Science Learning Centre
The UCT Science Learning Centre is envisioned as a space where science learning is fostered through interactive engagement, where students from a diversity of backgrounds are able to experiment creatively and learn from each other about how to best understand our complex world. It will not only contribute to enhancing the learning experience of our students but will also stimulate innovative approaches to teaching and learning among academic staff. In this way we aim to span the breadth of interests and opportunities within our faculty, developing a sense of community and common identity among Science students. The UCT Science Learning Centre will be located on level three of the repurposed Chris Hani Building on Upper Campus, most centrally located to all Science Faculty departments. The associated Faculty of Science Administrative Office will be located one level above to provide students with a close spatial link to academic administrative resources. The overall project will include a new large 350-seater lecture theatre and general student amenities, with the top floors of the repurposed building comprising the Science Learning Centre and Faculty Administrative Offices. The costing has been estimated as follows:
- Science Learning Centre and Administration Facilities – R35 million
- Repurposing the Chris Hani Building – R90 million
Every donation towards this project makes a significant impact on the goal of building an innovative environment to grow our next generation of scientists.
School of IT
As we find ourselves at the brink of the Fourth Industrial Revolution, there is a growing need within the South African and Global Tech Industry for graduates who are able to straddle multi-disciplinary fields of computing and technology. In order to better respond to this need, the UCT launched the School of Information Technology at the start of 2018. The School combines previously separate departments of Computer Science, Information Systems, Electrical and Computer Engineering, with ancillary offerings in other departments such as Statistics and Film and Media. This unified teaching and learning structure has become a dominant model across the globe for a more inclusive and comprehensive response to the rapidly-changing tech industry. In order to strengthen our country’s competitive position in the context of the Fourth Industrial Revolution, UCT seeks to build capacity for the new School of IT such that the programmes of study and associated career opportunities may be more accessible to the many potential graduates who are needed for our country’s techno-social advancement. As the School of IT now draws students from a wider field of disciplines, effecting transformation through greater access for youth who grew up under circumstances that lacked exposure to technology, more equipment and human resources are needed for the School to fulfil its potential. While General Operating Budget funding from the university covers fundamental costs, donor funding is essential to extend the School’s current capacity and meet our funding shortfall of R1 million per year.
