Structure and Curriculum
Ashoka was established as a liberal arts research university. Students of Ashoka start querying the growth of human thought, origin, and growth of human civilization in general, Indian civilization in particular. They are introduced to the origin of scientific inquiry and the relationship and inter-dependence between science and other domains of human creativity and critical thinking. On this foundation, fundamental principles of physics are taught to all students, in a way that brings in both the elegance of principles of natural world and the complexity that is still needs to be unraveled. Subsequently, students are introduced to chemical, biological, and human worlds, not as independent disciplines, but as a continuum of the physical world. Mathematics would be taught as a language that connects all these disciplines of science and also as an abstract method by which we understand our surroundings.
Our model of education is concept-based and inquiry-driven, as opposed to the more traditional content-based models. Faculty at Ashoka pursue research in those areas that are related to the topics they teach undergraduate students. The vision is to integrate research and teaching at all levels of science education. Sciences at Ashoka will be rooted in experiments, but these will not take the rigid “objectives, apparatus, method, conclusion” form. Students learn both through taught courses in the classrooms, employing experimental methods in labs, and involved in research with faculty. Students are also exposed to frontiers of science through seminars, symposia, and national and international conferences that are routinely organized on the campus of Ashoka.
The undergraduate program in Biology is targeted at students, who have strong interests in Biology (Biology Major) as well as those who are interested in learning more about Biology or for meeting their scientific temperament needs (Biology Minor). Courses are taught keeping in mind those students may or may not have a prior introduction to basic concepts of Biology.
Courses for Biology majors will provide a strong foundation for research and as well as for careers in the biological sciences, medicine, pharmaceutical and biotech industry, teaching, and other related fields. A prospective Biology major student is required to complete 10 core courses in Biology and suggested optional courses in Science and Biology along with the mandatory requirement of 9 foundation courses.For detailed information about the department, teaching programs, and course information, please check our Department’s Handbook.
