Workshop on Curriculum Quality Improvement (CQI) and Direction of the Foundation in Science and Technology (AST) Program UMPSA 2023
A Foundation in Science and Technology (AST) Curriculum Improvement and Direction Workshop was held on 7 and 8 November 2023 at Glass Hall, Mangala Resort & Spa, Gambang. The workshop was started with a welcome speech from the Dean of the Centre for Mathematical Sciences (PSM), Prof. Dr. Mohd Zuki Bin Salleh and Deputy Dean (Academic & Student Affairs) PSM, Prof. Associate Dr. Mohd Sham Bin Mohamad. The tentative of workshops are the refinement of teaching plans involving changes to the subject synopsis of the AST Program, mapping of course and program outcome, updating of latest reference materials, designing the appropriate assessment according to the course outcomes, and the improvement of the syllabus in the subject. Issues related to the establishment of a new AST program as well as the presentation of second intake simulation of existing AST Program students were discussed in the direction meeting by the Head of the AST Program, Prof. Associate Dr. Abdul Rahman Bin Mohd Kasim.
The AST Program curriculum improvement workshop involved teaching staff and committee members of AST. The discussion was divided into groups according to the faculty and expertise of the respective courses. Among the faculties involved are the Centre for Mathematical Sciences, the Faculty of Industrial Science and Technology, the Faculty of Chemical and Process Engineering Technology, the Centre for Modern Languages, and the Centre for Humanities. The refinement was presented by the subject coordinator and approved by the committee members. The workshop ended at 12.30 pm by achieving the objective where all subjects of the AST Program were successfully refined and improved.
The workshop was continued at 2.15 pm with the AST Program direction meeting consisting of representatives of Deans of Faculties and Departments from UMPSA, representatives of UMP Advanced (UMPA), representatives of the Academic Management Centre (PPA), representatives of the Department of Academic & International Affairs (JHEAA), representatives of the Innovation Centre & Academic Competitiveness (PIDA), representatives of the Academic Marketing and Admission Centre (PPKA), Academic Strategic Cooperation Centre (PKSA), as well as members of the AST committee. The planning of establishing a new program is based on the benchmarking and comparisons with public and private universities that also offer the foundation programs. As a result of this discussion, a lot of input and feedback from the Dean's representatives as well as the UMPA related to several factors that need to be considered before establishing a new program such as the branding of the program name, student recruitment method and setting of program fees. The meeting ends at 4.30 pm.
