From Director’s Desk

School of Sciences Prof. Chetana Kamlaskar

Greetings!!

I would like to extend my warmest welcome to the School of Sciences at Yashwantrao Chavan Open University, Nashik. The School of Sciences (Formerly, The School of Architecture, Science, and Technology (AST)) was founded in 1989 with a vision to offer cutting-edge and affordable education in the disciplines of Architecture, Science and Technology to cater the evolving needs of society. Since its inception, the school is being committed to offer high quality academic programmes to a diverse range of learners with comprehensive learning support services, by virtue of open and distance education. However, currently this institution offers a broad selection of school programmes only in  Science discipline viz Certificate, Diplomas, Undergraduates (UG), Postgraduates (PG) and Doctoral (PhD) programmes to suffice personal and professional needs, interests and aspirations of learners. Our school programmes are meticulously crafted by renowned subject experts, reflecting a comprehensive approach aimed at maintaining the highest standards and norms in both education and examinations.

Presently, school offers science programmes in Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, Statistics, and Life Sciences which are thoughtfully designed to foster deep understanding of scientific principles, critical thinking skills, personal development and enhance career options. These particular programmes are duly approved by the University Grants Commission (UGC)/DEB, New Delhi. The School also fully complies with the Regulations laid down by "UGC ODL Programmes".

In line with the transformative features of the National Education Policy 2020 (NEP 2020), we have implemented a learner-centric postgraduate curriculum that encourages our learners to acquire knowledge and gaining skills along with valuable experience through hands-on activities, projects and internships. This curriculum is carefully crafted with multiple entry and exit options, and to strengthen learner's ability to solve problems, expand knowledge base, work independently, think critically and find new ways to apply scientific concepts to benefit society.

Further, we have introduced a four-year B.Sc.(Honours)(Environmental Science) undergraduate programme with multiple exit options from AY2025-26. The undergraduate programmes are enriched with today's National Education Policy (NEP-2020) that offer a unique blend of theory, research and activity-based learning skills, promoting ancient Indian knowledge systems and values in the curriculum including minors, electives, field projects, OJT etc.,. Thus, the designed curriculum enables to develop a comprehensive perspective while providing a learning experiences to enrich intellectual and personal development and enhance career options for learners as well.

As a school, we are dedicated to provide an educational environment that nurtures the growth and development of our learners. So we have recognized Learner Support Centres (LSCs) for each offered programmes. The LSCs plays a crucial role in achieving this objective. These LSCs are predominantly located within Senior Science Colleges and offer programmes from the Science Discipline. Our School follows UGC norms of teaching and learning for theory, practical and project work in face-to-face mode. These activities are carried out by qualified and experienced counsellors who work at LSCs for Science programmes. In addition of this, the LSCs also provide various academic, administrative and information services to learners. Hence, we encourage learners to seek guidance, take advantage of the resources available, and actively participate in practical and project activities to maximize their learning potential. These LSCs are periodically evaluated and graded by this school to maintain academic excellence and ensure effective learning experiences for our learners in accordance with UGC guidelines.

In open and distance learning mode, learning material is a crucial element. Hence, for each programme, school has developed a valuable learning resource known as Self-Learning Material (SLM) - books/Lab activity manuals which cover the complete syllabus of each course, and easy-to-follow audio-video lectures (few courses) to facilitate learning. This material is self-contained, self-directed, meticulously designed and developed based on instructional pedagogy to empower learners to study independently with ease, and freely accessible in a digital (Softcopy/PDF) format. Learners can now download learning materials free of cost from our University's website. This approach not only contributes to global environmental conservation but also helps us keep our academic program fees affordable.

The School of Sciences is committed to give everyone an educational opportunity through our science programmes. Nearly 20,000 learners are enrolled for Science programmes of this School and the quality of our pass-out students is highly satisfactory with regards to the purpose of education. Together, let us embrace the opportunities for growth, exploration, and scientific advancement.

I wish you all the very best for the successful career ahead.