Andhra varsity lines up student-friendly courses

VISAKHAPATNAM: Andhra University is adopting a student-friendly approach with its School of Distance Education introducing bridge courses for certain mathematics and science courses to attract youngsters even if they have not studied the core subject of mathematics during their Plus 2.
This novel step met with the approval of the university senate in the recently held meeting and the bridge courses would be offered from the 2013-14 academic year.“We have adopted a student-friendly approach especially in the distance mode mainly because there are many who may not have studied mathematics during their plus-2 but would still retain interest in the subject. More importantly this will also boost the number as well as the quality of students taking up B Sc mathematics, physics and chemistry via distance mode,” observed Professor N N Narsimha Rao, director, School of Distance Education. He, however, observed that this course was being introduced only for B Sc mathematics students and said that this was more of a pilot project, the success of which would ensure that it could implemented in other courses also. Prof Rao said that the university could definitely implement this idea even in the mainstream courses provided it turns out to be a success in the distance education mode.
“The bridge course has been structured in such a manner that it would be totally integrated with the main course. More importantly, people who take up the bridge course need not lose out on time as they would complete it in the first and second year and graduate on time with the rest,” said Prof Rao.
Vice-chancellor Prof G S N Raju noted that there was a need for a certain element of flexibility in course structures. “It is like an incentive for students to learn subjects they would love to, though they may not have majored in them during their plus-2 years,” he said.
Quality would not be affected because the bridge course acts as an incentive for students to learn the ropes and excel, especially if they have inkling for the subject, he said.
On the introduction of bridge courses in the mainstream, Prof K Ram Mohan Rao, registrar, Andhra University noted that it would rest chiefly on the success of this course and the ability of affiliated colleges to change their approach to accepting students from other fields of education. More importantly, such changes would mean that the university’s academic senate must okay the resolution and it must also have recognition from the UGC and the AICTE. “We are definitely contemplating this move as that would provide a hitherto unheard of flexibility to the students and also the educational system,” said the registrar. He said that this may not happen immediately but would definitely see the light of day soon.