The high speed of computing and data processing coupled with disruptive technologies has ushered in a whole new world that is marked by convergence of diverse fields and a phenomenal pace of change. Skill sets and competencies are getting obsolete and redundant by the day. Servicing the job sector and the entrepreneurial landscape has become a big challenge. Traditional degrees are no more equipping graduates with necessary skills. The need of the hour is to foster adaptability, creativity, innovation and critical thinking among students to prepare them to navigate diverse career paths. Against this backdrop, the significance of the Internationally proven interdisciplinary education can hardly be over emphasized. The University, since inception in 2018, introduced the dynamic interdisciplinary pedagogy in order to equip students with knowledge across disciplines, transcending traditional academic boundaries, and prepare them for real-world challenges that require multifaceted solutions. The New Education Policy 2020 further reinforced its commitment towards the interdisciplinary education and has become a very beneficial reference policy document. Realizing the full potential of interdisciplinary education has always been a distinctive priority with the University.
The University was among the foremost private universities in India to introduce an interdisciplinary mode of education in spite of its high operational cost and logistical challenges. It offered a range of open interdisciplinary electives and minors, integrated them with domain programs through a choice-based credit system and made it an essential part of the curricula across all undergraduate programs. Emphasis from the beginning has been on additional skill building through immersive and experiential project-based learning.
Open Electives :Student is free to choose an Open Elective of his/her choice, outside the major domain, in a semester and earn 3 credits for the subject studied. In this way a student has to earn 9 credits over the three semesters in which open electives are being offered. This enables students to gain three additional skill sets besides their core area of study.
Minor :Likewise, a student can choose to study six subjects in a particular area of specialization (two subjects per semester), and is required to earn a total of 18 credits over the three semesters to earn a minor degree in an additional area of specialization. This is not related to his/her major domain.
In this manner, all undergraduate students at the University attain holistic education, gain multiple skills that equip them with knowledge across disciplines and are better prepared for different sectors. They also become adaptable, innovative and critical thinkers in the process.
Some of the open electives / minors being offered by the University include Web Designing, Data Analytics, Entrepreneurship and Startups, Media Management, Culinary Art, French Language, MS Office, Robotics and Automation, Sustainable Development, IOT, Digital Marketing and Carbon Emission and Control.
Passion Programs (PROPS): Quantum embraces the holistic development of its students. PROPS allow them to pursue their passions in non-academic areas like sports, music, art, and social work. This promotes well-rounded individuals with strong emotional intelligence and leadership skills, while providing a welcome reprieve from academic pressures.
Interdisciplinary Projects and Collaboration: Quantum encourages students from different disciplines to collaborate on real-world projects. This encourages teamwork, communication, and problem-solving skills while providing them with a deeper understanding of how diverse perspectives can be applied to complex challenges.
Faculty Expertise and Collaboration: Quantum has assembled a diverse team of faculty members with expertise in various fields. This allows for cross-disciplinary teaching and ensures students receive guidance from experts in multiple areas.
Significance in the Context of NEP 2020
Quantum's interdisciplinary approach aligns perfectly with the NEP 2020's emphasis on flexibility, holistic development, and breaking down academic silos. Its early adoption of these principles positions QUANTUM as a leader in educational innovation and a model for other institutions seeking to implement similar reforms.
Implementing interdisciplinary learning presents challenges, such as:
Quantum acknowledges these challenges and actively works to overcome them through:
The university also continuously explores new learning methodologies and partnerships to enhance its interdisciplinary offerings.
The initial years were not without challenges. Resistance to change, both within the institution and from traditional education norms, presented obstacles. However, Quantum University demonstrated resilience by continuously refining its approach. Feedback mechanisms were established, and adjustments were made to address emerging challenges, resulting in a dynamic and responsive interdisciplinary curriculum.
Student-Centric Approach
The success of Quantum University's interdisciplinary focus is rooted in its commitment to putting students at the centre of the learning experience. Early on, the university established academic counselling services to guide students in selecting majors and minors that aligned with their interests and career goals. This personalized approach contributed to a sense of ownership and enthusiasm among the student body.
Alignment with Industry Demands
Quantum University's foresight in adopting an interdisciplinary approach aligned perfectly with the changing landscape of industry demands. As industries increasingly sought professionals with versatile skill sets, Quantum's graduates were uniquely positioned to meet these requirements. The university's close ties with industry partners facilitated internships, collaborative projects, and guest lectures, further enhancing the practical relevance of its programs.
Over the years, the interdisciplinary mode has evolved to become an inalienable pedagogical tool at the University. All undergraduate students are harvesting rich benefits of this system in their professional and well as personal lives. For instance, in the academic year 2021-22 out of 45 students of B.Com Program, 40 students opted for diverse minor programs like Data Analytics, Entrepreneurship and Startup, Media Management and MS Office. The remaining 5 opted for open electives. Likewise, out of 473 B.Tech students in academic year 2022-23, 105 opted for minors like Culinary Art, French Language, Media Management, etc. while 368 students opted for open electives like Digital Marketing, Entrepreneurship, IOT, Data Analytics, Robotics, Carbon Emission and Control, etc. In the same year out of 145 BBA students, 49 opted for minors as diverse as Data Analytics, Web Designing, French, etc while 96 students opted for the open electives. The University is truly working in tandem with the NEP to apply the interdisciplinary pedagogy for the wholesome benefit of the students.
Similar trend was observed in subsequent academic years where students responded animatedly to the options of open electives and minors and reaped rich dividends in terms of skill building, personal confidence, placements and performance on the industry floor. Placement in blue chip companies at respectable packages is testimony to the many advantages that interdisciplinary education has brought to the students at the University. Companies like BY JUs (7 lakhs), BIT CS (8 L), HCL (6 L), Reliance (7L), Wizkulb (7.4L) and many more have offered handsome packages to the students on the basis of their multiple skills and have repeatedly visited the University Campus.
Empowered by diverse skill sets, students are presenting startup ideas with much greater confidence. Students of technology, having gained insight into entrepreneurship and startup ecosystem through an interdisciplinary minor/elective are better equipped to nurture their business ideas under care and guidance of the University incubation centre, The Genesis. Likewise, management or humanities students are joining hands with other disciplines to conceive interdisciplinary projects.
The interdisciplinary pedagogy has also brought about lot of inter-departmental collaboration between students as well as faculty for innovative and creative projects. There are growing number of instances where students and faculty have joined hands for innovative patents. For instance, the patent for ‘Smart Irrigation System’ is a inter-departmental, interdisciplinary patent that was published in June 2020-22 and includes students as well as faculty as inventors. As such, the interdisciplinary, innovative methodology has not just benefitted the students but also the teaching fraternity. It has helped the faculty to become more creative in its approach and to explore different perspectives of engaging students as well as collaborating beyond the confines of their domain.
Quantum University, Roorkee is a shining example of the benefits of interdisciplinary education. Its strong commitment to this educational style has significantly influenced its students and set a model for the future of higher education. By promoting critical thinking, adaptability, and a passion for learning, Quantum equips its graduates for success in a world that values teamwork, innovation, and varied viewpoints.
