November 8, 2023
Kwame Nkrumah University of Science & Technology (KNUST) in Kumasi, has long been a powerhouse of education and innovation in the fields of science and engineering. The university’s commitment to a culture of academic excellence and research has attracted students from around the world. Established in 1952, KNUST has continuously upheld its reputation as a hub of knowledge and innovation in Africa.
GSTEP finalists in Obuasi, Kumasi and surrounding areas had the opportunity to visit the College of Science and College of Engineering of the university. The institution offers world-class education, cutting-edge research, and state-of-the-art facilities, with its College of Science and College of Engineering at the forefront of this academic excellence. The visit was focused on providing an experiential learning experience for the students while introducing them to STEM subjects and career opportunities.
The finalists toured some laboratories within the Physics, Chemistry and Biology departments of the College of Science. The students were put in groups and guided by a faculty member to understand some practical concepts and applications within each discipline. They were introduced to some equipment and materials that are used within the laboratories and how they can be used to solve real world problems. The students also had an interactive session with the faculty members where they discussed some STEM subjects and programmes in the university.
At the College of Engineering, the students were taken to the Petroleum and Mechanical Engineering departments. They visited the Core and Rock properties lab and the Drilling Fluid & Cementing lab of the Petroleum Engineering department where they were introduced to how crude oil is found and produced. They were also introduced to how STEM subjects they are learning at school are used in Petroleum engineering.
The teams also visited the Mechanics of Machines, Strength of Materials, Thermodynamics and Combustion laboratories of the Mechanical Engineering department. They were introduced to various machines and equipment that are used for industrial purposes and for everyday life. They also saw how mechanical engineering can be used to solve real world problems. They students were introduced to the mechanical engineering programme run by the university and were encouraged to take their studies seriously so they can pursue the programme.
The visit provided the students with an experience that stimulates interests in STEM subjects by providing them with hands-on applications of the subjects they learn at school. The visit also showcased the opportunities available to them beyond their communities and provided them with STEM subjects and careers they can explore and develop interest in.