Doha: An MOU to publish a book on engineering education in the Middle East was signed recently between Qatar University (QU) and Qatar Petrochemical Company (Qapco).
Under the terms of the agreement, QU will provide the relevant academic support while Qapco will fund the book’s publication which will be first of its kind in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region.
The agreement was signed by QU Vice President and Chief Academic Officer Dr Mazen Hasna, and Qapco Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Dr Mohammed Yousef Al Mulla.
The book comprises chapters from established academics on various topics on engineering education in the MENA region and is edited by Dr Hasna, Acting Director CENG Central Requirements Unit Dr Mahmoud Abdulwahed, and Professor at Texas A&M University US Dr Jeff Froyd.
The chapters will include editorials and will cover such themes as Innovations in Learning, Teaching, and Engineering Education; Assessment and Accreditation; Curriculum Development; and Industry-University Partnerships for Engineering Education, to name a few. A chapter on the experience of matching industry with education will be developed by Qapco with assistance from the book editors.
Commenting on the MoU, Dr Hasna said: “This book will set the foundation for critical academic input and debate on an important topic of engineering education in general and many particular themes of high interest to Qatar and the region, namely, contribution of engineers to a knowledge-based economy, and links between industry and academic. Its content will be of considerable value to faculty, researchers and industry alike as it will look at areas and themes to which many in the engineering field can relate and from which they can draw important answers and insights.
“It will also have global value for those interested in looking at the status of the engineering profession and education in the region. It is fitting that QU, as the country’s national university, would lead such a long-awaited publication that will advance the ongoing dialogue on engineering education and its importance for the region”.
Dr Al Mulla praised Qatar University and the new book saying, “Research in engineering education is new to this region, but I believe this book will not only support the study and exploration into this subject but will become a landmark achievement for research in this field within the MENA region.
“As the first such publication in the MENA Region, I am proud that Qapco will be associated with it and contribute to its content as it will offer academics and students an excellent insight into the advances made in engineering education within the region. Qapco and Qatar University are, I believe, true pioneers in educational partnerships and can lead the way through projects such as this book and demonstrate to the world that we can play a big role in the future of engineering education and research and development.”
The Peninsula
