EDUCATION
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power systems, industrial automation, textile technology, VLSI fabrication techniques together with applied biology and chemistry.
A recent significant development of the polytechnic was the establishment of specialist centres to foster further development of activities such as applied research, consultancy, specialist training, in a particular area. In May 1986, the Royal Hong Kong Jockey Club donated HK$41.9 million to finance the setting up of a Rehabilitation Engineering Centre. In July 1986, a partnership programme was reached with International Business Machines Corporation for the installation of HK$10.7 million worth of equipment to set up a CAD/CAM Research and Education Centre. Both centres began operation in 1987.
The polytechnic also gave high priority to staff development. The funding of staff development programmes in 1986–7 increased by 54 per cent over the previous year.
Each year, the polytechnic receives donations in the form of grants, equipment, scholarships and bursaries for students, from organisations, firms, professional associa- tions and individuals. In 1986–7, donations of HK$13.8 million were received from the private sector.
The polytechnic library has seating capacity for 1 600 readers, as well as special facilities for disabled persons. Its book collection has grown to 360.000 volumes and over 7 000 titles of periodicals. Various kinds of audio-visual materials including 95 000 slides, laser discs and micro-computer software are available.
The campus covers nearly nine hectares and is located in Hung Hom, Kowloon. Con- struction of the proposed Phase IIIA development began during the year to provide a new administration block, additional teaching and staff accommodation, a small theatre, and an improved main entrance. A new sports pavilion and outdoor sports facilities had been completed early in the year and were in full use. A temporary building was constructed on campus to house the Rehabilitation Engineering Centre and the Rehabaid facilities before completion of permanent premises in the planned Phase IIIB development.
City Polytechnic of Hong Kong
In November 1987, the City Polytechnic conferred academic awards on its second group of graduates which numbered four times that of the previous year. The 488 graduates were 36 holders of the Postgraduate Diploma in Management Studies, 275 holders of Professional Diplomas in Accountancy, Business Studies and Company Secretaryship and Administra- tion, 52 awardees of the Higher Diploma in Business Studies, 73 awardees of the Diploma in Social Work, and 55 recipients of Higher Certificates in Data Base and Translation and Interpretation. By the end of the year, most of the graduates had found employment in industry and commerce.
The year in review witnessed remarkable progress in the introduction of more bachelor's degree and postgraduate courses in the polytechnic. Five bachelor's degree courses, which were offered previously at professional diploma level, were successfully validated. They were: Building, Computer Studies, Electronic Engineering, Information Technology and Quantita- tive Analysis for Business. Four postgraduate diploma courses in Business Information Technology, Construction Management, Electronic Systems Design and Translation and Interpretation were also introduced. They were designed for applicants with substantial working experience and managerial responsibility in industry and commerce who sought to further their studies on a part-time basis. Altogether, 25 courses were offered at various levels and in different modes of attendance. Course planning, and other academic activities, moved onto a longer-term footing with the approval by the University and Polytechnic Grants Com- mittee of the polytechnic's major academic plan for the 1988-91 triennium early in the year.