Our value-added courses enhance students’ degree and skills, says Assistant Professor at School of Life Sciences

In a conversation with Shiksha.com, Assistant Professor at School of Life Sciences B.S. Abdur Rahman Crescent Institute of Science and Technology Dr Shazia Jamal talks about the curriculum design in detail and the extensive use of digital platforms to facilitate classroom learning and value-added courses for students for an in-depth understanding of the concept. She also talks about mock interview sessions for students to boost the confidence level in them. Dr Jamal has both industry and academia experience and has complete PhD from Michigan, The USA.

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: We, at the School of Life Sciences (SLS) are adopting different innovative teaching tools such as  Google Classroom and LMS. We are also using different mobile applications such as Kahoot where students can be part of the class by attending the quiz.

We encourage students to enrol in different online courses related to their subjects and field of interest. These online courses contribute to an in-depth understanding of concepts and students become more interactive during class. This is also a way to escape from monotonous chalk and board method of teaching.

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

A: Our aim is not just to let the student earn the degree, but to be absorbed in the industry. We are having an education system in such a way that it will carve the students with the requisite skills.

• We have a skill-oriented curriculum which will help them to develop the required skills
• We have a different set of value-added courses which will add value to their degree and profile
• We facilitate students' collaboration with foreign universities and institutes during their course of study
• They undergo a placement training session which includes mock interviews, group discussions and other placement related activities. This is done extensively to help them prepare well for placements

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

A: We always look for students who are enthusiastic; Someone, having the zeal and passion towards the subject is preferred. We look for students who aspire for a career in life sciences and not just a degree.

To perform well in the curriculum does not mean scoring more marks in exams. But to have a clear and complete understanding of concepts.

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

A: Our curriculum is designed in such a way that there are some specific courses that are being handled by the industry personal. Our curriculum is not purely theoretical but more practical and job-oriented.

Q: How does your college respond to innovation, technology, science and entrepreneurship?

A: We are training students in such a way that they will develop sound entrepreneurship skills during the curriculum only. For that purpose, we organise various workshops, seminars and invite industry specialists to deliver guest lectures. Such interactions with experienced industry professionals help students develop an entrepreneurial mind-set that benefits them in future.