Choice-Based Credit System provides students the flexibility to adopt inter-disciplinary approach for learning, says HOD

In a conversation with Shiksha.com, Head of the Biotechnology Department at Hindustan College of Arts and Science Dr C Elizabeth Rani, talks in detail about the Choice-Based Credit System implemented by the University of Madaras. The system offers flexibility to students to choose the courses of their choice, learn at their own pace and undergo additional subjects. This interdisciplinary approach helps students to gain in-depth knowledge of the subjects of their interests.

Dr Rani has over 18 years of rich academic and research experience. She has been into the production of value-added products such as enzymes, biopolymers and bio-surfactant from various ecosystems for several applications in addition to drug discovery.

Read the excerpts of the interview below:

Q: What are the salient features of the teaching methodology adopted by your college? How does this differ from others?

A: The department has a consistent record of producing University gold medals in UG Biotechnology and PG Biotechnology with a good overall pass percentage from the University of Madras. The reason behind this success is a kind of teaching methodology adopted by us which includes:

• Creating subject interest & aspiration by sharing our depth of knowledge with students
• Providing all the study materials prepared by our teachers in an interesting manner
• Relating practical and theory by demonstrating in the laboratory to make the students to understand tough Biotechnology principles in a simplified manner
• Conducting International & National conferences, symposia and hands-on workshops to pave the platform to interact with renowned scientists and academicians

Q: How are you preparing your students to be industry-ready?

A: The department has well-equipped laboratory facilities to provide Skill Development in the fields of Biotechnology. Through this, we are providing a high-quality hands-on training of tools and techniques to our students in multidisciplinary areas of Biotechnology to make the young biotechnologist ready to take-up jobs in industries, hospitals, medical colleges, R&D laboratories, diagnostic laboratories etc.

We are arranging industrial visits and inviting industrialists to college to give special lectures on current industrial scenarios.  A total of 15 job oriented certificate courses have been provided to our students through NPTEL along with our guidance and offering DMLT as an add on diploma along with the degree. 

Department has also initiated Bio-fertilizer and Bio-pesticide production units under the Skill Vigyan Program in partnership with TNSCST. Entrepreneurship training has been given as an additional programme along with Golden Biotech Park – our MOU partner. All these efforts make our students industry-ready.

Q: What are the qualities you are looking for in student applicants? What qualities do they need to do well in your course?

A: To be a successful biotechnologist,  students should possess:

• an interest in science especially biology and technology
• an ambitious mind coupled with good problem-solving skills
• a systematic approach to work
• a high level of accuracy
• an eye for fine points
• outstanding oral and written communication skills
• aptitude to work both as a team and self-reliantly

Only receiving a biotechnology degree is not adequate, concurrently students should involve themself in small training sessions, summer internships, workshops and should take part in biotech competitions and other related events, to update their knowledge.

Q: How do you ensure that your course curriculum is up to date and meets industry requirements?

A: The Choice-Based Credit System (CBCS) was introduced by the University of Madras and since we are affiliated to it, we have the privilege to follow the curriculum given by the University. The CBCS system provides flexibility to both teachers and students. It permits the students to choose the courses of their choice, learn at their own pace, undergo additional courses, and adopt an inter-disciplinary approach for learning. Subsequently, we are training the students in soft skills such as spoken English, communication skills, computer applications, personality development and knowledge of foreign languages in addition to Biotechnology. An industrial internship is also a part of the curriculum with effect from the academic year 2007- 08.

Q: Is your college receptive to innovation, technology, science & entrepreneurship? How? Could you cite some examples of these?

A: Innovation and entrepreneurship are indispensable elements in constructing a successful entrepreneur. The ways in which these two perceptions fuel inventiveness are something our faculty never stop discovering. We have herbal garden, bio-fertilizer (Azolla) production unit, facilities in addition to produce various industrial products such as enzymes, vitamins, bio-surfactants, bio-pesticides, biofuel, biopolymers etc., and we have indoor field trial facility also. We are teaching the students to become entrepreneurs by motivating them to produce such valuable products. We have industrial partners such as Caprienzymes and Golden Biotech Park (A pool of biotech ventures) along with them we have signed up MOUs. These initiatives will certainly pave the way for the students to become an entrepreneur and to have a startup companies in future.