Pvt colleges introduce new, innovative courses this academic year

Mangaluru: Several colleges under Mangalore University have come with undergraduate and postgraduate courses this academic year, in accordance with the National Education Policy (NEP)-2020.
The new courses aim at skill development, entrepreneurship, vocational training, inclusion, excellence and employability. As a result of NEP-2020, several private colleges have been approved to start new undergraduate (UG) and postgraduate (PG) courses. Sister M Venissa, principal of St Agnes College, said animation, nutrition and health science papers were introduced in the BA course. Under the BSc course, animation and nutrition and health sciences papers were added. Certificate courses include aviation, logistics and supply chain management, artificial intelligence and machine learning.
At Meredian College in Ullal, data analytics, cyber security and artificial intelligence courses have been added from this academic year, said Joby E C, director of the college.
St Aloysius College has many new and innovative UG and PG programmes. Principal Fr Praveen Martis said that its college campuses in the city and Kotekar, have introduced the course. The courses are available in the morning classes that start at 7am, regular college hours and during evening classes.
In the morning hours, the college has introduced new courses like BSc in visual communication, BSc in food science and chemistry, BSc in food science and biochemistry, and BCom apprenticeship or internship embedded. The new PG programme, MSc data science, offered at the Kotekar campus, is specially designed for professional training, for cutting-edge corporate careers.
The newly introduced course BVoc in renewable energy and management, is the most trending vocational programme for youth, and offers hands-on experience and skill acquisition for them. The programme is offered under the DDU Kaushal Kendra of the central government.
In the evening shift, the BVoc in software development and MCom in finance and analytics will be offered. In addition, the department of Kannada has designed an innovative and career oriented Kannada major course, integrated with a diploma or postgraduate diploma in creative communication.
Academicians pointed out that it is an absolute necessity to upgrade existing courses, and introduce new courses under NEP. “Some of the courses under Mangalore University are obsolete. It is high time they update them,” stressed an academician.
“Mangalore University is mulling to start BSc and MSc in yoga, and BSc or BA in geography courses. They are likely to be tabled in the next syndicate meeting. Meanwhile, Mangalore University is encouraging institutions to start new courses. However, it wishes that they ensure quality,” said P S Yadapadithaya, vice-chancellor, Mangalore University