UoH to introduce novel courses, teaching methods

HYDERABAD: “There is a disconnect between the regular courses and education. In the 12th five-year plan, the university will offer an MBA course in Rural Management. The course will be different in terms of its social relevance. The curriculum will address the concerns of local communities. The fact that the university is situated in Ranga Reddy district in proximity to the rural communities is an added advantage for on-field experience,” says Prof. Ramaswamy.The university is also likely to start a school of education to impart innovative teaching methods, beyond the de rigueur B.Ed courses. “Novel teaching practices aimed at teaching a specific subject such as maths will set the school apart. It will have a lot to offer in a country where there is a perpetual gap of supply and demand for educators,” he says.Drawing from his experience as an academician, the vice-chancellor plans to introduce the concept of community college in India under the aegis of the university. “Our perception is not that of a vocational college or a polytechnic. The system allows students to accumulate credits so that they can pursue higher education after they have accumulated a certain number of credits. Though it will take time to get it in the process, I would like the University of Hyderabad to set a precedent.”Among the other courses on line, a post-graduate diploma in Cyber Security will also be offered by the university for regular students as well as working professionals who want to enhance their skills. “We will offer the one-year course in the evenings so that a maximum number of people can opt for it,” he says.In the academic session of 2013-14, the university will introduce a composite course in integrated M.Sc in Earth Sciences which will include the study of atmospheric and oceanic sciences.The university is also a home to cutting edge research, being the only centre involved in sequencing the tomato genome in collaboration with International Crops Research Institute for Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT). It will host a conference in systems biology in November in collaboration with the CCMB.