An initiative to promote Mathematics in the Sultanate
MUSCAT The joint SQU-GUtech International Workshop in Mathematics concluded at the German University of Technology in Oman (GUtech) on Wednesday afternoon. A total of 32 presentations were held in the past five days and nearly 40 experts in the field of number theories from Japan, Germany, Oman, France, Saudi-Arabia, Turkey, Lebanon and India attended the International Workshop which was held at GUtech and at Sultan Qaboos University (SQU).
"This first joint International Workshop in Mathematics was part of a number of initiatives that focus on promoting the popularity of Mathematics in the Sultanate of Oman," said Professor Dr. Mohammed Al Lawati, Head of the Department of Mathematics and Statistics of SQU. The Sultanate has been an associate member of the International Mathematics Union (IMU) since 2010. At SQU about 40 students are currently studying at the department of Mathematics, at GUtech Mathematics is an integral part of each study-programme. "The membership in the International Mathematics Union was a very positive move and fosters international cooperation. To promote Mathematics a group of experts in the field of Mathematics has been formed by the Council of Ministers in Oman," said Professor Mohammed.
"I am very happy about the outcome of this first joint International Workshop in Mathematics. Together with the Rector of Academic Affairs of RWTH Aachen University, Professor Aloys Krieg, two colleagues in Japan and Professor Al Lawati and Professor Al Baali of SQU were involved in the organization," said Professor Dr. Bernhard Heim, one of the main organizers of the conference and Head of the Department of Mathematics and Science at GUtech.
"I think this was a great conference and a good opportunity for networking for myself and as well for my PhD students," said Professor Dr. Aloys Krieg, Professor for Mathematics at RWTH Aachen University, GUtech's German parent-university. During the International Workshop several students from SQU, GUtech and RWTH Aachen University gave presentations on a science related topic and had the chance to network with different professors from various universities. "For me it was the first time to I give a presentation on Mathematics during an International Workshop. It was a great experience and I was very encouraged and happy to hear from some professors that I did well," said Huda Al Sharji, who gave a presentation on "Differential equation of a Leibniz Series". Huda is studying Mathematics in the 5th semester at SQU.
Besides scientific presentations several lectures on e-learning, such as Moodle and MUMIE - an interactive online Mathematics software for Engineering freshmen was presented by Professor Dr. Volker Enss, Professor for Mathematics at GUtech. Professor Volker explained the software that he developed together with a number of German Mathematicians. The software learning concept is currently used at the University of Technology in Berlin as well as at the University of Atlanta. The Engineering lecture is held on the blackboard and the multimedia components from MUMIE tutorials are given for students to support them in their different learning pace. "Usually as lecturers we always face the problem that we answer questions that the students do not really want to know," said Professor Volker. During the MUMIE e-learning session students are asked to prepare the seminar in advance. Thus, the students start thinking about the lecture before the lecture starts and they also have to hand in their work at the beginning of the lecture. "The E-learing system is flexible and sustainable, has a granular structure and semantic encoding. The language is currently set in English and in German," said Professor Volker.
On the sidelines of the International Workshop the participants enjoyed some sightseeing including the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque, Mutrah Souq and Beit Al Zubair Museum. Most of them visited Oman for the first time. "It was a pleasure to get an insight into the country, I enjoyed a lot the visit to Oman and the participation in the scientific conference," said Professor Aloys during the concluding session of the International Workshop. "Our Institute in Mumbai has a tradition of organizing workshops in Mathematics and other subjects. I know it is sometimes very difficult to take care of many small things. This joint Workshop was very well organized. It was my first time in Oman and I was told that the hospitality is well-known. I really felt very welcome and enjoyed the warmth of the people. I would love to come back one day," said Professor Dr. C.S. Rajan of the Institute of Fundamental Research (TIFR) in Mumbai.
The International Workshop is sponsored by SQU, GUtech and The Research Council (TRC) and Springer, a leading international STM publisher with a global presence. For further details please visit the website www.mathoman.gutech.edu.om.
© Press Release 2012
