Course rejig on cards

OUR SPECIAL CORRESPONDENT

The first report of Presidency University’s mentor group has called for elimination of the distinction between honours and pass courses, setting up of Wi fi-enabled hostels and reorganising departments to encourage interdisciplinary studies.

“We propose that the current distinction between honours and pass courses be eliminated,” the panel observed in its report submitted to the government on Thursday.

Presidency, like other universities, follows different syllabi for honours and pass courses.

The panel observed that instead of having two sets of classes in a single subject, “it may be better to just have one set of classes on a particular subject or theme. But students may need to take six semesters for pass and 12 semesters for honours courses”.

Stressing the need for more flexibility in the choice of subjects, the panel suggested that the students be allowed to switch subjects at the end of first year.

In an attempt to encourage interdisciplinary studies, the mentors mooted reorganisation of certain departments. For example, physiology, botany, zoology, biotechnology, bioinformatics and biochemistry departments can be merged into biology department.

“There is a special need to create spaces for people with unique talents in interdisciplinary expertise in and cutting across the humanities, social sciences and natural sciences.”

The mentor group wants the university’s IT capability to be enhanced with broadband connection and adequate Wi-fi access points. “Access to the network should be one of the highest priorities.”

The report mentioned that Sam Pitroda, the former head of the National Knowledge Commission, had assured Sugata Bose, the chairman of the mentor group, that Presidency would be connected with the National Knowledge Network on a priority basis. “The university should take up the offer of being connected to the National Knowledge Network.”

The group highlighted the need for augmenting electronic library resources. “Presidency should join the Digital Library of India project initiative,” the report said. The initiative started in collaboration with Carnegie Mellon University, US.

The mentors suggested that a block in Hindu Hostel be reserved for girls. Presidency’s girls hostel is now located in Salt Lake.

Renovation of Hindu Hostel and making it Wi fi-enabled are among the other recommendations. Hindu Hostel inmates had complained to the mentor group about lack of Net facilities.