Our university.

Our country has a large net of higher educational establishments. Higher education in Russia is provided by academies, universities, polytechnical and specialized institutes where future specialists for an enormous number of fields, both in sciences and humanities are trained.

17

In our region there are more than 10 higher educational establishments. The Branch of the Perm Polytechnical University in our town is of particular concern.

In 1958 the first institution of higher education-an educational-consulting point was opened in Berezniki where only 3 teachers began to work with 150 extra-mural students. It was the only opportunity to help young people in getting of a higher education in their native town.

In 1963 the educational-consulting centre was reorganized into the general-technical faculty and then it was transfered into the Branch of the Perm Polytechnical Institute. So, all inhabitants of Berezniki had got a real possibility to have a higher educational institution in their native town. The faculty had got its own building where the first research laboratories were equipped. Now the students may carry out researches there and make experiments.

In 1981 the first chairs were organized at the faculty. Now our University has four chairs: the chair of technology and mechanical production, the chair of technology of chemical processes, the chair of general-scientific disciplines and the chair of economics. Our University trains students of different specialities.

The lectures and practical courses are delivered by highly-qualified teachers. Tuition rests on a broad scientific basis, lectures on theory being combined with practical classes. The early years are devoted to general subjects. In the first and second years there’s a common curriculum for all related faculties and specialities. Specialization usually begins in the third or fourth year.

There are two departments: day-time and evening department at our University. Part-time students have a possibility to combine their work and study at the same time. The complete course of studies lasts 5 years at the day department and 6 years at the part-time department. Our University has not extra-mural department.

Our University has a good library with a reading-hall in it. You can get books in many fields of science and engineering there.

Exercises

1. Pay special attention to the pronunciation of the following words:

polytechnical [,pɔli’teknikəl] – политехнический

technology [tek’nɔləʤi] – технология

mechanical [mi’kænikəl]

Branch [bra:nʧ] – филиал

specialist [‘speʃəlist] – специалист; speciality [,speʃi’æliti] – специаль-ность; specialization [,speʃəlai’zeiʃən] – специализация; specialized [‘speʃəlaizd] – специализированный

enormous [i’nɔ:məs] – огромный

faculty [‘fækəlti] – факультет

research [ri’sə:ʧ] – исследование

18

laboratory [lə’borətəri] – лаборатория

to equip [i’kwip] – оборудовать

process [‘prəuses]

science [‘saiəns], scientific [,saiən’tifik]

chair [ʧɛə] – кафедра

discipline [‘disiplin]

curriculum [kə’rikjuləm] – учебная программа

qualified [‘kwɔlifaid] – квалифицированный

tuition [tju(:)’iʃən] – обучение

b) Find the equivalents to the English expressions in the right-hand column.

a net of higher educational establishments to provide by to train an enormous number of fields an educational - consulting point (centre) extra-mural students the only opportunity a real possibility to carry out (make) researches (experiments) to deliver lectures to rest on different specialities to devote to a common curriculum the complete course of studies the Branch of the University

a) реальная возможность b) разные специальности c) образовательно-консультационный центр d) читать лекции e) полный курс обучения f) посвящать g) опираться на h) обеспечивать i) сеть высших учебных заведений j) огромное число областей k) общая учебная программа l) филиал университета m) студенты - заочники n) обучать возможность проводить исследования (ставить эксперименты)

3. Find in the text sentences with Passive Voice.

4. Make up general and tail questions to the sentences:

1. Our country has a large net of higher educational establishments.

2. Our University has not extra-mural department.

3. The Branch of the Perm Polytechnical University in our town is of particular concern.

4. In our region there are more than 10 higher educational establishments.

5. The lectures and practical courses are delivered by highly qualified teachers.

6. Specialization usually begins in the third or fourth year.

19

7. You can get books in many fields of science and engineering there.

5. Retell the text using the plan:

1. A large net of higher educational establishments in Russia.

2. In our region there are … .

3. In 1958 … was opened in Berezniki.

4. 1963 (the general – technical faculty, the Branch of the PPI).

5. The first chairs of the Branch (1981).

6. Tuition rests on … .

7. The departments of our University.

8. The complete course of studies lasts … .

f) A delegation of students and teachers from Cambridge are on a visit at your institute. You are asked to tell the guests about it. Present information on:

1. the name of your institute,

2. its location;

3. the departments at your institute (day-time, evening or correspondence);

4. how long the complete course lasts;

5. the number of students at the institute;

6. the subjects you study (humanities, technical subjects, sciences);

7. the equipment the institute is provided with;

8. the examinations you take and the grants you receive;

9. the students' hostels;

10. what you like and what you don't like about your institute.

5. Your friend who is 20 years old works as a car mechanic. He wants to continue his education in order to become an engineer. He doesn't know which department to choose, day-time or evening. Help him to solve his problem. Give your reasons.

1. Your friend has already made up a list of pros and cons. Look through it and think of some more.

Day-time institute	Evening institute
For	For
The course is a year shorter. You have more time for self-study and entertainment. You study more subjects and become a better specialist in your field.	Your practical experience makes it easier for you to study special subjects. You have prospects of promotion. You no longer depend financially on your parents.

20

2. Discuss the problem in groups of 3-5 students in order to make a decision.

3. Fill in the chart and give your reasons.

	Group 1	Group 2	Group3
Day-time institute
Evening institute