Following in the footsteps of Delhi University, the Bangalore University (BU) has made its intention clear to replace the existing three-year BSc programmes with a four-year BS programme in all its affiliated colleges from the academic year 2014-15.
Addressing a press conference here on Saturday, Vice-Chancellor B Thimme Gowda said the university has charted out a comprehensive plan that will not put students in trouble. “Students enrolled in (affiliated) colleges that can support only three years of the course can study the fourth year in the university itself,” Prof Gowda said.
The VC further explained that students will have an exit option at the end of three years. “If they choose to study only three years, students will get a BSc degree. If they complete four years, they will get a BS degree that will make them directly eligible to take up PhD,” he said. For students who do not wish to pursue a doctoral programme and want to get a masters degree, they can do a one-year MS programme after BS, he added.
The BS programme, which will be equivalent to a four-year engineering degree, will allow students to major in one discipline in the fourth year, while they will have minors (for example, Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics) in the third year. “Based on the outcome, we want to replace BA with four-year BA honours degrees with the same structure as the BS programmes,” he said.
Recently, the Delhi University decided to introduce four-year undergraduate programmes from this academic year starting July.
The BU already has a four-year BS programme that was introduced in 2010. Also, the Indian Institute of Science offers a similar four-year BS programme in basic sciences. The eligibility for the BS programme is Class 12 or II PUC. Integrated Five-year Courses
This year, the university is starting a five-year integrated MSc in Earth and Atmospheric Sciences along with a five-year MSc in Biological Sciences, MA in Social Sciences and Master of Business Studies for PUC/Class 12 passed students. Also, a P-G diploma in Clinical Embryology and Assisted Reproductive Technology will be started this year.
Application forms can be downloaded from www.bangaloreuniversity.ac.in
The last date for submission of forms is June 14 or can be submitted with a penal fee of `100 before June 21.