Kochi : Cochin University of Science and Technology (Cusat) has decided to include student representatives in department curriculum committees in all academic departments as part of its industry flexi curriculum initiative.
New topics, interdisciplinary areas, industry practices, case studies and contemporary research developments can be incorporated into the curriculum,” a university official said. Deans, heads of departments, department coordinators and other officials of the university attended the meeting. The decision was taken at a meeting of the flexi curriculum implementation committee chaired by vice-chancellor M Junaid Bushiri on Monday.
Under the framework, 20% of the curriculum in each department will be flexible, allowing departments to update course content every semester to reflect emerging technologies, industry developments and new research findings. The remaining 80% will comprise the core curriculum recommended by the respective boards of studies. Department curriculum committees will include faculty members, selected research scholars and undergraduate and postgraduate students. The committees will decide which topics should be included in the flexible component each semester. “The initiative aims to help departments respond quickly to changing requirements in industry, commerce and information technology without waiting for conventional syllabus revision cycles. Cusat has also stressed the need for transparency in selecting topics and approving curriculum revisions. Industry experts and alumni will be invited to suggest emerging areas for inclusion. Through the participation of students, researchers, faculty members and industry representatives, the university aims to strengthen the connection between academic learning, research and evolving industry requirements.