The School has been very pleased with the success of its joint venture with SAS. One hundred and twelve students completed the first year of the new second-year course onData Management for Statistical Analysis. SAS sponsored the course and provided software and training to course convener Sue Middleton. Students of the course were able to sit a SAS certification exam and take part in a summer work placement program arranged by SAS. Both proved very popular with students keen to enhance their workplace skills.

Professor William Dunsmuir, Head of the Statistics Dept, commented: "We're now seeing jobs for data managers that simply wouldn't have been around even five years ago. People with SAS skills are now being sought by organisations dealing with genetic research, homeland security and a large number of other emerging areas." Through this venture the School is responding to industry and student demand for training in the manipulation and analysis of data.

The School is grateful to SAS not only for its sponsorship of this new industry-related venture but for the tireless efforts of Academic Program Manager Melissa Cassar to enhance the students' experience through the certification and work placement programs.

See Computerworld's article (down the page)