GRADUATE CATALOG - The Petroleum Institute

Graduate Catalog | Academic Year 2013 – 2014Independent Learning CenterThe Independent Learning Center (ILC) provides content subject learning and English language learning materialsfor all PI students to support their coursework, assignments and research. Over the course of their academicstudies at the PI, it assists students to develop as autonomous learners with the ability to identify their ownlearning needs.In order to support learning, the ILC:provides users with functional, well-resourced environments that are conducive to group or individual study,learning and research;provides users with collections of learning materials and the necessary guidance for their use;incorporates the use of technology and related educational software to facilitate each stage of learning withinthe programs;provides language support in the form of carefully identified self-access materials;provides users with essential reference materials.incorporates the Math Learning Support Center, which provides walk-in assistance by faculty Mathspecialists;incorporates the Science Tutoring Service, which provides science tutoring by students for students.There are two ILC locations on campus – one on the second floor of Bu Hasa Building and the second inside theArzanah Library.PI Center for Excellence in Learning and Teaching (CELT)The PI Center for Excellence in Learning and Teaching (CELT) is a campus-wide unit focused on enhancingundergraduate science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education. The mission of CELT is topromote the professional enhancement of PI Faculty by providing formal and informal forums for exchange ofexperience and expertise in order to enhance STEM instruction. The center organizes seminars and workshops,hosts international distinguished engineering educators, and facilitates a number of Faculty LearningCommunities, which focus on infusing life-long learning, ethics, global awareness and contemporary issue into thecurriculum. In addition, the center sponsors STEM education research, helping to inform not only teaching andlearning at the PI, but in secondary and tertiary educational institutes throughout the region.Sports ComplexAsab is a state-of-the-art building with dedicated female and male sports facilities. It comprises two gymnasiums, fourindoor halls (volleyball, handball, basketball, and badminton), two studios (aerobics and martial arts), two indoortennis courts, two squash courts and a grass football pitch. Regular intramural sports tournaments are organized,including indoor soccer and basketball.Student Centers and LoungesIn an ongoing commitment to provide students with state-of-the-art facilities, in 2011 the PI opened student centers onthe male and female campuses. The student centers are located in the Satah and Arzanah Buildings and a studentlounge is available in Zarkouh. These student focused facilities provide a dedicated setting for social,organizational, and extracurricular activities. The student centers are equipped with computers, gaming tables,large flat screen televisions, gaming consoles, etc. Students are encouraged to visit the centers and lounge tosocialize and relax with fellow PI students.Women in Science and Engineering FacilitiesArzanah is a state-of-the-art building and home to the Women in Science and Engineering (WISE) Program. It boastsan area of about 14,000 m 2 , accommodating classrooms and laboratories, administrative and faculty offices, studentsupport and service facilities. The facility includes over 40 classrooms and 50 purpose-built computing, engineeringand science laboratories, as well as a library and Independent Learning Center, a workshop, lecture halls andmeeting rooms, Communication and Writing Centers, a 200-seat auditorium, several study and leisure lounges, anexercise room and a dining hall. There is also an outdoor landscaped area with shaded seating.Page 17