Presidency University puts off integrated course

The Presidency University council on Monday put on hold its decision to replace separate post graduation degrees in botany, physiology and zoology in place of an integrated degree in bio-sciences from the current session, under pressure from existing students.

The students protested the decision as unfair, saying they had been offered specializations in these three subjects at the time of signing up post graduation in Bio-Sciences by combining several departments including Botany, Physiology and Zoology. On Monday, the constant pressure from the undergraduate students of the university forced the council to offer simultaneous M.Sc degree in Botany, Zoology and Physiology along with Biological Sciences. However the relief is only for students of Presidency University.

As of now, Presidency will have four simultaneous MSc courses - in botany, physiology, zoology and the integrated bio-sciences. "Students from other universities can take admissions in the M.Sc bio-sciences course. They will not have access to the three individual subjects. There are a total of 50 seats in bio-sciences. Of that, 30 seats will be reserved for students from Presidency University and the remaining 20 will be offered to those from other universities. Those who would want to take up specialized M.Sc courses will have to compete within the 30 seats which are for Presidency students in the bio-sciences."