University of Panama expanding and revamping programs

AT LEAST 25 new programs are being introduced in the University of Panama and curriculum transformation underway for 55 others with guarantees of  producing graduates fluent in English.

The moves are part of the University "striving for excellence" program and are based on studies of the labor market to ensure that "programs are not anachronistic," says Miguel Angel Candanedo, secretary general of the UP.

 Among the subjects affected are medicine, science, communication, tourism, engineering and technology.
A new Faculty Of Engineering is offering courses in 12 programs, such as civil engineering, industrial engineering, engineering audit and management processes,  risk prevention, safety and environment.
The programs last four to five years and guarantees that the student, after completing all courses, will be fluent in English and proficient  in information and communication technologies.
The school is also changing from semester courses to three-month courses. The engineering programs will cover three cycles of 16 weeks ayear, with a holiday period fixed from December 16 to January 15.