- A University may consist of several colleges.
- Rangoon University was founded in 1920 with Rangoon College and Judson College as its constituents.
Intermediate Classes
- In the early days, Rangoon University offered Intermediate Courses.
They were known as Inter (A) and Inter (B).
- The Science Option is available for I.Sc. (Intermediate of Science).
- The Arts Option is available for I.A (Intermediate of Arts).
- Intermediate courses were initially offered in the Main Campus.
- In the mid and late 50’s, the Yankin College and the Htee Dan College served the First Year Intermediate classes.
- The Pure Science, Engineering and Medical students attended Yankin College.
My brother U Sein Htoon attended Yankin in 1957 along with Sayama Daw May Saw Lwin.
My sister Daw Khin Than Nwe attended Yankin in 1958 along with Saya Dr. Soe Win.
- The Arts and Social Science students attended Htee Dan College.
My cousin U Myo Min attended Hteedan in 1958.
BOC, Main and Leik Khone
- After completing the I.Sc. classes, the engineering students attended BOC College for their main subjects and took some courses (e.g. Mathematics, Geology) at the Main Campus.
- Later, the engineering students attended Leik Khone (Dome) and its extensions for their main subjects and spent some time (e.g. workshop) at BOC College.
- Leik Khone is a place holder for the Dome and the nearby buildings used for Admin and Teaching).
- Saya U Tin Htut (M60) and U Tin Htoon (A60) were from the last batch of engineering students to attend classes at Leik Khone (before the opening of Burma Institute of Technology at Gyogone Campus).
- In 1961, the Faculty of Engineering moved to the Gyogone Campus.
It was also known as Burma Institute of Technology (BIT).
The first batch of BIT graduated in 1962.
- The I.Sc classes were moved to Leik Khone (which used to be under the Faculty of Engineering).
Those aspiring to become medical doctors take the “A: option.
Those aspiring to become engineers and scientists take the “B” option.
We attended the last ever I.Sc.(A) classes at Leik Khone in 1963.
Our teachers for our I.Sc.(A) classes included
- Daw Tinsa Maw-Naing (English) — spouse of Bo Yan Naing
- Daw Khin Kyi Kyi (English)
- Daw Po (Burmese) — sayama at the 1965 Inlay Lu YeChun Camp, retired as Professor of Burmese
- U Khin Zaw (Mathematics) — later headed Maths Department at Worker’s College
- Mr. Chowdry (Mathematics)
- Daw Khin Ma Ma (Mathematics) — Sayama and her spouse U Soe Nyunt taught Mathematics at DSA
- U Min Than Thaung (Physics) — RUBC Gold, retired as Rector of Long Distance Learning
- Daw Khin Khin Su (Physics)
- Daw Khin Aye (Chemistry)
Some of my friends attended I.A. Intermediate of Arts) and I.Com (Intermediate of Commerce) classes at BOC College.
New Education System
Under the new Education System, the Faculty of Medicine became Institute of Medicine(s). The 1st MBBS Jr. and Sr. classes were held at Leik Khone. My spouse attended at Leik Khone.
Leik Khone also housed the offices of the Directorate of Higher Education (DHE). Saya U San Tha Aung and Saya Dr. Nyi Nyi were the early Director Generals for Higher Education.
Intermediate Colleges
Intermediate Colleges were opened in
- Mandalay
- Taunggyi
- Moulmein (Mawlamyine)
- Bassein (Pathein)
- Myitkyina
- …
Some of them became full-fledged Universities.
Early Examinations
- In some years (probably due to the insurgency in some parts of Burma), students have to sit the “combined” Intermediate examination.
- Otherwise, they have to sit for Inter (A) and Inter (B) exams separately.
- Even then, there were two chances to pass the exam.
- The first exam was usually held in March.
- The second (aka supplementary) exam was usually held in June.
- The “compart” (compartmental) system requires a student to re-take only the subjects they have failed.
- Stipends and awards (Gold and Silver medals, …) are eligible only for students who pass all subjects in the first exam.
Early Engineering Courses
- Per Sayagyi U Aung Khin (Retired Professor of Mechanical Engineering) : Those who aspire to become engineers have to pass I.Sc. with 50+ marks in Mathematics, Physics and Chemistry.
- According to U Aw Taik Moh (C54) and Saya Dr. San Hla Aung (C58), they had to take a bike or walk to the Main Campus to attend Mathematics and/or Geology classes (usually from 7AM to 9AM). They then had to attend Engineering Courses at the B.O.C College from 10 AM.
- Saya U Ba Toke taught Mathematics to several engineering students (including Saya Dr. Aung Gyi, U Min Wun and U Khin Aung Kyi).
- Grapevine says that the Second Year of Engineering (equivalent to 4th BE) and 2nd MBBS were the “filters” (or “stumbling blocks“) for engineering and medical students. Some decided to change their study to Pure Science or Arts.
- A three storey building and a “Leik Khone” were constructed in the mid 1950s on Prome Road.
- The architect envisioned a Htee (Umbrella), but the Burmese saw the roof top as “Leik Khone”).
- Per Saya Dr. San Hla Aung (C58), the new building was opened by Prime Minister U Ba Swe.
- Some engineering classes were taught at the new building.
Some classes (e.g. Workshop) were taught at the BOC College.
- The “Leik Khone” was used mainly as Assembly Hall.
- It was also used for Exhibitions and Entertainment (e.g. Louis Armstrong).
- One building was used for
Admin Office (of the Dean)
Hangout for Sayas
Library
- Sad to note that the Dome deteriorated and “collapsed” (probably due to maintenance problems).
- The land mark is now a memory.
