Why did the university choose to begin courses in Computer Science and Bioscience?
We encourage offering courses with CS+X domain. Interdisciplinary education that imparts knowledge of foundations of biology and computer science as well as training in modeling and analysis of biomedical data is the key to create personnel who can provide solutions to problems on the interface of computation and biology. Keeping in mind the need to prepare students for such domain we have chosen to begin this course.
In a broader sense, it can be explained in two ways, one we need people who can design physical technology based on the finding of Biology. A machine which can be as smart as human brain or a pump which can run for 70-80 years (based on the heart) without any repair required; fabric which can be as versatile as skin.
And, second, we need people who can use big data and other physical techniques available to solve problem in the area biosciences like providing affordable healthcare. To be able to develop prevention healthcare rather than curative healthcare.
All of this can only be done if we empower students with knowledge of both the worlds, then only they can acquire the skill to solve the problem of one field of study with other.
What makes your campus life and academics interesting and distinctive from others?
Studying at IIIT-Delhi is entirely different from other institutions; we are an institute which encourages students to do what they like to do. All most all the subjects are Project-based subjects. We have a wide range of elective courses which students can take design their program. For some courses which are not offered at the institute, we also have an option of online course. Not only this we also provide our student the opportunity of spending a semester at other Universities of repute. So here a student opt what they like to study, and we make sure that he gets the best resources available.
How is your pedagogy for B.Tech courses different from other institutions?
Our pedagogy is designed to bridge the gap between theory and practice. Hence most of the courses have project-based studies.
The system is crafted to promote innovation, creativity, problem-solving among the students, experiential learning, opportunity learning. Teachers are not teachers here they are more like mentors and students enjoy spending time with them doing research work which motivated them to design new things
The curriculum also encourages students to contribute to the society by doing mandatory Community Work and also encourages students to do something for their personal growth by doing necessary Self Growth credits.
How has the value of engineering education in India changed in the last 3-5 years?
In India, higher education is often treated an investment for return. Hardly 10% of the students and parents are interested in the quality education; rest are only concerned about the return they will get after four years. We have seen that things are changing, but it still needs a lot more to stand at par with the institution overseas. We still have to look at the day when students join because they are interested in doing research work or thrilled to develop new things rather than just getting job.
How do you foresee undergraduate engineering programmes changing in future?
We can predict that tomorrow is all about the project-based learning, research-based education, interdisciplinary programs. With new programs coming in, students are seen exploring the options and learning the more diversified curriculum.
How do you look to enhance the value of various engineering programs offered by the institute?
IIIT-Delhi has always believed in providing the best to our students, and we do not hesitate to go that extra mile to offer the best courses and faculty available. We regularly update the curriculum to make sure that our students do not lack anywhere.
We also ensure industry interaction by organizing seminars and panel discussions.
Do you think there is a dearth of jobs in engineering field or lack of skills among students?
No, we don’t think so, in fact, there is a huge shortage of human resources in creative space. We have to make to make our students more creative by not telling them what to do, but asking them what they would like to do? What they dream of doing? And then empower them to do so.
