SAINT PETERSBURG STATE UNIVERSITY OF ARCHITECTURE AND CIVIL ENGINEERING
LEAD-IN
Exercise 1. Answer the questions.
1. Why have you chosen this University to study at? What do you know about the history of SPb SUACE?
2. What is the University famous for?
3. Was it difficult for you to enter the University? Why?
Exercise 2. Match the words with their definitions:
| 1. Postgraduate 2. Hostel 3. Grant 4. Scholarship 5. Applicant 6. Seminar 7. Lecture 8. To graduate from 9. Research 10. To flourish | a) To do well or prosper. b) Serious study of a subject that is intended to discover new facts or ideas. c) Someone who has formally asked, usually in writing, for a job, university place etc. d) A class in which a small group of students meet to study or talk about a particular subject. e) An amount of money given to researchers, especially by the government for a particular purpose. f) To complete your education at school or university. g) An amount of money paid regularly to students as wages or money to live on. h) Somewhere where people, especially people living away from home, can stay. i) Someone who is studying at a university to get a master’s degree or a PhD. j) A typical feature. k) A long talk given to a group of people on a particular subject, especially as a method of teaching in universities. l) The control and operation a business or organisation. |
Exercise 3. Give definitions to the following words. Use them in the sentences of your own.
Student, university canteen, participant, facilities, academic staff, exam, Rector/ Principal, alumni, office staff, internship.
COMPREHENSIVE READING
The University of Architecture and Civil Engineering is the oldest Russian higher educational and technical institution for training specialists in architecture and town-planning. Its history is closely connected to the history of architecture and urban development of our country and St. Petersburg. The university was established on April 27 (May 9) in 1832 by royal decree of Emperor Nicholas I as the School of Civil Engineers. In December 10, 1882 by order of Emperor Alexander III it was renamed the Institute of Civil Engineers and in December 17, 1892 the Institute was named after Emperor Nicholas I.
In the XIX-XX centuries, the Institute of Civil Engineers turned into largest Russian Architectural and Construction University. The University is unique in Russia and during its long history it has trained more than 60 thousand specialists in civil and structural engineering, architecture, building services engineering, construction engineering and management, urban design and regional planning. The alumni have made a significant contribution to solving urban problems in cities and their work and talent over the years created many public and residential buildings and facilities throughout the country. The graduates work for big construction companies in Russia and abroad.
Saint-Petersburg State University of Architecture and Civil Engineering today is an educational and research center, the only one of its kind in the North-West of the Russian Federation, the institution which is carrying out comprehensive training in the field of construction, architecture, transportation and engineering and environmental systems. Also it has professional and pedagogical traditions and the academic and general office staff is constantly updating training technologies and methods of research. The mission of the University is to carry out research and educational activities for the preparation of highly skilled, competent, responsible engineers, architects and builders. The University tries to keep the best traditions of the old school of Civil Engineers. It is committed to improving its status and strengthening the image as the leading University, whose high scientific and educational potential is recognized by educational, scientific and urban community.
The University has established an international network with universities and professional bodies worldwide for both academic and research collaborations. Excellent opportunities for short-term overseas exchange and internships are available to our students. Our graduates are professionally trained and therefore uniquely placed to serve the Architecture, Engineering and Construction industry. As the Architecture, Engineering and Construction Industry in Russia is flourishing there are notable opportunities for innovations and career development.
Our graduates are well equipped with necessary skills and knowledge to contribute towards a better development of the built environment. The University offers professional education at both undergraduate and postgraduate degree levels. There are postgraduate master programmes in Civil and Architectural Engineering, Construction Management and Urban Design and Regional Planning which are academically rigorous and professionally focused.
The activities of the faculties cover full range of fields in Architecture and Civil Engineering. The structure of the University comprises the faculties: Faculty of Architecture, General Construction Faculty, Faculty of Civil Engineering, Faculty of Automobile and Road Building, Faculty of Economics and Management, Faculty of Environmental Engineering and Municipal Services, Faculty of Forensic Expertise and Law in Engineering and Transport.
The teaching and research activities of the departments are supported by excellent laboratories. There are well-equipped computer laboratories, which have computers with the latest construction-related software installed, for carrying out both teaching and continuing professional development training activities.
The Heavy Structures Testing Laboratory is equipped for civil and structural testing capability with emphasis on understanding the process of building construction and surveying. Besides traditional concrete mixing, compression testing, destructive and non-destructive testing and temperature and humidity control concrete curing setup, this laboratory is also equipped with material and large scale structural testing facilities.
The Heating, Ventilating, and Air-Conditioning Laboratory (HVAC) aims to provide student with fundamental concepts and experimental knowledge of air conditioning emphasizing on the application and design of centralized air conditioning system commonly employed in the construction industries.
The Soil Mechanics and Geology Laboratory provides facilities and technical support for soil testing related to teaching, research and special consulting projects.
In addition, the university structure includes 48 departments and several research centers. The Library is one of the oldest and the largest repositories for with a capacity of 800 thousand units. There is the Museum of History of the University and the Museum of History of Brick.
The University employs more than 600 lecturers and tutors and trains about 9000 students and undergraduates. It maintains a long tradition of student participation in sport and recreation. Students spend their vacations in a recreation center in Berezovo near Lake Ladoga. The Students Union serves as a focus for debating. Student newspapers include the long-established “Za stroitelnye kadry” and “Master’Ok”.
COMPREHENSIVE CHECK