Kochi : Cochin University of Science and Technology (Cusat) has decided to introduce an industry-flexible curriculum that will allow periodic updates to university syllabi in response to developments in industry, science and technology.
The flexible component could cover emerging areas such as semiconductor technology, photovoltaics and biotechnology, besides disciplines including engineering, environmental science, management, law and social sciences,” a university official said. “The university also plans to provide faculty members with opportunities for continuous professional development through training, industry interactions and collaborations with research and development institutions. Additionally, research findings by students and researchers may also be considered for inclusion after scrutiny by the respective departmental research committees. Departmental curriculum committees comprising faculty members have been proposed to oversee the process.
The proposed model will retain 80% of the syllabus as the core curriculum approved by the Board of Studies, while 20% will form a flexible component that can be updated periodically, according to university officials. The initiative, described as the first such flexible curriculum system to be introduced in Keralam , was discussed at a meeting chaired by vice-chancellor M Junaid Bushiri and attended by the Deans and Heads of Departments. The flexible portion may include emerging technologies, recent research findings, interdisciplinary subjects, industrial practices, case studies and contemporary developments.