Science students sceptical of semester system

Confusion reigns at Delhi University

Science students sceptical of semester system

The ongoing tussle over the implementation of the semester system between the University of Delhi (DU) administration and faculty members has failed to reach a conclusion. And the worst affected are first year students, particularly from science stream who have no option but to remain mute spectators.

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DU has decided to implement semester system in 13 science courses but with teachers opposing the move, no one knows what kind of pattern will be followed later on.

Shalini Singh, a first year science student from Ram Lal Anand College said, "It's been a week but still the picture is not clear. The classes are not being conducted properly. Teachers are not regular. Moreover, we are not sure if we will have to take the examination according to the semester system or the normal manner."

For the 12 undergraduate science courses, a semester-based syllabus had also been prepared for them. However, the semester system as well as the new syllabus had been rejected by the Delhi University Teachers' Association (DUTA).

Meanwhile, Delhi High Court has directed DUTA, whose members were not taking classes and were fighting the introduction of semester system, to resolve the issue 'in the interest of the students'. The court's order came after both DUTA and the DU informed the court that they had not come to any conclusion on the matter as yet.

"Now that the High Court has directed to resolve the matter, we are hoping that the university will come up with a solution and save our career. DU is one of the topmost universities in India and students here are confused. If this fiasco stretches for long, the students will be the ultimate sufferers. Teachers must start taking the classes more seriously," said Praful Kumar (name changed), a first year student from one of the colleges in North Campus.

Delhi University Students' Union (DUSU) has also come up with their suggestions after the High Court asked the university to consult the students' body on the matter. "DUSU wants that the university should hold a referendum amongst students before implementing semester system at UG level," they said

"Introduction of any hastily drawn up courses in place of ones which have undergone scrutiny by teachers of the subject and are running well is not desirable even as an experiment. We have seen how such hasty decisions in the past have practically destroyed the erstwhile B.Sc. General programmes.

These programmes have not shown any signs of regeneration despite repeated alterations. The recent experience with Mathematics Honours course could be kept in mind. A huge number of bright students have failed on account of hurriedly made syllabi and lack of proper academic introduction," said, DUSU office bearers.

Student leaders
The Delhi University Students' Union has demanded appointment of its representatives in the Academic and Executive council. "The scheme of semester system sought to be hastily introduced by the University does not take into consideration the time and space required for extra and co-curricular activities, sports and cultural events, election time, etc. So we demand that the matter of introducing semester courses should be duly debated and all aspects be thoroughly examined before any course is thrust on students," the DUSU said in a statement.