Prof Dr Subarna Sakya is the Assistant Dean at the Institute of Engineering (IOE) and Professor of Computer and Electronics Department. He is also one of the course designers of Bachelor of Science in Computer Science and Information Technulogy (B.Sc.CSIT), at Tribhuvan University (TU). He shares his experiences with Ashok Poudel and Bishwas Regmi of The Corporate. Excerpt:
What are reasons behind the student’s getting attracted more towards B.Sc.CSIT course in the recent times?
Information Technology (IT) course has become one of the most preferred among the students because of its importance in our daily life. It is the area where the market is booming with job opportunities. Today’s youngsters and students are well informed and they want to pursue specialized courses where job prospects are high. We are also providing internship during their final year of the course. It will help them to get accustomed with the work atmosphere.
How successful are the colleges in providing this cousre?
We have revised the course, seeking help from the experts, with an aim to provide professional learning environment. Lack of experienced teachers has created a major problem in putting the idea into practice. The new course was structured while keeping in mind about the new trend and work culture globally. This will help our students in getting internship in the industry. Similarly, the colleges are also imparting project-based education nowadays.
In what ways is the B.Sc.CSIT different from other IT and computer science related courses?
Basically, IT courses are designed to give knowledge about practical application along with theoretical knowledge while computer science course gives theoretical knowledge only. Unlike other courses B.Sc.CSIT offers education on both IT and computer science at the same time. It will equip students with both theoretical and practical knowledge.
There is a huge disappointment among the students that most of the courses in TU do not include practical education. Why?
It is unfair to say that the TU courses have failed to include practical education. The colleges are having problem in connecting with the companies. It seems that the companies are not willing to take students for internship. Unless these students get an opportunity, the chances of generating skilled manpower will be very less. The company should understand that they will get benefitted from our students during their placement.
How relevant is the course in the Nepali market?
The B.Sc.CSIT course is applicable to generate global manpower, useful everywhere, be it in Nepal or any part in the world. The course is not only relevant to the domestic market but is meant for creating skilled manpower needed across the world.
How can the course be improved to make it practical in all ways?
The course equally emphasizes on both practical and theoretical knowledge. The concerned authorities must monitor whether the colleges have appropriate laboratory facility or not. The colleges should organise lecture as well as interactive session with the employees of relevant sector.
What are your suggestions to the students aspiring to pursue this course?
Students must be sincere towards the subject they are going to study. They should be well informed about practical application of the course after finishing it. They should concentrate on learning the skill from the ground level rather than focusing only on getting high score.
