Think of ways to get students ‘high’ on science subjects

It’s a trend that could undermine the very sovereignty of the nation.

As more and more students opt for engineering courses, and as the pure sciences get neglected, Professor Joselin Jose of the Department of Physics at St. Joseph’s College in the city expressed her concerns to Maitreyee Boruah. Prof Jose is also coordinator of the certificate course in space and rocket dynamics that her college offers, in association with the Indian Space Research Organisation.

How would you explain the fact that fewer students opt to take up the BSc degree?
Science courses have become unattractive. Pursuing the pure science does not offer the certitude of a job. Students thus prefer to take up professional courses.

Colleges too are neglecting science education. If we do not have enough students taking up science, the quality of scientific research will be poor. This is an issue that needs to be addressed with some urgency already.

Meanwhile, it has not helped that the government has stopped giving grants to educational institutions. There is more money to be made in business and management, and so teaching jobs are not so attractive.

The government ought to be proactive in encouraging science courses and helping students studying science find jobs. Colleges should tie up with private companies to help students land jobs, so that the basic sciences can become a viable career option.

Do you think the lack of demand for an education in the pure sciences will be reversed?
Yes, I believe that the educational trends we see now will pass. Colleges and the government need to work on policy. Science is fascinating and teachers should be able to inspire some of that thrill in youngsters. Those with a passion for the subject should also be encouraged to take up scientific research as a career.

What research areas do you think would be in great demand in future?
It’s hard to tell, but personally I feel astronomy and rocket dynamics are going to be hot subjects. These are branches where there is much to be done, and young people are inspired by these areas of research. Branches like biology and environment science too offer a range of options to those interested.

What could be done to draw students back to the pure sciences?
We need to look at the science courses to see what could be incorporated, so that students who pass out of colleges in the country are as good as the best in the world. We need special training for science teachers, so that they can train students properly.

Colleges could tie up with premier technology institutes like Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs). Science societies could be formed in schools and colleges, so that there are many activities, projects and experiments to awaken students to the thrill of a life pursuing science. Students should come to these subjects not out of fear, but high on enthusiasm.