The steady decline of enrolment of young people in science globally has been marked by the UNESCO as one of the pressing matters on its list of targets of Science Education. Consequently, the 1999 Budapest Declaration underlined the importance of science education for all.

Following is the Foreword of  UNESCO’s “Current challenges in basic science education” prepared after the meeting of International Group of Experts on Science and Mathematics Education Policies, Paris, 2009 :

“Indeed, science and mathematics education (SME) that is relevant and of quality can develop critical and creative thinking, help learners to understand and participate in public policy discussions, encourage behavioural changes that can put the world on a more sustainable path and stimulate socio-economic development. SME can therefore make a critical contribution to the achievement of the Millennium Development Goals adopted by the world’s leaders in 2020.”

The Department of Biotechnology, Ministry of Science & Technology, Government of India initiated Star College Scheme in 2008 to support colleges and universities offering undergraduate education to improve science teaching across the country. This Scheme was launched for improving critical thinking and encouraging ‘hands-on’ experimental science at undergraduate level in basic science subjects. On a larger perspective, the scheme was initiated envisioning that it shall encourage more students to take up higher education in science. Through this scheme the Department identifies colleges with potential for excellence and provides support for developing infrastructure for academics and laboratory activities. This support is in turn expected to invigorate teaching and provide unique exposure of students to experimental science. Starting with a meagre 30 colleges in 2008, this pan India scheme has supported science departments in more than 300 colleges all over the country till date.

Implementation of DBT Star Scheme at Indian Academy Degree College – Autonomous, Bengaluru, Karnataka

The Department of Biotechnology, Ministry of Science & Technology, Government of India Sanctioned DBT Star College Scheme in the year 2018  (No. BT/HRD/11/018/2018 dated 08.03.2018) for Four Departments viz., Biotechnology, Microbiology, Biochemistry and Chemistry. Since then, the Departments involved in the Star College Scheme meticulously focusing to accomplish its Goals and Objectives. The Scheme has greatly increased the ability to improve the Student Fraternity at all Levels. Apart from Financial Support, our College has benefited tremendously from the Guidance received from Task Force Meetings, Advisory Committee Meetings etc.,

Objectives :

• To strengthen the academic and physical infrastructure for achieving excellence in teaching and training.
• To enhance the quality of the learning and teaching process to stimulate original thinking through ‘hands–on’ exposure to experimental work and participation in summer schools.
• To promote networking and strengthen ties with neighbouring institutions (Inter and Intra Departments/ College) and other Research laboratories.
• To conduct specialized training programmes for faculty improvement for optimizing technical capabilities.
• To increase capabilities of core instrumentation resources by procuring new equipment and upgrading of existing facilities.
• To provide access and exposure to students to Research Laboratories and industries across the country
• To help in devising standard curricula and Standard Operating Procedures (SOP’s) / kits for practical’s.
• To provide better library facility to students and teachers.
• To inculcate Research interest among the Undergraduate Students through Short Term/ Mini Projects, Case Studies, Internships.
• To encourage students to pursue higher education in Science and Technology.  
• To promote Publication of Review/ Research articles in leading Peer reviewed Journals during their Undergraduate Programmes. 
• To sensitize Social Awareness among public on various Issues dealt with Environment and Sustainability.