Academies for 4-yr BS programme

[ganeshbala]

Academies for 4-yr BS programme

The country's premier science academies have called for a restructuring of the post-school science teaching programme in the country in the 11th five year plan.

They have recommended the introduction of a 4-year Bachelor of Sciences (BS) programme in selected institutions during the first phase which will be a complete degree programme which qualifies the student for a dual degree, MSc+PhD programme.

The recommendations were made in a position paper on 'Restructuring post-school science teaching programme' proposed by a three-member committee of the presidents of the science academies namely D Balasubramanian, Indian Academy of Sciences Bangalore, M Vijayan, Indian National Science Academy, Delhi and the A Mishra, National Academy of Sciences, Allahabad.

The paper which was submitted last month suggested learning of sciences at post-school level integrative and broadbased so that young scientists emerging through such training are effectively prepared for trans-disciplinary research.

Those who qualify for the 4-year BS programme or ongoing BTech can move from basic sciences to technology and vice-versa for further education, leading to MSc/MTech or PhD.

The four-year BS programme should have an international equivalence so that it can reduce the brain-drain. It can be treated as the first part of a research programme leading to a PhD.

Over the next 10-15 years, it could replace the present BSc and can be regarded as attractive as BTech.

The document also suggested that the multiple models for post-school science education could be helpful so that prospective candidates can choose from 4-year BS or the existing 3+2+PhD, or integrated PG plus PhD.

For all courses, it was recommended that a credit-based semesters be introduced.

[Hamidur]

How many university offer 4yr B.S program in India