The High Voltage Engineering Class of Mrs. Lizette Ivy C. Pascual and her five (5) Bachelor Students, together with Lab Technician, Mr. Mahmood Khamis Saif Khamis Al-Nasseri, headed for NAMA Electricity Supply Company SAOC, formerly Majan Electric Company, in Souq, Ibri on 12 May 2024 (Sunday). In addition, one female student, who doesn’t belong to the class, also came along because of her interest in learning more about Distribution Systems, in preparation for future employment.
This is a trip that the class makes every semester in order to do the DC Insulation Resistance Test for High Voltage Three-Phase Power Transformer and Three-Phase Underground Cable Laboratory Exercises and Industry Visit.
Engr. Ali Al-Yaqobi, Engr. Marwan Al-Yaqoubi, and Engr. Badar Al-Shammakhi gave them a series of lectures on Three-Phase Power Transformers, Ring Main Units (RMU), and other equipment used in the Electrical Distribution System, as well as some of the procedures they follow in the storage and inventory of materials in the facilities.
Engr. Hilal Al-Sakiti, and some UTAS-Ibri alumni who now works for NAMA: Ibrahim Al-Saadi, Wail Al-Waeli, Sultan Al-Yahyai, and Mohammed Al-Ghafri, enthusiastically accommodated the group and talked about those times when they were still in college.
As always, UTAS-Ibri, Department of Engineering and Technology, is thankful that they continue to allow the High Voltage Engineering Class to conduct the Laboratory Exercises almost every semester.
On Thursday, May 16, 2024, seventeen students and two lecturers, Mr. V. Veera Nagi Reddy and Dr. Srinivasa Rao, from the Electrical and Electronics Section of the Department of Engineering & Technology, visited the Ibri-2 Solar Power Plant. This plant, Oman’s largest utility-scale renewable energy project, boasts a capacity of 500 megawatts and spans approximately 13.025 square kilometers, seamlessly integrating into the national power grid.
The visit aimed to provide students with practical industrial exposure, offering real-time insights into the operation and management of solar photovoltaic (PV) panels, inverter connections to the power grid, and various components such as underground cables, circuit breakers, bus bars, potential transformers, and power transformers.
Upon arrival, Site Engineer Mr. Mohammed Al Muqbali briefed the students on the safety protocols and plant layout using PowerPoint slides. Later, he took the students inside the plant and demonstrated the control and monitoring system via the SCADA system. He detailed the power transformer working, robotic cleaning process of the solar panels and explained the working principles of PV modules. The students gained a clear understanding of the series and parallel connections of PV panels, the function of bus bars and substations, and the operation of SF6 circuit breakers.
The students actively engaged with the engineers, expressing their gratitude for the opportunity to learn directly from industry professionals. This visit was immensely beneficial, providing the students with hands-on experience and a deeper understanding of various concepts in solar power technology.
On April 18, 2024, the Staff Development Committee of the Engineering Department organized a seminar program entitled "Exploring the Power of LoRa Technology." The event, held in the Multi-Purpose Hall (Room B102) from 1:30 PM to 2:30 PM, aimed to enhance understanding and proficiency in the field of Long Range (LoRa) technology, particularly in its applications within the realm of Internet of Things (IoT).
Mr. M. Jayasnakar Srilla, Instructor of the Electrical Engineering section from the Department of Engineering and Technology at UTAS-Ibri, initiated the program by delivering an insightful keynote address. With his expertise in the domain, Mr. Srilla clarified the fundamental principles of LoRa technology, emphasizing its significance in the contemporary landscape of wireless communication systems.
During his presentation, Mr. Srilla explored into the technical aspects of LoRa, elucidating its modulation techniques and spectrum efficiency. He underscored the unique features of LoRa, such as its long-range capability, low power consumption, and robustness in challenging environments. Moreover, he provided real-world examples showcasing the diverse applications of LoRa in various sectors including agriculture, smart cities, and industrial automation.
Following the keynote address, an interactive session ensued, allowing participants to pose questions and engage in discussions regarding the implementation and potential advancements in LoRa technology. The session facilitated an exchange of ideas among attendees, fostering a collaborative learning environment.
In conclusion, the seminar on "Exploring the Power of LoRa Technology" proved to be an enriching experience, equipping participants with valuable insights into the capabilities and applications of LoRa technology in the burgeoning field of IoT. Such initiatives not only contribute to the professional development of individuals but also foster innovation and progress in the realm of engineering and technology.
The environment around us is our home, and it is our collective duty to take care of it. To promote environmental awareness among students, the Student Activities Committee, headed by Ms. Adeebah Al Sawafi, and the Community Engagement Committee, led by Ms. Sharon Devaneson, at the Preparatory Studies Centre (PSC) recently collaborated to conduct two impactful environmental activities. Both activities were organised and facilitated by Lujjain Abdullah Juma Al Yaqoubi, a dedicated member of the Student Activities Committee.
The first event was a celebration of Earth Day, held on April 25, 2024. Lujjain Abdullah Juma Al Yaqoubi, along with fellow committee members, created an informative poster explaining the significance of Earth Day and ways to be kind to our planet. This poster was prominently displayed in the PSC lobby, encouraging students and faculty to engage with its message. Those who appreciated the poster were invited to leave their fingerprints on it, symbolising their commitment to taking positive actions for the environment. This interactive approach not only raised awareness but also fostered a sense of community and shared responsibility.
The second event was a presentation on "Growing Plants," which took place in the Self Access Centre (SAC) on May 7, 2024. The primary aim of this presentation was to highlight the urgent need for planting and nurturing trees and plants. Lujjain Abdullah Juma Al Yaqoubi delivered an engaging and informative presentation, discussing the importance of plants, the types of trees that thrive in Oman, and practical tips for growing and caring for plants. The session was interactive, culminating in a quiz on plant-related knowledge. Participants who answered correctly were rewarded with a plant, generously donated by Mr. Moihudden of Al Suleif Groves Nursery. His contribution significantly enhanced the event, and we extend our heartfelt gratitude for his support.
Both events were honoured by the presence of Dr. Maryam Al Ghafri, Head of Community Services and Continuing Education, and Mr. Sultan Al Sawafi, Head of Unit for Curriculum and Assessment. Their guidance and support were instrumental in the success of these activities, inspiring students to actively participate in future environmental initiatives at the PSC. By engaging in such events, students not only gain knowledge but also develop a deeper appreciation for the environment, motivating them to make a positive impact in their communities. The PSC continues to empower its students to be proactive guardians of our planet by promoting environmental consciousness and practical involvement.
The Staff Professional Development and Research and Consultancy committee at the Preparatory Studies Centre (PSC) organized a workshop on “Exploring the Future of Research: Emerging Trends and New Directions in Scientific Analysis” on 16th May 2024, at VIP Room, Main Building (Block A), Al Saada Campus. The presenter, Dr. Muna Al Kalbani, an assistant professor at Muscat College, Oman, gave an enlightened workshop on how to explore the forthcoming future of research, including emerging trends and innovative trends in scientific research. The workshop scrutinized a detailed examination of how various elements, such as advancements in technology and the collaboration between different fields of study (interdisciplinary studies), along with other relevant factors, shape and guide the path of future research efforts. It implied a thorough investigation into the ways these factors impact the direction, scope, and potential outcomes of research activities undertaken in the future. The participants highly appreciated this workshop. In the end, Dr. Naser Al Kalbani, the Assistant to AVC for Academic Affairs, presented Dr. Muna Al Kalbani with a certificate of appreciation and a shield.
The Preparatory Studies Centre (PSC) of the University of Technology and Applied Sciences-Ibri (UTAS-Ibri) recently concluded a highly successful online IELTS training course. The course, designed specifically for schoolteachers, ran from March 20, 2024, to March 25, 2024, and comprehensively covered all four key skills assessed in the IELTS test: listening, reading, speaking, and writing.
The online course was led by the skilled IELTS instructors Ms. Sharon Devaneson, Ms. Frizha Melgarejo, Mr. Tatha Rao, and Mr. Jabez Syam from the PSC. Their extensive experience in IELTS instruction made the training thorough, engaging, and highly beneficial for all attendees. The primary audience for this course included teachers from the Indian School Ibri as well as members of the Ibri community at large, all of whom were aspiring to achieve higher IELTS band scores.
In the weeks leading up to the course, participants completed a detailed needs analysis form. This allowed the instructors to tailor the course content to meet the specific needs and goals of the participants, ensuring that the training was both relevant and effective.
One standout success story from the course was a participant who achieved an impressive overall band score of 7.5. She attributed her success to the high-quality instruction and dedicated support provided by the PSC teachers. In her words, the targeted training sessions were instrumental in her achievement, and she expressed her deep gratitude to the instructors who guided her throughout the course.
The feedback from all participants has been overwhelmingly positive, highlighting the course’s effectiveness in enhancing their IELTS skills and boosting their confidence. The PSC at UTAS-Ibri is proud of the impact this training has had on the professional development of school teachers in the region.
Overall, the course not only met but exceeded expectations, providing valuable skills and knowledge that will undoubtedly aid the participants in their future endeavours. The success of this course underscores the commitment of PSC at UTAS-Ibri to deliver high-quality educational programmes that meet the needs of the community.
The University of Technology and Applied Sciences-Ibri, through the Engineering and Technology Department organized its annual National Level Symposium on Scope of Renewable Energy Systems & Green Hydrogen Applications (SORESA) 2024 on 8th May 2024. This national symposium endeavors to present the latest research trends and findings in the area of Renewable Energy and Green Hydrogen. Students from across the Sultanate participated in this event.
Two papers from the Preparatory Studies Centre (PSC) – Level 3 students were accepted, however only 1 group successfully presented their paper. Mr William Ancheta, Lecturer, was the supervisor of the students. The details are shown below:
TP_116- Biofuel and its Production
|
No |
Student ID |
Name of Students |
Level |
|
1 |
76S230118 |
Salwa Said Khalfan Al Shaeili |
Level 3 |
|
2 |
72S230161 |
Salma Badar Salim Al Shekaili |
Level 3 |
|
3 |
32J2355 |
Iman Musabah Ali Al Qayudhi |
Level 3 |
|
4 |
71S230116 |
Nadya Nasser Salim Al Jassasi |
Level 3 |
TP_109 -Issues and Challenges in Renewable Energy
|
No |
Student ID |
Name of Students |
Level |
|
1 |
71S23011 |
Ahamed Mahmood Abdullah Khamis Al Ghafri |
Level 3 |
|
2 |
136S226 |
Ahmed Nasser Ali Al-Attabi |
Level 3 |
|
3 |
71S230135 |
Khalifa Hilal Ali Said Al Ghafri |
Level 3 |
|
4 |
131S2263 |
Alhassan Ali Mohammed Ali Al Farsi |
Level 3 |
After the paper presentation, on behalf of PSC council, Mr William M Ancheta, CS Lecturer and paper supervisor, gave away the certificates of participation to the students.
On May 08,2024, from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., the Health & Safety Committee of PSC organized an activity for students and staff. The workshop: “Stay Healthy- Tips and Tricks”, was presented by Mr. Ahamed Nishath, IT Department Lecturer and Ms. Rabeea Ibrahim, PSC Lecturer.
Mr. Ahamed Nishath gave a number of tips for sudden pains and aches, like a strong headache, migraine, serious back pain, leg pain and nose bleeding. His tips were very simple and feasible any time anywhere. The audience who had joined were involved and asked questions to get more clarifications about certain pains and aches they personally experience.
At the end of the session, Mr. Sultan Al-Sawafi, PSC Head of Section Curriculums and Teaching Methods thanked the presenters, and gave away a certificate of appreciation to Mr Ahmed Nishath, and thanked him for his efforts in building the ability of students and staff to deal with cases of emergency on the spot.
The atmosphere was constructive and came out with useful ideas and tips. The overall impression of the attendees about the event was highly encouraging for all members of the H&S Committee.
SPD committee of PSC UTAS-Ibri, organized a presentation by Dr. Hilal Al Shandhoudi and A.S.M. Shamim Miah on April 18, 2024. The presentation was on a research paper entitled “Implementation of Remedial Feedback and Observable Progression System in GFP English Writing”. The researchers said that their paper highlighted how much written corrective feedback (WCF) is effective in General Foundation Program (GFP). They did their research on experimental and control group setup involving 10 teachers and 100 GFP English students. Their research had a cognitive focus; it aimed at understanding how WCF can improve GFP English students. Their research classified WCF into three major categories: (i) Direct WCF (refers to finding faults); (ii) Indirect WCF (refers to finding errors and supplying the right forms); (iii) and Metalinguistic WCF (refers to offering more details about the type and source of the problem). Their research was designed to use a custom writing booklet with 10 topics (from the Pathways Level 3 Book), 4 genres (Process writing, Compare & Contrast Writing, Incident Report Writing, and Graph description). They used three drafts of each with pre-feedback, post feedback, and post-review-feedback. Before the session concluded, there was a Q/A session. At the end, the presenters were awarded with certificates.
On May 9, 2024, the Preparatory Studies Centre (PSC) witnessed a stimulating presentation by Mr. Juma Al Shammakhi, an esteemed English lecturer, addressing the intriguing question: Are learning styles fact or myth? The event, held in D001 at UTAS Ibri. It was organized by the Staff Professional Development (SPD) Committee and drew attention from lecturers across the Foundation Program.
His engaging presentation sparked a reflective dialogue among attendees, exploring the complexities of learning preferences and their impact on educational practices. Drawing upon a rich blend of research and pedagogical insights, he delved into the diverse modalities of learning, including visual, auditory, kinesthetic, and tactile approaches.
Despite ongoing debates within academia, he emphasized the practical significance of accommodating varied learning styles to enhance student engagement and academic success. Attendees were captivated by his insightful discourse, which culminated in a dynamic exchange of ideas on effective teaching strategies.
The session concluded with a gesture of appreciation from the SPD Committee, who awarded him a certificate of recognition. The event concluded on a high note, reflecting the commitment of PSC's educators to fostering inclusive and effective learning environments.
