Activities

[8 June 2024] - Workshop Series: Computational Skills for Physical Science (CSPS) 2024

The Computational Skills for Physical Science (CSPS) Workshop Series is an initiative launched by Dr. John Soo Yue Han, Dr. Muhammad Rabie Omar, and Dr. Sya’rawi Muhammad Husni Mohd Sharoni, lecturers from the School of Physics. Recognizing a gap in computational skills among new physics undergraduates and postgraduates, they designed this annual workshop series to bridge it. The pilot program for 2024 comprised three workshops, starting with "Basic Machine Learning: Regression & Classification with Orange" on May 4th, conducted by Dr. John. This session introduced students to machine learning using the Orange data mining software, focusing on regression and classification problems through interactive lectures and hands-on projects.The second workshop, "MATLAB: Introduction to Physical Science Data Analysis," took place on May 25th, led by Dr. Sya’rawi. It provided fundamental MATLAB programming training, covering basic syntax and applications in solving physics problems. Dr. Sya’rawi also demonstrated how tools like ChatGPT can enhance the learning experience. The final workshop, "Python Express," held on June 8th, was conducted by Dr. Rabie. It offered an in-depth exploration of Python programming, applying it to real-life physics and mathematical problems. Overall, the workshop series was a success, attracting 35 undergraduate and postgraduate participants who provided positive feedback. They suggested future topics such as C++ programming, LaTeX typesetting, and advanced AI tools.

[20 January 2024] - Undergraduate Introduction to Oceanography Field Trip 2023/2024

Like every year, ZGT 372 Introduction to oceanography conducted a field trip to Kerachut Beach, Penang National Park. This year, a cohort of 25 third-year undergraduate Geophysics students went on a field excursion to Keracut Beach in Penang. Situated within the Penang National Park, the area is renowned for its unique meromictic lake, which remains stratified into distinct vertical layers that do not regularly mix. Unlike typical lakes, meromictic lakes exhibit enduring stratification due to variations in density, temperature, salinity, or other environmental factors. This field trip served as a component of the ZGT372 Introduction to Oceanography course, where students were tasked with observing the processes governing meromictic lakes, analyzing sediment distribution within the lake, and analyzing sediment profiles and dynamics at Keracut Beach. 

The images provided are courtesy of my students.

[16 - 17 October 2023] - International Conference on Geophysics 2023

I recently had the privilege of being part of the organizing committee for the first International Conference on Geophysics 2023 (ICOG 2023) held by the School of Physics, Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM). Serving as a platform for collaboration and knowledge exchange in the field of geophysics, ICOG 2023 attracted professionals, researchers, and engineers from around the globe. As the conference centered on the theme “Leveraging Technology for Earth Science Applications,” my role in the organizing committee provided me with invaluable hands-on experience in coordinating various aspects of the event, from speaker arrangements to logistical planning. Witnessing the conference’s success and its impact on fostering long-life learning and networking within the geoscience community was truly rewarding, and I gained invaluable insights that will undoubtedly beneficial for my early careers as an academician. 

[10 October 2023] - MATLAB sharing session to Geophysics research group

Recently, I had conducting a workshop introducing MATLAB to our Geophysics Research Group, aimed at enhancing our computational capabilities in the field of geophysics research. The participants include postgraduate students and geophysics lecturer. The workshop provided a comprehensive overview of MATLAB's interface, basic functionalities, and specialized toolboxes tailored to geophysical applications. Through interactive sessions and hands-on exercises, participants gained valuable insights into utilizing MATLAB for data analysis, visualization, and numerical modeling, with a particular focus on geoscience data analysis.

The images provided are courtesy of Assoc. Prof Dr. Diana.

[4 October 2023] - Student Internship Program In Geosciences and Ocean Physics For Students From Universiti Teknologi Malaysia and Universitas Bengkulu, Indonesia

I recently had the pleasure of hosting two groups of internship students, one comprising two students from the University Teknologi Malaysia (Nur Farah Nadiah & Nur Dhiya Dinie) and the other consisting of two students from Universitas Bengkulu, Indonesia (Rizka Berliani & Rozylla Agustina). These students were engaged in internship programs centered around geoscience, geophysics, ocean physics, and remote sensing. Throughout their internship, they were actively involved in the processing of ocean physics data, where they gained valuable experience in utilizing MATLAB for data analysis. The program was also greatly assisted by Associate Prof. Dr. Nordiana Muztaza and Dr. Ismail Abir. Additionally, they also enjoyed field trip experience at Pantai Kerancut and also had the opportunity to participate in several geophysics data acquisition activities, including seismic, resistivity, and gravity studies. I am delighted to report that all of these students successfully completed their internship and hopefully they experienced a wealth of practical skills from their time here. 

[28 July 2023] - Internship Site Visits: Geo Technology Resources Sdn. Bhd. and Map2u Sdn. Bhd.

On the 28th of July 2023, I had the privilege of visiting two of my exceptional students during their respective internships. First, I met with Aarif, who is interning at Geo Technology Resources in Sepang. Aarif enthusiastically shared his internship progress, detailing his extensive involvement in near-surface geophysical surveys, with a particular focus on resistivity studies. His dedication has led him to travel across Peninsular Malaysia to conduct surveys, showcasing his commitment to hands-on learning. Next, I visited Athirah, who is interning at Map2U in Nilai. Athirah presented her internship journey, highlighting her pivotal role in translating data into meaningful maps to extract valuable insights. Additionally, she has been instrumental in designing web-based data for government entities. Both Aarif and Athirah have excelled in their roles and are thoroughly enjoying their internship experiences. With their internships expected to conclude by the end of September, I am confident that they will continue to thrive and contribute effectively to their respective fields. 

[19 June 2023] - Geological Oceanography Field Trip to Pulau Payar Marine Park, Langkawi

As part of the coursework requirements for the ZGE479 Geological Oceanography course, a group of 28 third-year geophysics students went to a field trip at Pulau Payar marine park, a dedicated conservation area for marine life and activities. The expedition focused on investigating the processes of ripple mark formation and sedimentation. Through hands-on fieldwork conducted on this pristine island with crystal-clear waters, the students had the unique opportunity to directly observe and analyze ripple marks. The trip's objectives encompassed coastal sediment analysis, detailed examination of ripple mark formation, and discussions on the energy dynamics driving the creation of these distinctive patterns. Amidst their scientific pursuits, the students also had the chance to enjoy snorkeling activities, enjoying themselves in the marine environment they were studying. This comprehensive field trip not only deepened their understanding of sediment transport processes in oceanography but also underscored the importance of conservation efforts in preserving marine ecosystems.

[19 May 2023] - Undergraduate Geophysics Field Camp at Batu Kurau Perak

A group of 25 second-year geophysics students embarked on an engaging geophysics field camp, bridging the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical experience. Throughout four intensive days, these students delved into four distinct geophysical methods, which encompassed seismic refraction, resistivity, gravity, and magnetic techniques. The initial two days were spent on-site, at Batu Kurau in Perak, Malaysia, immersing the students in hands-on applications to refine their data collection and analysis skills. Subsequent to this experiential learning, the group returned to the geophysics lab for an additional two days, dedicated to processing the acquired data. The primary objective of this interactive activity was to pinpoint potential aquifer locations, crucial for advancing agricultural activities in the region. This field camp not only enriched their academic understanding but also fostered a deeper connection between theory and real-world geophysical exploration.

[7 January 2023] - Fieldwork at Meromictic Lake, Keracut Beach, Penang National Park 

A group of 29 students from 3rd-year undergraduate Geophysics has conducted a field trip to Keracut Beach, Penang. The Penang National Park is home to the unique meromictic lake that connected to the Keracut beach. A meromictic lake is a type of lake characterized by the stratification of its water layers into distinct vertical zones that do not mix with each other on a regular basis. Unlike most lakes, meromictic lakes have permanent or long-lasting stratification, resulting in separate layers of freshwater input that do not mix with tidal cycle of sea water due to differences in density, temperature, salinity, or other chemical and biological factors. Field trip to this location is part of the activity for ZGT372 Introduction to Oceanography course. Students were required to conduct their field observation following these objectives: to investigates the process of meromictic lake, to analyse the distribution of sediment in lake, and to explain the sediment profile and movement at the Keracut beach.  

[18 June 2022] - Undergraduate Geophysics Field Trip to Pulau Payar Marine Park, Langkawi

A group of 3rd-year Geophysics Undergraduate students has conducted a field trip to Pulau Payar Marine Park, Langkawi, Kedah. The field trip was part of the compulsory report assessment for course programmes ZGE 461 Advance Geology and ZGE 479 Geology Oceanography. Students departed from the School of Physics and arrived at jetty Kuala Kedah at around 10:30 am. They then took a speed boat transfer to/from Pulau Payar. The trip was led by Dr Md. Noordin Abu Bakar and Dr Ismail Ahmad Abir. This trip was also assisted by Dr Syarawi Sharoni, laboratory staff; Mr Shahil Ahmad Khosaini, Mr Azmi Abdullah and a few postgraduate students. For the Advance Geology part, students were required to analyse and interpret the geological background of the area with reference to the exposed outcrops. They also practiced their field skills such as drawing/sketching and obtaining measurements of dip and strike trends from a compass to identify the structural geology of the area. For Geology Oceanography’s activity, students were required to observe the wave action on seabed ripple formation. At the end of the trip, all students experienced snorkeling activity and enjoyed beautiful underwater sea life at this conserved marine park.