slope of the secant line approaches the slope of the tangent line by looking the slope of the tangent line by looking at the animated display on the screen. at the animated display on the screen.

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• In the self testing component, the system will In the self testing component, the system will randomly take problems from its bank, selected randomly take problems from its bank, selected by the instructor, and a digital clock is at the by the instructor, and a digital clock is at the corner for timing purpose. corner for timing purpose.

• For each problem, if user gets the right answer For each problem, if user gets the right answer it will move to the next problem, otherwise it it will move to the next problem, otherwise it can ask the user to re-try.can ask the user to re-try.

• After several unsuccessful attempts, the After several unsuccessful attempts, the system will prompt the answer with system will prompt the answer with explanation. explanation.

• The number of allowed re-try's will be The number of allowed re-try's will be configured by instructor. configured by instructor.

• At the end of each test, the system will produce At the end of each test, the system will produce a detailed report of the results, including the a detailed report of the results, including the correct answer for each problem and user's correct answer for each problem and user's input, how many attempts were made, time for input, how many attempts were made, time for each problem and total time of the test. each problem and total time of the test.

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• Although not officially recorded as student Although not officially recorded as student performance, these data will be statistically performance, these data will be statistically collected for instructor's teaching collected for instructor's teaching reference.    reference.    

• In the on-line test component, problems In the on-line test component, problems will be selected from the same bank. will be selected from the same bank.

• The format, the number of problems and The format, the number of problems and the type of problems will be exactly the the type of problems will be exactly the same as in the self test component.same as in the self test component.

•   But user will not be given chances to re-try But user will not be given chances to re-try any problems, and the scores will be any problems, and the scores will be recorded to both students and instructor, recorded to both students and instructor, as a measurement of their performance. as a measurement of their performance.

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LEARNING OUTCOMESLEARNING OUTCOMES• The learning outcome from this using the The learning outcome from this using the

technology is expected to be very positive. technology is expected to be very positive. • Students and instructor will benefit from it Students and instructor will benefit from it

tremendously. Student will be able to master tremendously. Student will be able to master the material much better, and have a stand-by the material much better, and have a stand-by tutor available 24 hours a day as long as they tutor available 24 hours a day as long as they have internet access. have internet access.

• They will have their homework graded instantly They will have their homework graded instantly when they practise, and know how well they when they practise, and know how well they understand the material by self testing. understand the material by self testing.

CURRICULUMCURRICULUM • It is the need of the hour to integrate the system It is the need of the hour to integrate the system

in our curriculum as part of our teaching and in our curriculum as part of our teaching and testing mechanism, starting from Precalculus testing mechanism, starting from Precalculus and Calculus courses. and Calculus courses.

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• Many universities and colleges have Many universities and colleges have already embraced technology for already embraced technology for years and it is high time we follow years and it is high time we follow the path and have standardized the path and have standardized uniform tests in those courses. uniform tests in those courses.

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AcknowledgementAcknowledgement

I would like to express my sincere I would like to express my sincere thanks to the following colleagues of thanks to the following colleagues of mine who gave me encouragement mine who gave me encouragement and valuable suggestions:and valuable suggestions:

• Dr. Nirmal SachetiDr. Nirmal Sacheti• Dr. Mohammed SalehDr. Mohammed Saleh• Dr. Ali BenmerzougaDr. Ali Benmerzouga• Dr. Pallath ChandranDr. Pallath Chandran• Dr. Charles BakheitDr. Charles Bakheit

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A BIG THANKS TO ALL OF YOU FOR A BIG THANKS TO ALL OF YOU FOR LISTENING TO MY TALKLISTENING TO MY TALK