September 25, 1996 For Immediate Release

The University of Northern British Columbia has received a $28,800 grant from the Science Council of British Columbia to link course content with local industries.

"This funding is being used to implement industrially oriented project courses and we are seeking partnerships with industries in northern BC," says Chemistry professor Margot Mandy, who prepared the proposal with Computer Science professors Charles Brown and Waqar Haque.

Local industries are invited to submit projects that involve computer science, especially the application of database technology. A small team of fourth-year students will work on the project as part of their requirements for completion of the course. Students will apply to work on the project.

"Projects such as these give students experience in applying the concepts they learn in the classroom," says Dr Mandy. "In addition to Computer Science, we are seeking projects for industrially oriented courses in Chemistry, Physics, and Mathematics. Our goal is to make this an ongoing project with local industry."

The grant will be used to support the acquisition of additional computer workstations, software, student incentives, and some teaching relief for the project leaders.

Local industry representatives who have ideas for database projects that will enhance the productivity of their organization, can contact Drs Mandy, Brown, or Haque at the University's Prince George campus.