DU to offer 4-yr B.Sc. course soon
New Delhi: With an aim to bring science education at par with American model, after examining the suggestion proposed by three academies —Indian Academy of Science, Bangalore, Indian National Science Academy, New Delhi, and the National Academy of Sciences, Allahabad, proposed in October 2008, the University Grants Commission (UGC) and Delhi University (DU) may soon offer a four year B.Sc. Programme. After completing four year B.Sc. course students would be able to enroll for a dual M.Sc. and Ph.D. course. Those wanting to opt out a year after enrolling in the dual course would get an M.Sc. degree. At present, a Life Sciences student does not and cannot study mathematics, and vice versa, due to rigid structures. If the new system gets good response, it could also be extended to other streams such as humanities, especially economics. Many important universities are likely to adopt the new four-year system. Showing good response to the plan, Sukhdeo Thorat, UGC chairperson said, "We...