University to launch new programmes soon

Following the success of its innovative programmes, Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU) is planning to launch another set of programmes by next year, its president said yesterday.
“We are planning to launch another set of programmes, which include several programmes related to sports. We are also planning some programmes related to information systems and e-health,” said Dr Ahmad M Hasnah, president of HBKU.
“Our sports programmes aim to support the country as the capital of sports in the world. We would also like to complement what Aspire (Zone Foundation) is doing and build the whole ecosystem from a sports perspective. Our other programmes aim how to manage information about a patient as well as to deal with the hospital system,” explained Dr Hasnah.
HBKU has around 700 students, of whom 37% are Qataris.
“This year, we are graduating the very first batch of some of very important programmes. One of them is women’s role in society. This is very important as it is a key programme regarding the empowerment of women. Another programme is Master of Arts in digital humanity. As things are moving onto the digital platform, you need to understand its different perspectives and how digital humanity will impact behaviour, families as well as other aspects. We are also graduating the first batch in genomics and precision medicine. It is also a futuristic programme,” he explained.
Dr Edward Stuenkel, founding dean of HBKU’s College of Health and Life Sciences, said three PhD students are graduating from the college this year. He noted, “They are the first in Qatar to be awarded PhD in this subject. We have two programmes in the college: Genomics and Precision Medicine, and Master of Science in biological and biomedical sciences.”
“These programmes are very unique and equip the students with all the necessary skills. The precision medicine programme may be the only programme in the entire region and is a very important one. It will be evolving in a big way, especially with international partnerships.
“Both the programmes are exceptional and has a very strong potential.”