Department of Biotechnology
Ministry of Science & Technology
- Government of India
Star College Scheme
“Star College Scheme” has been initiated by DBT to support colleges offering undergraduate education to improve science teaching. The programme aims to improve the skills of teachers by organising faculty training, improved curriculum and emphasis on practical training to students by providing access to specialised infrastructure and consumables.
DBT aims to enhance conceptual clarity, development of scientific thinking and creativity among students. It will also envisage interactive participation among different scientific disciplines and departments with a holistic approach towards science rather than compartmentalized thinking, which is the sole purpose of Star College Scheme.
VPM’s B. N. Bandodkar College of Science sent the proposal for Star College Scheme on 23rd July 2014. The funds under Star College scheme was awarded on 7th June 2015. The 1st Instalment was released on 29th September2015.
DBT extends financial assistance under Star College Scheme to the various Science departments. VPM’s B. N. Bandodkar College of Science received the financial assistance for Physics, Chemistry, Zoology and Botany departments.
Star college scheme committee comprises of the following members:
1. Principal
2. DBT representative/DBT nominee
3. IQAC coordinator
4. Over all coordinator for star
5. Heads of the four departments
6. Departmental coordinators of the four departments
7. Librarian
8. Office Staff members of SCS
9. External advisors from four departments
Dr.(Ms) Moitreyee Saha (HOD Botany Department) is working as overall coordinator.
External advisors for Physics, Zoology, Chemistry and Botany departments are Dr. Rajesh B. Khaparde (Homi Bhabha Center for Science Education),Dr. Shashi Menon (TDM laboratory, Matunga), Dr. Girish Pusalkar ( Vaze-Kelkar College, Mulund) and Dr. P. M. Dongre (Dept. of Bio-Physics, University of Mumbai).
New experiments have been added to the curriculum to make the learning process more experiment-oriented and equipments have been purchased to permit more students to individually handle both regular and relatively new equipments. The departments have also brought out books. The fund has enabled the respective departments to organize field trips, guest lectures, workshops, hands-on training, for both faculty and students. Research acumen is instilled among the UG students doing projects under this scheme as a result of which the aspiration to pursue further study /research will be strongly seeded in their young minds.
Activities Conducted under Star college Scheme by the Departments:-
Guest Lectures
Practicals
Study Tours
Workshops
Project Reports
Interdepartmental Activities