Each student is trained by a properly tested third party on campus to make them proficient and skillful, says Professor

Being student-centric and having an outcome-based teaching methodology is the need of the hour for many institutions. Designing a curriculum at par with industry standards and delivering the same in a way that all students are able to understand, is the challenge. But at the same time, this is the road to success for any institute. Periyar Maniammai Institute of Science and Technology has been experiment with ways to impart a quality learning experience to students. In a detailed conversation with Shiksha.com, Dr SPK Babu, Professor, Department of Electronics and Communication Engineering talks at length about the teaching methodology of the institute and how do they contribute to students’ industry readiness.

Dr Babu holds a Bachelor’s degree in Electronics and Communication Engineering, Master’s degree in Communication Systems and Doctoral Degree in Wireless Communication Systems. He has more than 20 years of academic experience

Read the complete interview below.

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

A: The teaching-learning methodology in the Department of Electronics and Communication Engineering is student-centric as our programme follows Outcome-Based Education. Moving from remembering information to higher levels of learning is practised by replacing a part of conventional tests with interesting assessment tools. This freedom of assessment is higher for PG programme and helps the faculty and students to practice innovative methods in teaching-learning. Mini projects with real-world applications as an assessment tool for laboratory-based courses lead to incidental learning. Smart classrooms with industry-used software are introduced as part of adaptive learning. 

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

A: The students are always at a reachable distance to industries! Students have been exposed to industrial culture and environment through implant Training/ internship and projects in State and Central Government Organizations namely DRDO, CECRI, ISRO, CLRI etc., Value-added courses such as PCB Design, Internet of Things and Embedded Systems are offered to the students to enhance their knowledge in the latest technologies. Students have been trained and made industry-ready in the areas of Automation technologies, Robotics, Optical Communication and Networking by the Center of Excellence for Training and Automation technologies, E-Yanthra Lab, Centre of Excellence for Next-Generation Networks. Apart from these, every student undergoes special training from a well-tested third party on the campus making them skilled and masterful in their programme.

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

A: Students who have wondered about the applications of electronics and communication in their day-to-day life are welcome! Department expects the students who embrace technology and aptitude for critical thinking. Your can-do attitude is appreciated more than your marks here!

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

A: The undergraduate and graduate programmes offered in this department are up-to-date. A revision of more than 20% of the contents is done once every four years. The department has flexibility in adding new courses at end of every semester per the various feedbacks collected from students, alumni, employers, industry experts, etc. Department Advisory Committee, Board of Studies members include experts from industries and they periodically meet, discuss and provide suggestions, during the revision of Curriculum and Syllabus. The industry expectations from students are analysed and accordingly, the courses are introduced. Inplant Training/ internship is given weightage in the curriculum In addition the guidelines received from UGC and AICTE have been then there incorporated and credits are assigned. Advanced learners are given opportunities to finish their courses within seven semesters and are allowed to carry out their projects in industries for the entire six months of the eighth semester.

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

A: Having innovation is the motto of the institute, the students and faculty are encouraged to do innovations or carry out projects for societal improvement in the areas of environment, health, agriculture etc., Faculty and students have been supported with funds to develop innovations. Our students have been encouraged and have become entrepreneurs. Necessary guidance has been provided by the faculty, and the Periyar Technology Business Incubator. Periodical lectures and programmes are organised to motivate the students to do innovations and become an entrepreneur. Faculty and students are encouraged with a cash award for publishing their research and filing patent