College of Commerce offers new accountancy programs

Beginning school year 2007–2008 the University of San Carlos, College of Commerce will be offering four new programs in Accountancy. These are Bachelor of Science in Accounting Technology (BSAT), Master of Accountancy–major in Internal Audit (MA–IA), Master of Accountancy–major in Taxation (MA–T), and Master of Management Accounting (MMA).

Bachelor of Science in Accounting Technology (BSAT) is a three and a half year program with a total of 212 units. Graduates of this program will follow a global accountancy curriculum which is heavily computer-based and will be employed in the fast growing BPO industry. At the end of the program they also will be ready to take the international examination for Certified Accounting Technologist (CAT).

Master of Accountancy majors in Internal Audit and Taxation (MA–IA and MA–T) and Master of Management Accounting (MMA) are non-thesis programs with a total of 45 units each. These programs are targeted to accounting professionals who do not want to take up a thesis but want to develop their accounting skills and knowledge. Admission to these non-thesis programs requires an undergraduate degree in Accounting (BSA), Management Accounting (BSMA) or Commerce (BSC).

For more information, please contact the College of Commerce through 253–3166 or 253–1000 local 160.

DSP kits from Analog Devices

EE/ECE dept receives DSP kits from Analog Devices worth P800T, signs MOA with NCR–Cebu Development Center

The University of San Carlos through the Electrical and Electronics and Communications Engineering Department received some Digital Signal Processing (DSP) kits worth around P800,000 from Analog Devices Incorporated (ADI), a US–based electronics firm with a plant in Cavite.

The formal turnover ceremony was held during the opening ceremony of the Cebu ECE Students Congress 2007 at the USC Talamban Campus covered court on Friday, March 16, 2007. USC President, Fr. Roderick C. Salazar Jr., SVD, was at hand to receive the DSP kits from Analog Devices Engineering Manager Engr. Alberto Geronimo, Jr. A one–day DSP training of EE/ECE faculty members facilitated by ADI engineers immediately followed the event.

ADI's Engr. Geronimo turns over DSP kits to Fr. Salazar (left) while NCR's Esparaguera signs the MOA with USC.

Also on the same occasion, Fr. Salazar inked a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with NCR–Cebu Development Center, Inc., represented by Managing Director Engr. Miguel A. Esparaguera that will pave the way for faculty and students to undertake corporate internship at the facilities of NCR located at Asiatown, IT Park, Lahug, Cebu City. Under the said MOA, student internship will commence this April 2007 with the details of the faculty internship now under final consideration by both parties.

The tie-ups with Analog Devices, Inc. and NCR both articulated the EE/ECE department’s strong industry linkage program designed to make the department’s curricula responsive and relevant to the needs of the industry.

Author: A. S. Bañacia
18 / April / 2007

Message from Nicanor Buenconsejo Jr, Dean of the College of Engineering

The college of engineering shares the vision of the university, of a society where citizens are competent, have nobility of character and nurture a sense of community. In line with this, our college aims to develop technically competent engineers who are socially responsible and who are life-long learners, who continuously learn in order to remain effective in serving the needs of their profession and the society. To achieve this we launch a mission to provide timely, relevant and transformative academic programs that are responsive to the needs of the local, national and global communities. We wish to engage all our students, faculty, and staff in research and community extension services that have impact on the socio-economic development of the region.

The recently completed WATER-PLUS project, which was jointly financed by the Dutch government through the Netherlands Organization for International Cooperation in Higher Education (NUFFIC), has strengthened our research capability in water and environment and has enabled us to offer an M.S. Civil Engineering that focuses on water and environment. We can now effectively address the research and manpower demands for water, sanitation, and environmental engineering in the Visayas and Mindanao region.

Now, our civil engineering is in the process of becoming a member of the Philippine National Capacity Network (PhilCapNet), which is an organization that promotes the Integrated Water Resource Management intended to address the threat of water scarcity in the country. The PhilCapNet is a member of the InternationalCapNet, a project initiated by UNDP in partnership with Buitenlandse Zaken, UNESCO-IHE, Global Water Partnership, and UNOPS.

Our continued partnership with Dellt University of Technology has enabled us to offer an M.S. in Chemical Engineering which focuses on biochemical engineering. Research projects in biodegradable plastic and bio-diesel are two recent collaborative projects with TUDelf which are expected to have impact on the socio-economic development of our country.

Our EE/ECE and Computer engineering departments have aligned their curricular programs and research undertakings with the government’s thrust in microelectronics and semiconductors. The new PCB laboratory in the computer engineering department, which can handle 8-layer boards, is a great support to our research activities in the area of microelectronics and semiconductors. The government’s Board of Investment (BOI) and Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) have lauded this development, as the laboratory can also serve the needs of the local microelectronics and semiconductor industry.

This coming academic year, our graduate students can attend advanced engineering courses in foreign universities, through lectures delivered to us in real time via satellite. This is made possible through our new facilities in the computer engineering department. The college is a member of the School on the Internet-Asia (SOI-Asia), a consortium of 15 universities situated in 11 countries across Asia.

The new Ergonomics Laboratory in industrial engineering will effectively support the instructions and research activities in this area. This laboratory will have strong impact on our home grown industries such as furniture manufacturing, electronics assembly, garment and fashion accessory factories. The laboratory fills the need of lack of anthropometric data and standards for Filipino workers. The laboratory will also support these industries through research on the design of workplace for operators’ comfort and efficiency.

The college is ever expanding and forming new international collaborations. Last year we signed a memorandum of understanding with the National Taiwan University of Science and Technology. This involves faculty exchange and research collaboration in all disciplines. This year, we are busy in the initial stage of another significant collaboration that unites our faculty and those of the participating universities in France to work on collaborative development projects on curriculum, research capacity building, and extension services in the fields of computer, electrical, electronics and communications engineering.

Our most recent initiative will involve the mechanical, electrical, and chemical engineering departments. Over the past few weeks, Initial meetings aimed towards putting up a collaborative research project with the Alternative Non-conventional Energy Center (ANEC) in line with energy and clean air problem were made. Hopefully, the collaboration will lead to the establishment of a technical center in the college for energy and clean air assessment. During the past two years we have made bold efforts to enhance the research culture of the college. This was done by organizing and hosting three international conferences: the International Engineering Research Conference (IERC) of 2005 and 2006, and the Cebu Workshop on Plasma and EHD for Environmental Protection held last December as part of the 4th Asia Pacific Symposium on Plasma and EHD Applications.

Finally, as we continue to strive for excellence across the college, we are also grateful to our friends, our collaborators, here and abroad, and to our alumni who support these goals.

Sincerely,
Nicanor Buenconsejo Jr
Dean

Electronics and Communications Engineering and Electrical Engineering Programs

University of San Carlos (USC) Electronics and Communications Engineering and Electrical Engineering Programs Offered

Bachelor of Science in Electronics and Communications Engineering (BSECE)

Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering (BSEE)

Master of Engineering in Electronics and Communications Engineering (MEECE)

* Major in Digital Signal Processing (DSP) and Control Systems
* Major in Microelectronics
* Major in Computer and Communications with emphasis on Mobile Communications

Master of Engineering in Electrical Engineering (MEEE)

* Major in Energy Management and Control Systems

The University of San Carlos (USC) is the first institution in the Visayas and Mindanao areas offering the courses MEECE and MEEE.

USC Department of Civil Engineering

University of San Carlos (USC) Department of Civil Engineering Programs of Study

Undergraduate Programs
Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering

Graduate Programs

Master of Engineering with Specialization in Structural/Geotechnical Engineering
Master of Engineering with Specialization in Water Resources and Environment
Master of Science in Civil Engineering major in Water Resources and Environment


Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering

A five-year program integrating the various fields of civil engineering (structural, geotechnical and foundation, water resources, environmental, transportation, construction management, and coastal and harbor engineering) in the curriculum. The program provides the students the basic theory and skills involved in general civil engineering practice and serves as preparation for graduate studies in various fields of specialization in civil engineering.

Master of Engineering with Specialization in Structural/Geotechnical Engineering

This program is intended for civil engineers who have had some professional experience in the academe and in the industry and fresh graduates in the bachelors degree in civil engineering who seek to broaden their knowledge in the area of structural engineering and its allied field which is geotechnical engineering and develop greater depth of understanding of principles in this areas of specialization.

Master of Engineering with Specialization in Water Resources and Environment

This program is intended for civil engineers who have had some professional experience in the academe and in the industry and fresh graduates in the bachelors degree in civil engineering who seek to upgrade themselves in the area of water resources and environment and be able to contribute to the solutions to regional and national problems related to this field of specialization and to acquire a deeper understanding of engineering principles in this area of specialization.

Master of Science in Civil Engineering Major in Water Resources and Environment

The MSCEW program takes two years to complete and include introductory courses in mathematics, major courses in water resources and environment and thesis research. Based on the concept of integrated water resources management, the courses and thesis research cover engineering, economic, legal as well as social aspects of water resources and environment. Management tools and the application of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) are included in the curriculum.

Message: Fr. Roderick C. Salazar

"One day, I’ll fly away, leave all this to yesterday," sang Nicole Kidman in the movie Moulin Rouge.

Graduation is one such day, dear Carolinian, when you can sing or say the same. As you do, may you hear our accompanying congratulations, blessing and goodbye, our hope and our prayers that by now you have learned, understood, and are ready to live our USC motto: Scientia, Virtus, Devotio.

With your Learning, Virtue, Devotion you should Witness the Word: the word that is God, the word that is yours.

If today, you must indeed fly away, may you also, one other day, to us and USC fly--home.

Fr. Roderick C. Salazar, Jr., SVD
President, University of San Carlos

Karen Gaviola grabs 7th place in Bar exams

Carolinian grabs 7th place in Bar exams

The University of San Carlos once again affirmed its position as one of the top law schools in the country with Karen Gaviola, valedictorian of the 2006 law class and a summa cum laude B.S. Accountancy graduate, landing in seventh place.

Gaviola, who did not expect to be among the top ten placers in the exams, rated 85.68 percent, a very tiny fraction lower than other placers ahead of her. She leads 51 of 60 successful Carolinian barristers who made it to the country's most grueling series of examinations held each year for aspiring lawyers. Another Carolinian alumnus, cum laude accountancy graduate Al-Shawaid L. Ismael, who studied law at another Cebu university, placed eighth in the same exams.

USC's overall performance this year was 85 percent, a very comfortable margin that affirms its reputation as one of the best law schools outside of Manila. Last year, USC ranked second among all of the country's law schools in its performance in the Bar exams.

1st Cebu ECE Students’ Congress

USC hosts 1st Cebu ECE Students’ Congress

The University of San Carlos Department of Electrical/Electronics and Communications Engineering, together with SMART Telecommunications, successfully launched the first ever Cebu ECE Students’ Congress 2007 last March 16–17, 2007.

With the theme “Sharing Technologies: The Trademark of an ECE Caring Community”, the two-day event gathered senior ECE students from all over the country and showcased their academic excellence through a series of activities.

The event was formally opened on March 16, 2007 with a Holy Mass officiated by USC–TC Chaplain Fr. Ruel Gado, SVD. It was then followed by an opening program which included the turning over of Digital Signal Processing (DSP) kits from Analog Devices, signing of a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) between USC and NCR, and ribbon-cutting that formally opened the company and undergraduate project exhibits. The said program was graced by the presence of University President Fr. Roderick C. Salazar, Jr., SVD.

On the afternoon of the same day, the Undergraduate Thesis Presentation was held. Seven undergraduate projects from USC were presented before a distinguished panel of judges consisting of Maxim’s Engineering Manager Bruce Allen as chair, with Analog Devices’ Engineering Manager Alberto Geronimo Jr., and USC ECE alumnus now Analog Devices’ Senior Engineer Dindo Borlasa.

From the seven, the project “A Prototype Landslide Early Warning Device Using Soil Moisture and Soil Displacement Detection with SMS Capability” of Philip Lawrence Aberion, Ryan Alocilja, Fritz Cornel Bartolome, Dick Rosal and Harry Roilf Rovillos got the nod of the judges as Best Undergraduate Thesis, receiving the cash prize of P3,000.00 and a token. The group’s adviser was Engr. Alberto S. Bañacia. On the other hand, Quitilin Mae Balintag, the presentor of the project “Image-Based Pick and Place Program for the TeachMover Robotic Manipulator”, was chosen as Best Presenter and won for herself a P1,000.00 cash and a token.

The ECE Innotech Challenge 2007, an innovative quiz show that puts equal premium to theories and practical know-how, was held on March 17, 2007. Practical exercises and designs were also included and were given as much weight as the theoretical questions. Ten teams from different universities all over the country, including De La Salle University (DLSU) and Notre Dame of Dadiangas University (NDDU), participated in the said event.

After a grueling six hours of tough competition, three teams emerged victorious. The Cebu Institute of Technology Team II was declared the Champion, receiving P10,000.00 in cash and a plaque. Second place went to DLSU, who received P7,000.00 in cash and a plaque while University of San Jose-Recoletos placed 3rd and received P5,000.00 in cash and a plaque. Consolation prizes of P500.00 plus tokens were given to the CIT Team I and University of Cebu Lapulapu–Mandaue who placed 4th and 5th places respectively.

The Mobot Race, sponsored by ZiLOG Philippines Inc., was the last and final event of the Congress. Out of several entries from Visayas and Mindanao, two entries from NDDU won the 1st and 2nd places while an entry from USC bagged the 3rd place.

The two-day event was made possible by generous support from companies such as NCR, People Support, and Lexmark as major sponsors, and Maxim and Analog Devices as minor sponsors. Also, the event was co-organized by ECE–based student organizations including the Electronics & Communications Engineering Council, the ECE students exclusive fraternity and sorority STOICS, Institute of Electronics and Communications Engineers of the Phils.–Student Chapter (IECEP–USC), Students Electronics Society (SES), USC–Amateur Radio Club (ARC), and Society of Circuit Researchers (SCR).

Author: H. I. Pedrigal
04 / April / 2007

ECE grad cops 2nd place in Smart Communications quiz

ECE grad cops 2nd place in Smart Communications quiz

Nena Mercedes D. Velasco

Nena Mercedes D. Velasco, an ECE student who graduated with honors recently, did the University of San Carlos proud by placing 2nd among thirty seven (37) ECE contestants coming from the same number of schools during the Smart PalaECEpan Quiz which served as one of the highlights of the 3rd Smart SWEEP Innovation and Excellence Awards held last March 9 and 10, 2007 at the SM Mall of Asia Music Hall.

An annual event under the Smart Wireless Engineering Education Program (SWEEP), the SWEEP Innovation and Excellence Awards is a nationwide search for the most innovative wireless applications designed by student–faculty teams. The event provides the opportunity for budding engineers to showcase their technical know-how and ingenuity. This continuing initiative is a step towards fostering a culture of excellence and innovation among technological leaders of the future.

With the theme "Safe and Sound Connectivity is Our Strength", the 3rd PalaECEpan contest pitted the finest engineering students of participating schools in a quiz bee game format. After a grueling elimination round, students from University of St. La Salle (USLS) of Bacolod City, University of Cebu–Banilad (UC–Banilad) of Cebu City, St. Mary’s University of Nueva Vizcaya, Adamson University of Manila and Ms. Velasco emerged as the top five finalists. While the USLS student emerged as the winner, Ms. Velasco won a brand new cell phone and other gift packages from Smart Communications Inc. for her efforts. She was also granted an automatic final interview for possible hiring in the said telecommunications’ firm.

Author: Engr. Albert S. Bañacia
02 / April / 2007