ENG-1988 — Page 159

EDUCATION

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in Quantity Surveying; BSc in Land Management; BSc(Hons) in Combined Studies in Mathematics and Science; and Bachelor of Social Work. The Bachelor of Social Work course was offered in both the full-time mode and mixed-mode.

The polytechnic continued to register candidates for the Degree of Master of Philosophy by research. The period of registration for research degree candidates is normally two years on a full-time or three years on a part-time basis.

Since 1981, it has conducted a phased schedule of discontinuing the bulk of its diploma and certificate level work as corresponding courses are offered by the technical institutes. This phased schedule reflects the polytechnic's move towards a greater proportion of higher level academic work.

It also offers short full-time and extension courses to meet the needs of the community. A total of 535 students enrolled on short full-time courses and 9 563 students enrolled in the extension courses in 1987-8. In 1987-8, the polytechnic started to offer extension courses leading to academic awards.

In 1986-7, the polytechnic introduced its distance learning courses. Four more distance learning courses are being developed.

Since 1985, the polytechnic has offered extra-curricular complementary studies courses to its full-time students, which can be taken on a voluntary basis. The objectives of devel- oping complementary studies are to broaden the students' intellectual outlook, develop their knowledge and skills in areas that are useful to their profession or desirable for adult life, and enhance their understanding of society and sense of civic responsibility. In 1987–8, 113 complementary studies courses were offered, and attended by 3 129 students.

The polytechnic continued to establish new contacts and maintain close liaison with academic, research and professional institutions in China and overseas.

Similar to the arrangements in 1987-8, the polytechnic invited applications jointly with the City Polytechnic of Hong Kong for all courses other than postgraduate courses in 1988-9. Applicants were required to complete only one application form and could indicate a maximum of two choices of courses in each polytechnic irrespective of the modes of attendance and levels of study. The subsequent selection of candidates was conducted by the two polytechnics independently.

Research activities continued to grow significantly, with the research grant in 1987-8 being increased by 20 per cent over the previous year. Funds were allocated to support 67 new research projects and 55 on-going projects. The major areas of research included environmental studies, applied social studies, immunoassay techniques, offshore engineering, CAD/CAM, electric power systems, industrial automation, textile technology, VLSI fabrication techniques together with applied biology and chemistry.

The polytechnic also gave high priority to staff development. The funding of staff development programmes in 1987-8 increased by 20 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 1987-8, donations of $1.64 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 collection has grown to 550 000 items and over 8 000 titles of periodicals. Various kinds of audio-visual materials including 140 000 slides, laser discs, interactive video and computer software are available. Extensive use of CD-ROM databases is made by students and staff. The library is currently replacing its in-house automated system with turnkey software.