Enrol Now for BITS Pilani Online B.Sc. in Computer Science in 2024

June 15th 2024 is the last date of application! This online B.Sc program by BITS Pilani is a big opportunity to be part of a legacy. Imagine this, from the comfort of your home, you will be future-ready in the ever-evolving tech world.

In a groundbreaking move, the Birla Institute of Technology and Science (BITS), Pilani, one of India’s premier engineering institutions, has launched an online Bachelor of Science in Computer Science program. This initiative, available exclusively on Coursera, promises to revolutionise the way technical education is imparted in the country.

Unique Selling Points (USPs)

1. Global Recognition: The program is offered by BITS Pilani, an alma mater to successful founders, entrepreneurs, and Fortune 500 leaders. It is one of only ten private universities recognised as an Institute of Eminence by the Ministry of Education, Government of India.
2. Industry-Ready Curriculum: The curriculum is designed in collaboration with multiple corporate partners, ensuring that students acquire job-relevant skills. As part of the program, students will work on multiple industry projects, ensuring practical exposure.
3. 100% Online Flexibility: The program is delivered entirely online, allowing students to learn at their own pace. There are no offline examinations, and students can engage in live discussions and Q&A sessions with BITS Pilani faculty.
4. Milestone Credentials: Students have the option to convert their earned credits into credentials at regular intervals. They can exit with a diploma at the end of Year Two, a bachelor’s degree at the end of Year Three, or opt for an honours degree at the end of Year Four.
5. Open Eligibility Criteria: The program is open to all, irrespective of their prior educational background. Even those without a background in Science or Mathematics can apply.
6. Comprehensive Skill Development: The program covers in-demand technical skills like Machine Learning, Data Structures, Algorithms, Human Computer Interaction, and Web/App Development. It also emphasizes essential workplace skills such as leadership, problem-solving, and communication.
7. Global Community: Enrolling in this program means joining a global community of learners. Students can interact, collaborate, and network with peers worldwide.
8. Academic Rigor: The program maintains the high standards associated with BITS Pilani, ensuring continuous evaluations and a top-tier learning experience.
9. Alumni Network: Graduates will become part of an exclusive network of over 165,000 BITS alumni, which includes successful entrepreneurs, industry leaders, engineers, scientists, and academics.

Who is this Course For?

If you belong to any of the below categories, you can take this BSc in Computer Science course. 

• High school graduates, regardless of whether they have a science background, looking to build a career in the IT industry.
• Students already enrolled in another degree program who are looking to add to their qualifications with a second degree from a top-ranked institution.
• Working professionals who cannot enrol in an on-campus program due to time constraints or other reasons.
• Business owners who cannot afford to relocate or need to manage their time effectively.
• Anyone looking to switch careers to IT or Computer Science.

Potential Outcomes After Completing this BSc in Computer Science Course 

Graduates will be qualified to pursue the follower roles. 

1. Systems Engineer: Professionals who work on the planning, design, and implementation of complex system projects.
2. Data Analyst: Professionals who analyse data to help companies make informed decisions.
3. Application Developer: Professionals who develop software applications using various programming languages and tools.
4. Software Engineer: Professionals who apply principles of software engineering to the design, development, maintenance, testing, and evaluation of software and systems.
5. Full Stack Developer: Professionals who have expertise in both front-end and back-end development, capable of working on all aspects of an application.
6. Web Programmer: Professionals who specialise in developing web-based applications.

Learning Methodology in the BSc Degree Course

The learning methodology here aims to provide a comprehensive, flexible, and interactive learning experience. It combines theoretical knowledge with practical skills and networking opportunities. 

The Overall Learning Experience

Complete Online Learning 

The programme is designed to be completed entirely online. Students will be able to maintain a balance between their studies and other life commitments. The online format includes both recorded and live lectures. And they are going to be supplemented with doubt-clearing sessions to address students’ queries.

Regular Assessment and Evaluation

Students will be assessed through a variety of methods including quizzes conducted every two weeks, assignments, case studies, and lab exercises spread over the duration of each course. A comprehensive final examination will be held at the end of each course in a remote proctored environment.

How Much Time Are You Going to Devote?

Students are expected to dedicate approximately 25 hours per week for each semester. Each semester, except the final one, will comprise 6 courses, with students taking 3 courses simultaneously. Each course requires an investment of about 8 hours per week, including live teaching sessions with the faculty.

Networking While Learning 

Global Learning Community 

The programme facilitates regular opportunities for students to connect, collaborate, and network with a global community of learners through Coursera’s Zoom and Slack integrations.

Group Projects 

Students will have the opportunity to work on real-world group projects, applying the knowledge they have gained and learning to collaborate with their peers.

Gain Practical Experience in Real-Time

BITS Virtual Labs 

This is a cloud-based simulation space where students can design, develop, and test solutions remotely. It allows students to perform experiments, complete lab exercises, and solve complex industry-scale problems without the need to visit a physical facility.

Coursera Labs

This platform allows students to work on projects and assignments directly in a browser without the need for environment setup or software downloads. It supports a range of tools including Jupyter Notebook, RStudio, and VS Code. It can also be used to create custom applications to help students practice and apply skills in various fields.

Course Curriculum – From Core Courses to Specialised Tracks

Core Courses 

Course No.	Course Title
BCS ZC313	Introduction to Programming
BCS ZC228	Introduction to Computing Systems
BCS ZC216	Computer Systems and Performance
BCS ZC215	Command Line Interfaces and Scripting
BCS ZC311	Data Structures and Algorithms
BCS ZC212	Algorithm Design
BCS ZC316	Object Oriented Programming
BCS ZC317	Relational Databases
BCS ZC234	Programming for Mobile Devices
BCS ZC238	Web Programming
BCS ZC232	Operating Systems
BCS ZC236	Software Design Principles
BCS ZC214	Building Database Applications
BCS ZC211	Software Development Practices
BCS ZC231	Network Programming and Client-Server Programming
BCS ZC222	Formal Languages and Applications

Foundation Courses

Mathematics Foundation

Course No.	Course Title
BCS ZC219	Discrete Mathematics
BCS ZC230	Linear Algebra and Optimization
BCS ZC233	Probability and Statistics
BCS ZC112	Introduction to Logic

Science and Engineering Foundation

Course No.	Course Title
BCS ZC223	General Biology*
BSC ZC240	General Physics*
BCS ZC111	Basic Electronics

Humanities Foundation

Course No.	Course Title
BCS ZC151	Writing Practice
BCS ZC113	Online Social Media*
BCS ZC114	Video Games – Technology and Social Impacts*

Other Courses

Course No.	Course Title
BCS ZC220	Environmental Studies
BCS ZC229	Introduction to Economics*
BCS ZC235	Science, Technology and Modernity*

Courses marked with an asterisk (*) indicate that you will only be able to choose one course from each foundation domain.

Elective Courses 

Course No.	Course Title
BCS ZC224	Graphs and Networks
BCS ZC213	Automata and Computability
BCS ZC221	Experimental Algorithmics
BCS ZC227	Introduction to Bioinformatics
BCS ZC217	Data Visualization
BCS ZC312	Introduction to Data Analytics
BCS ZC315	Multicore and GPGPU Programming
BCS ZC237	TCP/IP and Internet
BCS ZC226	Information Security
BCS ZC225	Human Computer Interaction
BCS ZC218	Designing Multimodal Interfaces
BCS ZC314	Modern Databases

Specialised Tracks

There are four specialised tracks where students can choose one. 

1. Application Development (Full Stack)
2. Computing Systems and Systems Programming
3. Databases and Data Analytics
4. Algorithmics & Theoretical Computer Science

Flexible Exit and Optional 4th Year

This Bachelor of Science in Computer Science programme offers a flexible exit option and the possibility of an optional 4th year. These are great options for many students. 

What is the Flexible Exit Option?

The programme is designed to allow students to earn credentials at various milestones throughout their study period. This means that if a student chooses to exit the program early, they can still leave with a recognised credential. 

The specifics are as follows.

End of Year Two 

Students have the option to exit the program with a diploma. This would typically cover foundational and some core courses, providing students with a basic understanding and skill set in computer science.

End of Year Three

At the end of the third year, students can choose to exit the program with a bachelor’s degree. This would signify the completion of a standard undergraduate programme, with a comprehensive understanding of the core areas of computer science.

Optional 4th Year

The programme also mentions the possibility of an additional 4th year, which would allow students to earn an honours degree. This optional year would likely involve more specialised study. 

Students will be able to delve deeper into one of the specialised tracks mentioned. This would provide students with a more advanced skill set and potentially open up more career opportunities.

But do note that this 4th year is “to be confirmed” and is “subject to internal approvals from BITS Pilani academic council”. It may indicate that this option might not be available yet, or details are still being finalised.

Tuition Fee

For Indian students, the total tuition fee for six semesters will be INR 3,13,000. Refer to the break up of the fee for each semester in the screenshot below. 

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