Varsities in state to start programmes that will design courses based on inputs provided by industry experts
Varsities in state to start programmes that will design courses based on inputs provided by industry experts
In a move to make academics more industry-oriented andu00a0 put an end to complaints of employers that textbook learning has no relevance in the 'real world', universitiesu00a0 across the state are moving towards industry-interface academic courses.
Last week, the University of Pune (UoP) and Maharashtra Institute of Health Sciences (MUHS), announced introduction of new courses that would allow industry professionals to research on subjects required by companies and also design courses in conjunction with academicians.
Dr Arun Jamkar, dean of MUHS, said that he had planned a variety of new courses taking into consideration industrial needs.u00a0 "Firstly, we are starting a new PhD programme that will be completely funded by the industry. The companies will send their employees to select and employ students, and conduct and fund research. For example, if a pharmaceutical company wants to do research on a certain drug, they can send their employees to the varsity, and our guides will help them in the research," said Jamkar.
Besides that, the varsity also has plans to start need-based courses. "We will be inviting industry experts to comment on our existing syllabus as they always complain that academics are out of sync with the real world. Once we have their suggestions, we can make the required changes and introduce a new semester in courses, based on skills required for a particular industry. This would help in job creation too," he said.
The UoP is also taking a similar step, where a new faculty of technology is being set up to offer a four-year integrated MTech and PhD programme in specialities like mechanical, electronics and telecommunication, information technology and computers and biotechnology and sciences. R K Shevgaonkar, vice-chancellor of UoP, said the move would increase the understanding between industry and academics.
The course is entirely funded by the industry and would be designed by a mixed panel of both academicians and industry experts. "The idea is to create better relations with industry which would be of mutual help. The industry needs better-trained students who can think out of the box. This is where such courses come in play and though this is an initial step, we hope to do much more," he said. While MUHS said it is ready to admit any student that the industry refers, at UoP the integrated course will begin in July.
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