ACADEMIC STAFF COLLEGE,
CHRIST (Deemed to be University), BANGALORE
QUALITY IMPROVEMENT PROGRAMME: 21-23 MAY 2018
“FRONTIER AREAS IN THE SUBJECT AND CURRICULUM UPDATION”
DEPARTMENT OF MATHEMATICS
REPORT

The Department of Mathematics organized the quality improvement program for the faculty during 21-23 May 2018. The theme of this QIP was “Frontier areas in the subject and curriculum updation”. The objectives of conducting this program were

• To equip the faculty in some of the frontier areas of Mathematics
•  To acquaint the faculty with the mega trend Computational Mathematics by using Python Programming
• To strategize and develop NET coaching by the faculty in identified areas

Day 1                 Monday  May 21st  2018
The speaker of session I was Prof Veeranagiah, Associate Professor, Cambridge Institute of Technology. He gave an Introduction to Python Programming. He began the session by presenting a background study on software and programming languages. First two sessions were mainly focussed on the introduction to python and various IDEs. He spoke about the advantage of using python through IDEs and helped us get familiarise with the execution of files via command prompt as well. The faculty had hands on Experience with Assignments in Python in Sessions III and IV. A brief description was given by Prof Veeranagiah on control structures and their syntax. The faculty solved a few problems on programming with Python using Spyder.  

Day 2                 Tuesday May 22nd 2018
Dr Hari Baskar led Sessions I and II on development of course material for Python programming for B Sc Mathematics 2nd year Papers. He explained the various functions and also demonstrated the execution of functions in python. He suggested some links to explore concepts. In session II, there was a discussion on development of course material for python programming for B.Sc Mathematics second year papers. The discussion was based on Course Learning Outcomes and Topics for Lab Sessions.  
In Sessions III and IV there was a presentation on Linear Algebra and its Applications. The speaker for the session was Dr Ashok Rao, former Head, Network Project, CEDT, IISC. The speaker gave an architectural and a historical perspective of the topic Linear Algebra. He ellaborated on the importance and history of linear Algebra and the contribution of Mathematicians to it. The applications of Linear Algebra in the page rank Algorithm, mobile Networks and Image processing were discussed at detail. He explained the concept of moderation as orthogonality. Finally, he concluded the session by emphasizing on the need of collaborations of people from Mathematics, Computer science and Electronics disciplines.

Day 3                 Wednesday May 23rd  2018
The speaker for sessions I and II was Dr. Boregowda from Tumkur University. He gave a talk on NET coaching for students based on his experience in preparing for NET/CSIR examination. According to him, the following are the key points to be considered for the preparation towards NET/CSIR examination.
•    Students must focus on conceptual understanding of the courses they learn as NET/CSIR examination on Mathematics aims at testing basic subject knowledge and the critical thinking ability oriented to Mathematics
•    The question paper pattern being followed for the NET / CSIR examination was discussed in detail and the blueprint of the question papers were analyzed in detail by analyzing the questions papers from 2016, 2017 etc.
The session III was handled by Dr Smita Nagouda. The session was focused on course conduct and evaluation techniques for Mathematics Lab papers. The following are the outcomes of the discussion:
•    Prerequisites must be clearly specified in the Lab manual so that instruction / learning is more focused.
•    For evaluation, the e-records can be submitted through Google Class room / Moodle. To the maximum, 7 marks is to be awarded for e-records.
•    Lab evaluations to be done in four stages :

•    The evaluated marks is to entered within the range of dates provided in the shared google spreadsheet, so that HOD approves the marks. Once HOD approves, the marks can be shared with the students.
•    Mid semester examination for the LAB must be conducted before Mid Semester Examination for Theory.
•    The detailed template for the Lab Manual along with the details of the course content and the evaluation strategy is prepared.
The Quality Improvement Programme was conducted successfully for three days and the objectives were met to a large extent. Dr TV Joseph gave the concluding remarks and encouraged the faculty to effectively implement the initiatives. In conclusion, Dr Tabitha R proposed vote of thanks.