Curtin Sarawak foundation students showcase projects in Physics Project Exhibition

Miri – 8 December 2016 – 250 Foundation in Engineering and Science students of the Faculty of Engineering and Science at Curtin University, Sarawak Malaysia (Curtin Sarawak) demonstrated the effective application of physics concepts in a Physics Project Exhibition held at the university’s campus recently.

The students showcased a total of 20 projects along the theme of ‘Improving Lives’. Working in groups of 10 to 15 students, they designed and built prototypes within 13 weeks.

The physics concepts they had to apply in their projects were kinematics and dynamics; work and energy; momentum and impulse; rotational motion; equilibrium and elasticity; heat; fluids; electrostatics; DC and RC circuit or photoelectric effect; magnetism and electromagnetism; optics; and nature of light.

The exhibition was facilitated by lecturers and associate lecturers Hii Kiew Ling, Pang Po Ken, Lai Zhenyue and Natallee Faith Kwan.

According to Hii, the project exhibition is one of the assessment components of the students’ Physics 062 unit. The students were assessed not only on their understanding and application of the physics concepts, but also on the creativeness, originality, attractiveness and functionality of their projects.

At the launch of the exhibition, Acting Deputy Dean of the Faculty of Engineering and Science Dr Lenin Gopal said the exhibition provides the foundation students the learning exposure and the opportunity to develop key skills essential for their progression to undergraduate studies.

The academic staff involved expressed pride and satisfaction in the students’ creativity and presentation skills, as well as their teamwork in completing their projects.

Awards were given to the groups demonstrating the best creativity and relevance to the exhibition’s theme. Team ‘Lawn Rangers’ won first prize for their remote lawn mower model, followed by ‘The Boltzman Brains’ for their bicycle phone charger and ‘Cool Kids’, who showcased a portable drinks cooler, in second and third place respectively.

Student Hu Ho Yee commented that the exhibition was an invaluable experience that provided a great opportunity for the students to apply theories learned in the classroom to design and build the working models.

Curtin Sarawak offers one-year foundation studies courses in Engineering and Science, Commerce and Arts (Media) at its Faculty of Engineering and Science, Faculty of Business and Faculty of Humanities that that feed directly into related undergraduate programmes.

Classes for its 2017 Semester 1 intake will commence on 27 February (undergraduate courses) and 27 March (foundation courses). For enrolment details, email enquiries@curtin.edu.my or contact 085-44 3939.

Group photo of the students and academic staff.

Team ‘Lawn Rangers’ with their winning project.

First runner-up team ‘The Boltzman Brains’.

Third place winner, team ‘Cool Kids’.