CHENNAI: With declining interest for basic science courses among students, more arts and science colleges in Chennai and suburbs plan to introduce
BSc computer science
degree course with
artificial intelligence
and
data science specialisation
.
As many as 24 colleges out of 46 arts and science colleges under
Madras University
wish to start BSc computer science programmes for 2024-25 academic year, a university source said.
Among them, 13 colleges plan to start BSc computer science with data science and 11 colleges want to start the course with specialisation in artificial intelligence.
Further, some colleges also want to start courses such as BCom computer applications, BCA and BSc psychology.
Among the post-graduate courses, four colleges want to start MSc (AI and data science) and MSc computer science programmes.
"The craze of AI and data science in engineering programmes is now spreading to arts and science colleges," said S Santhosh Baboo, a professor in computer science and principal of DG Vaishnav College.
"These courses will have very good job opportunities for students," he added.
In the last few years, interest in courses such as BSc maths, physics has taken a hit.
"Students want to study application-oriented courses rather than basic sciences because of the placements," said Uma Gowrie, principal of Ethiraj College for Women.
To fill up seats, now colleges are planning to relaunch basic science degrees with emerging areas as well. For example, colleges are now redesigning BSc maths programme as BSc maths with data science.
"Popularity of artificial intelligence is the main reason for colleges opting to start these courses. These courses may provide employment to students," said P Duraisamy, former vice-chancellor of Madras University.
He further suggested starting interdisciplinary courses in place of basic sciences to attract more students towards these courses.
As many as four trusts have applied to the university seeking permission to start new colleges in city outskirts including Mannivakkam, Avadi, New Perungalathur and Maduranthakam.
Madras University presently has 134 arts and science colleges within its jurisdiction.
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