Integrated and Interdisciplinary Sciences (i2Sc) is a 5-year BS-MS Program started by IISER Thirvananthapuram

Indian Institute of Science Education and Research Thiruvananthapuram (IISER TVM) has introduced a 5-year BS-MS Flagship Program called Integrated and Interdisciplinary Sciences (i²Sc). The newly-conceptualised BS-MS i²Sc programs in Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics and Physics aim to train the students with a distinct flair of applied aspects of modern science cutting across the traditional borders between various subjects. Along with this, the i² -Data Sciences program integrates the new and fast expanding field of data science with the methods and techniques of the basic sciences. This program also aligns with the National Education Policy 2020.

The i² Sc programme includes 5 different streams, each based on a core discipline and associated thematic areas (i² Biological Sciences, i² Chemical Sciences, i² Mathematical Sciences, i² Physical Sciences, i² Data Sciences). At the end of the common Foundation Courses taught over the first two years, students may opt for any ONE of these five streams to study advanced courses in the core discipline and specialise in the associated thematic areas, culminating in a year-long research project in the year five.

Each of the five streams offers a unique, yet integrated paradigm to gain analytic and cognitive skills based on an interdisciplinary curriculum and training in research. The new frontier, i² Data Science, also fits in harmoniously with other streams as well as with regular science programmes of the Institute in its applicability, in addressing both frontier research as well as real-world problems.

Speaking about the unique course pedagogy and industry-oriented curriculum of the i²Sc programme, Prof. J.N. Moorthy, Director, IISER TVM, said, “The unique curriculum of IISER TVM provides its students a veritable learning experience with an integrated course content and interdisciplinary research exposure. The programs being offered by the Institute take its students through rigorous training and prepares them for competing at the global level. Our programs expose the students to collaborative research across disciplines preparing them for the unforeseen challenges of tomorrow .”

The curriculum includes courses in allied topics like Scientific Communication, Intellectual Property Rights (IPR), Entrepreneurship and Ethics to contextualise the learning experience. Included are opportunities to inculcate soft skills that are essential for the future success of the highly skilled graduates of the programme.