ISLAMABAD, May 14: Allama Iqbal Open University (AIOU) in collaboration with Pakistan Sports Board (PSB) is launching BSc and MSc programmes in physical education from Spring 2005 session. According to a press release, unlike degrees being awarded by other institutions, these will be coaching-oriented programmes aimed at producing physical education teachers, qualified coaches and leaders in sports.

Curriculum for the programmes has been specifically designed under the supervision of experts, keeping in view the changing trends and modern challenges in the field of sports and physical education.

Sporting facilitates at Pakistan Sports Complex in Islamabad and coaches/trainers of international repute will be available for practical training of the students.

Both the programmes will be of two years duration and the number of students to be enrolled at BSc and MSc levels will be 30 and 60, respectively.

All arrangements have been completed to launch the programmes in the last week of May.

Classes will be held in the afternoon to facilitate people working in different organizations.

These programmes are being offered for the first time in the country.—PPI