Biology to be part of engineering courses at VTU

The introduction of biology will be considered the first iteration policy, with the aim to make the education system autonomous, says Vice-Chancellor Karisiddappa. 

All engineering colleges under Visvesvaraya Technological University (VTU) will offer ‘Biology for Engineers’ as a subject from this academic year. It will be part of the ‘ability enhancement courses’ under the National Education Policy (NEP). The New Indian Express reported the curriculum is being drawn up, and the subject will be introduced for second year students too, so it helps those who want to gain lateral entry into engineering. 

Explaining the new addition to all engineering courses from this year, VTU Vice-Chancellor Karisiddappa said in the backdrop of COVID-19, engineers were seen working closely with doctors to design medical equipment, using advanced technology such as artificial neural, highlighting the need for the concept of biology in engineering courses. 

This will include the study of cells and blood flow, and there is also a need to understand the nervous system while working with artificial neural networks. 

Block chain technology, data analysis and simulations set to be added to curriculum: VC 

Apart from ‘Biology for Engineers’ as an ability enhancement course, block chain technology and data analysis and simulations are also set to be added to the curriculum, said Karisiddappa. The introduction of biology will be considered the first iteration policy, with the aim to make the education system autonomous. Colleges should think of opening new departments which are considered multi-disciplinary, he added. 

The university has also decided to offer BSc course from the current academic year 2021 in 66 affiliated colleges. The admission process for the BSc courses will be based on the Karnataka CET (KCET) 2021 ranks. 

Read more: 

• VTU to offer BSc course at engineering colleges in Karnataka 
• VTU releases odd semester calendar for 2021-22 academic year