Programs and Degree Plans

IT Program
Biotechnology Program
Communication Program

Information Technology Program

Program overview

The Bachelor of Information Technology (BIT) degree is a 4 year 128 credit hour program taught in English, designed to produce graduates who are competent in their major disciplines, as well as IT in general; graduates who are ready to be involved in the development of Omani industry. As the name "Colleges of Applied Sciences" suggests, our students are exposed to significant practical work and, where possible, linkages with Omani industry are being developed and exploited.
The BIT is offered in the CAS campuses of Sohar, Ibri, Rustaq, Sur, and Salalah.
The BIT program contains a core of main stream IT courses which expose our graduates to the concepts and topics about which all who work in the IT field should be familiar. Typically, web design and development; software design and implementation; information systems analysis and design; operating systems; networks; database; IT security; professional ethics; and such analytical courses as discrete mathematics and data structures. IT is a fast moving field however, and so space has been left in the program which can be filled with the innovations of the time; ensuring our graduates are aware of the latest IT trends. Presently the four majors of the BIT are Software Development, Data Management, IT Security, and Networks. The majors permit our students to explore their chosen field in greater depth with the addition of highly focused and specialised courses.

Vision

The IT Faculty of The Colleges of Applied Sciences aspires to be the IT faculty of choice for school leavers in the Sultanate, to be a prime resource of expertise and training for Omani industry, and to be respected regionally and internationally for the quality of our staff, students and graduates.

Mission

We will graduate work-ready youth with a reliable work ethic and the knowledge and skills appropriate for industry; they will be the result of a modern, relevant, engaging and challenging programme delivered through a variety of learning methods.
We will provide an environment that encourages student, faculty, alumni, and public participation.
We will attain national and international accreditation in preparation for higher academic status.

Entry Requirements

General Education Diploma, Islamic Institutes Diploma and Royal Guard Technical College Diploma with (Not less than C)in:

English language.
Not less than (D) in Pure mathematics or Mathematics.

Program Structure

The IT Program requires students to accumulate 128 credit hours during four years of their study. The total 128 credit hours include: 36 hours college requirements, 53 Department requirements, and 39 Specialization requirements.
First two years, four-semester courses are common among all specialization (Software Development, Information Technology Security, Data Management, and Computer Networks).

Graduate Attributes

Graduates of the BIT program are intellectually developed; have advanced knowledge and practical abilities in a range of IT fields; are able to work in a team or unsupervised; have advanced problem solving skills; can pursue lifelong learning; and have multidisciplinary and multicultural perspectives.

Details of Majors

The majors of the BIT convert our students from those with general IT knowledge and skills, into graduates with in-depth understanding and practical abilities in their chosen field. Students develop greater independence of thought and action through project work, and are exposed to state-of-the-art equipment, concepts, and terminology.

Software development

pushes the students understanding of abstract concepts through advanced data structures and the latest software innovations. Graduates of this major will be experienced in both procedural as well as object oriented languages, and a full year project is undertaken in conjunction with a course on software project management. Electives such as concurrent programming, computer graphics and artificial intelligence challenge the students further whilst adding an extra layer of interest and motivation.

Data management

addresses the complexities of large-scale distributed data as is found in the world today. Graduates will have worked with large amounts of web-based data, and designed and analysed a number of data searching and mining techniques and algorithms.

IT security

prepares students to understand and combat threats to security in a rapidly changing world. More than any other major, it is important to keep up with the market evolution and to keep abreast of concepts and implementation techniques.

Computer networks

offers grounding in current technology in use in Oman as well as the latest innovations across the world. Network technology, network management, internetworking, and wireless networking are all very relevant to the expansion of Oman today: combined with the concepts of network security make graduates of this major very useful to industry.

Career opportunities

IT has found its way into almost every aspect of modern life, and so it is no surprise to find IT specialists in an enormous variety of occupations and enterprises. From multi-national conglomerates and government ministries to small businesses, IT specialists support and innovate, bringing information access to where it is needed. In general IT specialists will take responsibility for the selection of hardware and software products to suit the needs of an organization. They will be involved with detailed organisational systems analysis, the integration of products with organizational needs and infrastructure, and may be responsible for installing, customizing, maintaining, and upgrading those applications as the organization grows. Examples of these responsibilities include the design and installation of networks; network administration and security; the design and maintenance of web pages; the development of multimedia resources; the installation of communication components; the selection and management of email systems; securing the working environment; and the planning and management of the technology lifecycle by which an organization s technology is maintained, upgraded, and replaced.

There are entrepreneurial IT consultants, typically self-employed, who focus specifically on the development and maintenance of databases and/or websites for small businesses or schools. Simple stand-alone systems, or more complex systems where on-line sales automatically update an inventory database and interact with accounting software, or where on-line registration automatically updates student loading and timetabling information.

Those looking to work in larger teams might consider the IT sections of medium to large businesses where staff engage fulltime in installing, customising, and maintaining hardware and software, in addition to large-scale database and/or network design and administration. Software houses employ large numbers of developers, working in teams to create function-specific programs for such as mobile phones, or generic programs such as games and virus protection.

The academic field may appeal to other graduates in terms of teaching and/or further study and research. After the appropriate pedagogical course BIT holders could be competent “computer studies” teachers, and for those who attain the necessary GPA, the BIT degree makes CAS graduates eligible for entry into post-graduate programs in many universities at home and abroad

Biotechnology Program

Program overview

Biotechnology is an important modern science in applied biological sciences with the emphasis of microbiology, animal and plant cell culture, molecular biology, genetics, recombinant DNA technology, biochemistry, cell biology, proteomics and other relevant fields of biology with wide applications in agriculture, environment, medicine and industry. Microbes, plants and animals are important elements in applications of scientific and technical knowledge in biotechnology to process raw material into valuable products and solving environmental and ecological problems. The combination of biological sciences with high-end technology applications is predicted to provide solutions to major national problems in Oman by creating new generations with great potential for a positive economic impact. The role of biotechnology in providing new employment and improvement of the economy of both developing and developed nations is well known. The economy from bio-base industry is responsible for one third of the world’s economy. Many nations move toward this discipline of biological sciences to create new promising sources of income as well as to provide new job opportunities. The program is designed to evolve continuously, to reflect new directions according to the needs of the Omani society and the workplace, and to equip graduates with the intellectual and technical skills to respond to these changes over their lives through lifelong learning enabling them to compete in international arena. The Applied Biotechnology Program was initiated in 2011 in Sur College of Applied Sciences (CAS-Sur), Sur, Oman. There are three Applied biotechnology specializations that will be offered by CAS-Sur. These are Marine Applied Biotechnology, Food and Agriculture Applied Biotechnology and Environmental Applied Biotechnology.

Vision

Biotechnology Program is to implement, to impart, to create and to disseminate knowledge and support the applications in biotechnology. To be and to remain a leading center in education, research and entrepreneurship in Biotechnology, guided by outstanding scientific and ethical principles, and committed to the virtues of quality and relevance and thus contribute to the dynamic socio-economic and cultural development of that meet the needs of the Sultanate of Oman and Arabian Gulf countries.

Mission

Through Applied Biotechnology Program, the College has the responsibility of ensuring that the graduating generations of scientists are trained to have a strong and holistic bioscience – training that is relevant to the needs of our society. The graduates need to be equipped with problem-solving and critical thinking skills, as well as possess good communication and interpersonal skills.

Entry Requirements

Minimum requirement for Application: General Education Diploma with ( Not less than C)in English language And with (Not less than D) in

Pure Mathematics
Biology
Chemistry

Program structure

The program structure is as follows:

Duration: 4 year, excluding Foundation Year Level of qualification: Bachelor Degree in Applied Biotechnology (B.Sc. in Applied Biotechnology)
Number of credit hours required: 126 (College requirements = 30, Program requirements = 52 and Specialization requirements = 44) Medium of instruction: English Language except for some culture courses.
CAS Colleges offering this program: Only Sur College of Applied Sciences.
Study System: In the first two years students will tackle Prerequisite and Core subjects to ensure that they receive a solid grounding in the fundamentals. Students will then specialize in Applied Biotechnology in the final two years. Final year students are expected to take a project in subjects involving a significant element of biotechnology.

Graduate Attributes

The following outcomes are skills, behaviors, and attitudes cultivated in students of Applied Biotechnology:

Demonstrate proficiency in biotechnology techniques.
Demonstrates professional conduct and strong interpersonal communication skills.
Adhere to professional and ethical standards in the biotechnology profession.
Performs basic biotechnology techniques according to safe practices.
Apply critical thinking skills to evaluate and solve problems.
Functions as a contributing team member.
Communicates effectively through writing, speaking, listening, and reading with students and supervisors.
Demonstrate the ability to implement safety protocols in the laboratory.
Plan, execute, and interpret an experiment following scientific method.

Details of Majors Marine Applied Biotechnology

Marine biotechnology is the creation of products and processes from marine organisms through the application of the techniques of biotechnology, molecular and cellular biology, and bioinformatics. This is a scientifically fascinating and economically expanding field of science. No ecosystems provide greater genetic diversity or possibilities for new products and processes than the world s marine environments. Marine organisms, from bacteria to eukaryotes are certainly a source of molecules of great interest in biotechnology. Today, marine biotechnology has numerous applications from the production of lifesaving drugs to better food and conservation of organic waste. Gathering and harnessing the information on marine resources in Oman and the Gulf countries focusing on discovery of specific molecules that could improve human health, biofuels and or bioremediation would substantially improve the economy of the Sultanate.

Career opportunities

Graduates are prepared to work as a marine biotechnologist in different governmental and private sectors.

Examples are Marine Sector.
Marine Products.
Laboratory Analysts.
Instrumentation/Calibration Technicians.
Quality Assurance Auditors, Quality Control Analysts, Quality Control Inspectors.
Biosafety Specialists.
Data Entry Clerks.
Research Associates, Statistical Biotechnologists.
Marine environmental monitoring and remediation.
Aquaculture.
Materials Recycling.

Graduates will be qualified to work independently allowing them to enter free market works.

They be well- prepared to continue with postgraduate studies.

Food and Agriculture Applied Biotechnology Major

Biotechnology provides powerful tools for the sustainable development of agriculture as well as the food industry. When appropriately integrated with other technologies for the production of food, agricultural products and services, biotechnology can be of significant assistance in meeting the needs of an expanding and increasingly urbanized population in the next millennium. Biotechnology covers many of the tools and techniques that are commonplace in agriculture and food production. Interpreted in a narrow sense, which considers only the new DNA techniques, molecular biology and reproductive technological applications, the definition covers a range of different technologies such as gene manipulation and gene transfer, DNA typing and cloning of plants and animals.

Career opportunities

Graduates are prepared to work as Food and Agriculture biotechnologist in different governmental and private sectors. Examples are :

Food Industrial Sector.
Research Sector.
Biosafety Specialists.
Laboratory Analysts.
Plant Breeders.
Greenhouse Assistants.
Instrumentation/Calibration Technicians.
Quality Assurance Auditors, Quality Control Analysts, Quality Control Inspectors.
Environmental monitoring and remediation, materials recycling.

Graduates will be qualified to work independently allowing them to enter free food and agriculture market works.

They be well- prepared to continue with postgraduate studies.

Environmental Applied Biotechnology

Environmental biotechnology uses nature, in the form of plants, animals, bacteria, fungi and algae, to produce renewable energy, food and nutrients in a synergistic integrated cycle of profit making processes where the waste of each process becomes the feedstock for another process. Environmental biotechnology employs scientific and engineering knowledge related to the use of microorganisms and their products in the prevention of environmental pollution through biotreatment of solid, liquid, and gaseous wastes, bioremediation of polluted environments, and biomonitoring of environment and treatment processes. This specialization focuses on equipping the students to understand the key principles and strategies of Environmental Applied Biotechnology to build and maintain a sustainable environment for life on earth.

Graduates are prepared to work as environmental biotechnologist in different governmental and private sectors.
Examples are Environmental Sector:

Environmental management.
Environmental monitoring and remediation.
Animal Technicians.
Food Monitoring Specialists.
Greenhouse Assistants.
Biosafety Specialists.
Laboratory Analysts.
Instrumentation/Calibration Technicians.
Quality Assurance Auditors, Quality Control Analysts, Quality Control Inspectors.
esearch Associates, Statistical Biotechnologists.
Materials recycling.

Graduates will be qualified to work independently allowing them to enter free market works.

They be well- prepared to continue with postgraduate studies.

Communication Program

Program overview

Communication Studies Programme was established in 2005/2006 along with the inauguration of the Colleges of Applied Sciences and it is offered in three colleges: Nizwa CAS, Sur CAS and Salalah CAS. The five majors of the programme are :

Digital Media.
Journalism.
Public Relations.
Media Management, and
Greenhouse Assistants.
Advertising..

Vision

Our vision is to become a leading communication studies programme delivered in English in the region by educating and preparing skilled professionals for the industry; focusing on applied research and capable of providing practical and innovative solutions for both local and regional needs.

Mission

Our mission is to provide high quality graduates who can meet national and regional employment needs and prepare students for postgraduate studies and lifelong learning through provision of knowledge and skills. The programme aspires to offer premier specialities in media education that will create and sustain a competent workforce in the dynamic and multicultural work environment of media and communication in the Sultanate of Oman.

Entry Requirements

Only 2013/2014 General Diploma Certificate is accepted.
Student should be physically and mentally fit for the offered programs.
Student should have a minimum of General Education Diploma, Islamic Institutes Diploma with not less than Grade - C in English Language and with not less than Grade - D in Arabic Language.
The sum of the marks obtained in English and Arabic Language will be weighted for 60% and marks obtained in total subjects will be weighted for 40% in calculating the final Grade of the aspiring students respectively.
In situation where more than one students manage to attain same marks, the highest grade in English and Arabic Language will be considered as tie breaker respectively.
In case the student is found qualified to enrol, s/he will have to choose one of the aforesaid specialization to pursue their graduation.

Program Structure

Communication Studies:

College Requirement - 36
Department Requirement - 50
Major Requirement - 42
Food Monitoring Specialists.
Total Course Hours - 128

Graduate Attributes

The program aims to provide graduates with a level of tertiary education that is commensurate with International Standards. The graduates of the program are expected to:

Have the fundamental knowledge and experience in communication that will enable them to be practicing professionals in the industry.
Develop mastery in a major field of study that will enable them to contribute to the economic and cultural development of Oman.
Develop and maintain technological competence to internationally recognized standards.
Be equipped with superior communication skills, professional competence and leadership skills within an environment that nurtures ethical behavior.
Be able to pursue self-learning and personal development experiences through the rigorous study program, and participation in problem solving scenarios.
Be able to respond creatively to client requirements and demonstrate innovative ways to meet their needs.
Demonstrate ability to analyses communication problems and synthesize creative solutions.
Respond creatively to the social, cultural and economic needs of the community.
Practice in accordance with professional and ethical responsibility.
Demonstrate the ability to communicate effectively.
Critically evaluate their performance and the work of other scholars, practitioners and communication professionals.

These skills and attributes are mapped in the courses to achieve the skills and attributes contributed by each course in the program.

Digital Media

Digital Media courses explore the practical and theoretical competencies in production of audio visual media and digital storytelling. Students achieve skills for planning and executing TV and video productions. They learn to work with customers in promotional video projects and are familiarized with aesthetics of audio visual storytelling in short film projects. Students also learn basics of animation, interactive media and web media.

Career Opportunities in Digital Media

Digital Media graduates can be employed in broadcasting, video production companies and advertising agencies. They can work as audio visual specialists in the companies and organizations that use media in their external and internal communications. They can also work as content developers in interactive and web media.

Journalism

The Journalism major looks at the principles and theory of journalism practice, emphasizing basic journalism skills and formats such as structuring and developing content, researching and writing news stories for appropriate target audiences. They are exposed to all the relevant platforms of news media: print media, broadcasting and new media and they achieve basic design and technical skills for publishing stories in convergent media.

Career Opportunities in Journalism

Journalism graduates can find employment in newspapers, periodicals and magazines. They can also work in central information services, press information bureaus, websites and TV channels. One can also take up their career as part time employment along with any other field of work. Career options in journalism: journalists can work as editors, reporters, columnists, correspondents, staff or freelance writers, photo journalists, proof readers, news analysts in newspapers, electronic media and web pages.

Public Relations

The Public Relations major examines the theories and principles of PR with specific emphasis on common issues of business communication. It introduces key concepts of audience analysis, strategic planning and decision-making within the context of events management, marketing, advertising and the media. The students will also explore organizational communication and communication strategies from a business-oriented viewpoint. Human resource communication is also a part of this major which deals with issues of employment and industrial relations, employer and employee rights, etc.

Career Opportunities in Public Relations

Public Relations graduates can work as PR officers in corporate sector, public sector, government agencies, tourist agencies, hotels, banks and other financial institutions, private consultancy firms etc.

Media Management

There is a growing need for professionals who can apply management principles in media context. The media management major combines theories of media culture, content production for different delivery channels, communication skills, project management skills, organizational knowledge and staff management principles. Creative thinking and entrepreneurial skills are emphasized. The program provides a path to management career. The graduates can work as assistant officers or coordinators in the management departments of companies, organizations or individual projects. After work experience they can get managerial jobs.

Career Opportunities in Media Management

Media Management graduates have an opportunity to work in communication industries: television, movies, music, advertising, news, electronic services and social media. While they explore the principles of responsible and effective management, they will be competent enough to be in the middle management of large media organizations or even manage a small newly established media organization. Other job potentials include positions in events management, corporate communication and human resources management.

Advertising

The advertising major brings together the academic and professional perspectives of advertising. It explores how advertising works in a society, especially in a developing economy, and examines the relationship between consumer behaviour and advertising. The socio-cultural aspects of advertising in the Arab world and especially in Oman are discussed. The students will understand the importance of marketing research in advertising. They will learn to develop advertising strategies and campaigns as well as how to work with customers. They know the production process of advertising from idea generation and copywriting to artistic and technical realization of advertisements and commercials in print and electronic media.

Career Opportunities in Advertising

Advertising graduates can find work in advertising and promotional agencies or marketing departments of public and private corporations. They can also work in media companies specialized on commercial productions.