Maths, physics not must, biz & agri students too can do engg

Maths, physics not must, biz & agri students too can do engg

Bridge Courses To Ensure Learning Outcomes: AICTE

Ragu.Raman@timesgroup.com

Chennai:12.03.2021 

In a move that could have far-reaching implications for engineering education in the country, the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) — the nodal statutory body for technical education — has made mathematics and physics at Class XII-level optional for admissions to BE and BTech courses from 2021-22.

Currently, Class XII-level maths and physics are mandatory for admission to undergraduate programmes in engineering and technology.

The approval process handbook for 2021-22 released by the AICTE has changed the eligibility criteria for UG admissions. Now, students have to pass 10+2 with any three of the following subjects: Physics / mathematics / chemistry / computer science / electronics / information technology / biology / informatics practices / biotechnology / technical vocational subject / agriculture / engineering graphics / business studies / entrepreneurship.

Candidates have to score 45% marks (for reserved category students it is 40% marks) in the above subjects taken together.

“Universities will offer suitable bridge courses such as mathematics, physics, engineering drawing for the students coming from diverse backgrounds to achieve learning outcomes of the programme,” AICTE said in its handbook.

The move has come under strong criticism from academicians who said mathematics is a foundation for all engineering degrees.

‘Maths must remain a compulsory subject’

Bridge course is a remedial course for those who are weak in mathematics. It cannot replace higher secondary-level mathematicswhichis a foundational course,” said S Vaidhyasubramaniam, VC, SASTRA university. The AICTE’s model curriculum for engineering programmes has mathematics running up to fifth semester in almost all programmes. “Mathematics and physics must be compulsory for allengineeringcourses,” hesaid.

However, AICTE chairman Anil D Sahasrabudhe told TOI: “It is not the question of option. The choice of three mandatory courses required as input to engineering education are expanded. Hence, for different disciplines there could be three different mandatorycourses.”

“If a student without maths is admitted,hewillbe requiredto do a lot of math courses in first year. Even earlier, direct second year entrants from diploma holders needed extra maths courses. This will bring a lot of flexibility in line with National Education Policy and in the new system of 5+3+3+4, there would be no arts, science and commerce streams. But still for understanding engineering, one will need maths, physicselsealot of bridge courses shall be required to come to the same level as those who have done physics and maths,” hesaid.

Rita John, head, department of theoretical physics, Madras University, and alsoadomain expert for physics, said: “Without physics and maths, the fundamental understanding of science will be very poor. Without a strongfoundation in science,our future engineers will not be able todo proper engineering.”

Professors say maths used to betaughtin seven outof eightsemesters and those students are generally good in engineering. As of now, maths is compulsory in three semesters and optional in the fourth. “Emerging areas such asdata science, artificialintelligence and machinelearning are all based on maths. Without knowing maths,studentscannot shine in these areas. It is not a good move,” said professor D Arivudainambi, department of mathematics,AnnaUniversity.

Anna University vice-chancellor M K Surappa said maths should remain a compulsory subject. “It is important even for courses like biological engineering and biotechnology. Mathematical knowledge helps students be more analytical and creative,” he said.