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Much excitement and activity has surrounded the implementation of the new two and a half year GIS Program in the Faculty of Technology's Computer Technology Department at the University of Qatar.
According to Dr. Ahmed Marrakshi, Dean of the Faculty of Technology, "The first year of the new GIS Technology Program has been a tremendous success."
Dr. Kamel Hamrouni, Chairman of the Computer Technology Department, adds, "Not only is GIS important to the Faculty of Technology as a complete program, but also as a contributor to other programs such as computer and surveying."
Comments Professor Steven Rose, Coordinator of the GIS Program, "The first group of ladies to enter the GIS Program have worked really hard, learned a great deal, and are eager to continue their studies this coming Fall. They are a very good group."
Professor Rose looks forward to continuing to work with them towards their eventual graduation, a short year and a half from now. He is also eagerly anticipating the completion of the university's world class, UNIX-based GIS teaching laboratory.
"Not only will students be learning on state-of-the-art computer hardware and GIS software, but they will be connected, at fibre optic speeds, to the same data they will be using in the workplace," observes Professor Rose.
Qassim Al-Ghanim, Head of the Center for GIS (CGIS) comments, "The Center for GIS is very proud to be a partner with the University of Qatar in launching its new GIS Program. Since we continue to enjoy exponential growth in the use of GIS technology in this country, I'm eagerly waiting for the first group of students to graduate from this program for possible employment at CGIS or other governmental agencies here in Qatar."
As part of the University of Qatar/CGIS relationship, the students currently in the university's training program will be working this summer at CGIS to gain practical experience.
"We believe that combining university training with hands-on experience here at CGIS will allow the students to receive a well-rounded education and better prepare themselves for the workplace," concludes Al-Ghanim.
Of course, the new GIS Program in the Faculty of Technology is not the only GIS activity at the University of Qatar. The Geography Department in the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences has hired a new faculty member, Dr. Imad Abu Naib, to teach its existing GIS courses and develop the GIS facilities at the main campus.
Dr. Abu
Naib and Professor Rose worked closely together to teach an
"Advanced ARC/INFO and ArcView" training course that was
well received by 15 staff from a variety of government
ministries. In addition, Professor Rose taught an
"Introduction to GIS and ArcView" course to a group of male
and another group of female, faculty and staff members from
a variety of university departments.
During a seminar on "GIS Career Opportunities in Qatar" organized by the Faculty of Technology in December 1996, it was noted that currently there are over 100 people directly employed using GIS in Qatar and that number was expected to grow to more than 200 within the next few years. Most GIS employment is suitable for both men and ladies.
The GIS Program in the Faculty of Technology will be accepting one group of male and one group of female Qatari national students for the new term, beginning in September 1997. Anyone interested in this program should contact the Faculty of Technology by telephone at 872867 or by fax at 880337 for additional information or a brochure.
Additional introductory and advanced-level mini courses will also be offered during the 1997/98 academic year. Anyone who would like more information about upcoming courses should contact Professor Rose by telephone at 872867 or by e-mail at: srose@gisqatar.org.qa