GUWAHATI, Aug 31 - The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Guwahati has launched four new programmes for the academic session 2019-2020.
The new programmes, launched by the institute located at North Guwahati, include M Tech in Data Science, and three international programmes with Gifu University of Japan � International Joint Master�s Degree Programme in Food Science and Technology, International Joint PhD Programme in Food Science and Technology and International Joint PhD Programme in Integrated Mechanical Engineering.
The four new programmes have been initiated by the institute while catering to the rising demand and interest of students in these areas.
�We believe that the four newly-launched programmes will be a trendsetter academically and a game changer professionally. We look forward to collaborating with top world class universities in such unique programmes,� said Professor TG Sitharam, Director of IIT Guwahati.
He added that the new curriculum is designed keeping in view the diversity of the students, besides on interdisciplinary areas and with emphasis on the foundation subjects.
�The focus of the programmes is on the study, invention and creative use of technologies. They are intended to create effective, usable and entertaining experiences with technology through interdisciplinary research in engineering, design, behavioural and social sciences, and to understand the impact of technology on individuals, groups and organisations. The institute envisions producing successful graduates who will be capable of leading the changing scenarios of tomorrow through innovation, in-depth thought and values,� Professor Sitharam said.
Officials at IIT Guwahati said that automation is taking the front seat in technology these days and it percolating to every aspect of business, engineering and science.
�Today, automation is bringing about a new information revolution. Its root stems from the inter-disciplinary domain which includes artificial intelligence, data mining, machine learning and data analytics. At IIT Guwahati, independent efforts to offer related courses across departments, besides to conduct and carry out research and development studies and train resources are adding momentum to the field,� said an official.
The existing M Tech programme in the Department of Computer Science and Engineering (CSE) and the Department of Electronics and Electrical Engineering (EEE) demand specific background, whereas fields like artificial intelligence, machine learning and data mining, which are interdisciplinary, needs flexible background requirements and specialised and focused training.
�Given the interdisciplinary nature of the M Tech in Data Science programme, with diverse student background and the fact that three departments are coming forward to offer this programme, the committee of the institute came up with the proposal of having five core courses comprising of ten modules, seven laboratory courses, four electives and two projects,� the official said.
The institute has begun its first international degree from this academic year with formal registration of students from Gifu University, Japan, at IIT Guwahati.
Following agreements signed with Gifu University, bilateral movement of at least 14 undergraduate and post-graduate students has started for the three programmes on International Joint Master�s Degree in Food Science and Technology, International Joint PhD in Food Science and Technology and International Joint PhD in Integrated Mechanical Engineering.
As part of the agreement between the two institutes, four Japanese students, including three girls from Gifu University have enrolled for the programme and are visiting IIT Guwahati for six months this year. Similarly, four Indian students from IIT Guwahati have enrolled for this programme in July 2019 and would be visiting the Japan-based university for six months in 2020.
The courses, laboratory work and projects for the programmes will be jointly taught and supervised by faculty members of both the institutions.
These joint degree programmes are also expected to enhance the industrial interaction among Japanese industries and those in the North East region, said the official.
