B. Tech Curriculum-2024 - Major Objectives
B. Tech Curriculum-2024 - Major Objectives
UNIVERSITY
(A State Government University)
1. Objectives
The primary objective of the restructured curriculum for B. Tech
students at APJ Abdul Kalam Technological University is to provide a comprehensive and
future-oriented education. This education is designed to equip students with the essential
knowledge, skills, and ethical values crucial for excelling in the dynamic realm of
engineering. A key focus lies in integrating practical, hands-on experiences alongside
exposure to computer programming, software development and vital facets of modern
engineering.
1. Academic Inclusivity:
● Foster an inclusive learning environment that embraces diversity in all
forms— be it cultural, socioeconomic or educational background.
● Encourage participation and engagement from all students, ensuring equal
opportunities for learning, growth, and contribution.
● Implement inclusive teaching methodologies and support systems to
accommodate diverse learning styles and needs, ensuring every student feels
valued and has access to the resources necessary for academic success.
2. Specialization in Engineering Disciplines:
● Enabling in-depth learning by offering a diverse array of engineering
specializations.
3. Mastery of Engineering Principles:
● Ensuring a robust foundation in Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, and
engineering fundamentals during the initial years, to equip students with the
analytical prowess to effectively solve complex engineering problems.
4. Interdisciplinary Knowledge:
● Incorporating courses that promote interdisciplinary learning and
collaboration.
5. Alignment with Technological Advancements:
● To ensure that students are well-prepared for the rapidly evolving
engineering landscape, the curriculum will incorporate courses focused on
emerging technologies and current industry trends.
6. Practical Skills Development:
● Providing hands-on experience through practical labs and Project-Based
Learning (PBL) to prepare students for the practical demands of their
chosen engineering field
7. Communication and Teamwork Enhancement:
● Strengthening students' ability to communicate complex technical concepts
and collaborate effectively in diverse teams, which are vital skills in the
professional world.
8. Accreditation and Industry Relevance:
● Aligning the curriculum with industry needs and accreditation standards to
enhance employability and competitiveness in the job market.
9. Global and Social Awareness:
● Raising awareness of global issues, public health, sustainability, and social
responsibility to empower students to address environmental and societal
challenges through engineering solutions.
10. Ethical and Professional Development:
● Emphasizing the significance of ethical conduct and professional integrity in
engineering practice.
11. Critical Thinking and Problem-Solving:
● Developing students' critical thinking abilities, data analysis skills, and
application of knowledge to real-world challenges through hands-on
projects and case studies.
12. Adaptability and Lifelong Learning:
● Equipping graduates for a dynamic job market by instilling a commitment to
continuous learning and adaptability, enabling them to stay relevant and
excel in their careers.
13. Research and Innovation Promotion:
● Creating avenues for students to engage in research projects, innovation
APJ Abdul Kalam Technological University, known for its diverse engineering programmes,
offers a wide range of specializations within the field of engineering.
2.1 Grouping
APJ Abdul Kalam Technological University offers various engineering programmes that can
be grouped into four broad categories based on their specialization.
Options for 4-year B. Tech. Total Credits Required to Complete the Programme
Programme
170 Credits
“B. Tech.” in an Engineering
Major Discipline. [167 Academic Credits +
200 Credits
“B. Tech. with Honours and [170 Credits (B. Tech.) +
Minor”
15 Credits for Honours Coursework+
4 CURRICULUM I TO VIII
Every course of B. Tech. Programme shall be placed in one of the ten categories as listed in
table below. The curriculum offers flexibility in choosing elective courses for widening the
understanding of emerging concepts and processes in different domains. The total credits for
completing B. Tech in any of the engineering discipline is 170 credits.
Table 2: Course classifications of the B. Tech Programmes and Overall Credit Structure
Sl.
Category Code Credits
No
1 Humanities and Social Sciences including Management
HMC 9
Courses
2 Basic Science Courses BSC 20
3 Engineering Science Courses ESC 29
4 Programme (Professional) Core Courses PCC 52
5 Programme (Professional) Core Courses-Project Based
PBL 16
Learning
6 Program Elective Courses PEC 18
7 Open Elective Courses/Industry Linked Elective OEC/ILE 9
8 Mini Project, Project Work/Internship and Seminar PWS 12
9 Health and Wellness HWP 1
10 Skill Enhancement Courses SEC 1
11 Mandatory Student Activities. MSA 3
Total Mandatory Credits 170
12 Honours/Minor H/M 15
A minimum of 120 Activity points is to be acquired for obtaining the 3 Activity Credits
required in the curriculum.
Sl.
Category S1 S2 S3 S4 S5 S6 S7 S8 Total
No
Humanities and Social Sciences
1 0 1 2 2 1 0 2 1 9
including Management Courses
2 Basic Science Courses 7 7 3 3 0 0 0 0 20
3 Engineering Science Courses 12 11 4 0 0 2 0 0 29
4 Programme Core Courses 0 4 12 12 15 9 0 0 52
5 Programme Core Courses-PBL 0 0 4 4 4 4 0 0 16
6 Program Elective Courses 0 0 0 3 3 3 6 3 18
7 Open Elective Courses 0 0 0 0 0 3 3 3 9
8 Project work and Seminar 0 0 0 0 0 2 6 4 12
9 Health and Wellness /SEC 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 2
5 DEPARTMENTS
▪ Each course is offered by an academic department and their two-letter course prefix is
given in Table 7
SL Course SL Course
Department Prefix Department
No No Prefix
Electronics and
Aeronautical Communication
1 AN 30 EC
Engineering Engineering
Electronics and
Communication (Advanced
2 Agriculture Engineering AG 31 Communication EA
Technology)
Electronics Engineering
Applied Electronics and (VLSI Design and
3 AE 32 EV
Instrumentation Technology)
9 Biotechnology BT 38 Humanities HU
Biotechnology And
10 Biochemical BB 39 Industrial Engineering IE
Engineering
11 Chemical Engineering CH 40 Information Technology IT
12 Chemistry CY 41 Instrumentation & Control IC
13 Civil Engineering CE 42 Mathematics MA
6 CHALLENGE COURSES
The courses that can be attempted as Challenge courses are listed in the table below. A
student can opt to attempt a Challenge course in the higher semester, from a preceding
semester as per the table. If a student chooses to attempt a Challenge course from a lower
semester, they are required to take the End Semester Examination (ESE) for that subject and
secure the marks for a pass. The student will earn credits for successfully completing such
Challenge courses. However, itis important to note that the marks obtained in these courses
will not contribute to any GPA calculations.
Programming in C
3 S2 ESC 4 S1
(Group A, B)
3
One OE and Two Level-3 PE
6 S7 OE/PE (Credit/ S5/S6
Courses
Course)
3
One OE and One Level-3 PE
8 S8 OE/PE (Credit/ S5/S6/S7
Courses
Course)
7 MULTILEVEL COURSES
A multilevel course is a structured educational approach where course content is divided into
sequential levels, each designed to build upon the knowledge and skills acquired in the
previous one. This progression ensures a deepening of understanding and expertise in a
specific subject or skill set.
The concept of multilevel courses is grounded in the philosophy of layered learning, where
students are guided through increasingly complex material. This approach solidifies
As students’ progress through these levels, they develop a comprehensive and nuanced
understanding of the subject matter, equipping them with the necessary tools to excel in both
academic and professional environments.
One of the primary advantages of PBL is its ability to cultivate ownership of learning.
Students transition from passive receivers to active participants, identifying problems,
crafting solutions, and applying knowledge in real-world contexts. This approach nurtures
critical thinking, problem-solving, and decision-making abilities.
PBL also promotes teamwork and collaboration, essential skills for any professional.
Students work together in teams, each contributing unique skills and perspectives to achieve a
common goal. They learn how to communicate effectively, delegate tasks, and manage
conflicts, all of which are crucial skills in the workplace.
Another key benefit of PBL is its alignment with the demands of modern workplaces.
Employers seek professionals who can innovate, collaborate effectively, and tackle complex
challenges. PBL equips students with these essential skills, ensuring they are well-prepared to
navigate and excel in professional environments.
There are many variants of PBL as it can be modified according to domain or
subject, individual course requirements or institute traditions, and can be implemented at a
chapter level, course level or even curriculum level.
1. Collaborative-learning phase
2. Self-directed learning phase.
Teachers may assign roles within groups to ensure participation and balanced
workload.
Assessment: Assessment can include both group and individual contributions.
Interdisciplinary Learning: Projects often span multiple subject areas, allowing students to
make connections across disciplines and see the relevance of their learning in a broader
context.
Extended Duration: Projects usually span over an extended period, allowing for deeper
investigation and more thorough understanding of the subject matter.
Assessment: Assessment methods are varied and often include different rubrics, and
performance-based tasks that reflect real-world evaluation methods.
8.2 Methodology
Group Analysis: Students form small groups to systematically analyze the given project or
problem. They work together to reach a consensus on the meaning or implications of the
problem, using relevant terms and concepts from the domain, subject, or topic.
Theory Construction and Identification of Learning Needs: The groups construct
tentative theories explaining the phenomena or events described in the Project/problem. They
identify known facts and determine what additional information is needed to solve the
problem or complete the project. This process results in the formulation of learning issues,
typically arising as questions from their discussions.
Resource Search and Self-Directed Learning: Students individually search for and
evaluate resources that can help them understand the problem domain. They pursue these
learning issues through self-directed study, utilizing a variety of resources such as books,
articles, internet sites, and videos.
Group Review and Solution Proposal: Students reconvene in their tutorial groups to review
and share what they have learned. They propose solutions and elaborate on different aspects
of their findings. Together, they discuss and explore how their understanding of the problem
or project has developed and address any remaining misconceptions.
Self and Peer Evaluation: Students engage in self-evaluation and peer evaluation, reflecting
on their own contributions and assessing the contributions of others in the group.
8.3 Different Types of PBL Projects
There are several types of Project-Based Learning (PBL) projects, each with its unique
characteristics and level of student autonomy. PBL can also be considered as a model that
organizes learning around projects.
1. Task Projects:
personal, and social competencies. To meet these evolving industry demands, it is essential to
introduce existing PBL models or develop new ones that can effectively equip our students
with the necessary skills and knowledge.
L: Lecture R: Project (1 Hr.), one faculty member for every twenty students
(3 Hrs.) Tutorial Practical Presentation
Simulation/
Presentation
Laboratory
Lecture delivery Project identification (Progress and Final
Work/
Presentations)
Workshops
Group
Project Analysis Data Collection Evaluation
discussion
Question Project Milestone Reviews,
answer Analytical thinking
Feedback,
Sessions/ and Testing
Project reformation (If
Brainstorming self-learning
Sessions
required)
Poster Presentation/
Guest Speakers
Case Study/ Field Video Presentation: Students
(Industry Prototyping
Survey Report present their results in a 2 to 5
Experts)
minutes video
Incorporating these elements into the lecture hour and project hours of a PBL course
can create a dynamic and engaging learning environment, helping students to actively apply
their knowledge and develop a wide range of skills.
To properly implement Project-Based Learning (PBL), faculty must first define appropriate
learning outcomes and map these to learning activities and subject matter. The subject matter
should be framed as a series of interconnected questions that guide the learning process.
Student projects should be planned so that students encounter and address these questions
during their project stages.
Define Learning Outcomes: Clearly outline the learning outcomes you aim to achieve
through PBL. Ensure these outcomes encompass the necessary technical, personal, and social
competencies required by the industry.
Map Learning Activities: Align learning activities with the defined outcomes. Each activity
should contribute to achieving these outcomes and help students develop the required skills
and knowledge.
5. Presentation:
Detail the requirements for presenting the project findings. This includes the
format (e.g., PowerPoint, poster, Video), duration, and key elements to be
covered in the presentation.
4. Instructor Feedback:
Outline how and when the instructor will provide feedback. Ensure students
understand the role of this feedback in guiding their progress and enhancing
their learning experience.
1. Resource Person:
As a resource person, the teacher provides students with necessary
information, tools, and resources. This could include suggesting useful
references, offering insights into specific topics, or connecting students with
experts.
2. Consultant:
In the role of a consultant, the teacher offers advice and guidance on project-
related issues. This involves helping students think critically, troubleshoot
problems, and refine their ideas and solutions.
3. Mediator:
When conflicts arise within groups due to differences in opinion or attitude,
the teacher steps in as a mediator. The goal is to resolve conflicts, ensure
respectful communication, and keep the group focused on the project.
4. Learner:
There may be situations where students present a problem that the teacher
cannot immediately solve or answer. In such cases, the teacher must admit
their own lack of knowledge and join the students in the learning process. This
approach emphasizes humility and a commitment to continuous learning,
demonstrating to students that it is acceptable not to have all the answers. The
teacher, in these instances, must assume the role of a learner.
By adapting to these various roles, the teacher can effectively support students' learning
journeys in PBL courses, ensuring they gain the skills and knowledge needed to succeed. The
teacher's primary role is to guide students through each stage of their project. This includes
facilitating discussions, encouraging critical thinking, and supporting decision-making
processes. The teacher should not necessarily be an expert in the topic but should focus on
fostering a collaborative and supportive learning environment.
Project-Based Learning (PBL) pedagogy cannot be clearly defined, as there are many
models and diverse practices that satisfy PBL principles. Worldwide, the term PBL is
used to describe a variety of educational practices, developed by considering local
context, academic, and administrative culture. This diversity can create
inconsistencies in how PBL is understood and applied, making it challenging to
establish a standard definition.
Not all students may be prepared or motivated to engage in PBL. Some may struggle
with the increased autonomy and responsibility, while others may be resistant to
deviating from conventional learning methods. Ensuring that students are adequately
prepared and supported is crucial for successful PBL implementation.
Assessing student performance in PBL can be complex due to the emphasis on
process and collaboration rather than just the final product. Developing fair and
effective assessment criteria that capture the breadth of student learning and
contributions can be challenging.
In conclusion, project-based learning (PBL) is the most beneficial way for engineering
students to learn. The key element driving PBL is the ‘project,’ which guides self-learning
and problem-solving and, in turn, develops other critical skills.
By integrating PBL models into the KTU curriculum, we can better prepare our engineering
students to meet the challenges of a globalized world. This approach will equip them with the
comprehensive set of skills needed to thrive in diverse and dynamic professional
environments.
PBL offers several advantages over traditional classroom learning, including increased
student engagement, teamwork, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills, as well as
practical experience that prepares them for the workplace.
Format: [YYXXCSNN]
Eg: UCMAT201
The first five characters (YYXXC) will be alphabets, representing the course category
(YY), name of the department (XX) offering that course followed by the nature of the
course(C).
YY- University Core (UC), Group Core (GC), Programme Core (PC) etc.
The last three characters (SNN) will be digits, providing a unique numerical
identifier for the course.
S- Semester Number (It can have a number from 1 to 8) in which the course is
offered
This format aims to create a clear and consistent structure for course codes,
making it easier for students, faculty, and administrative staff to identify and
manage different courses within the university. These course numbers are to be
given in the curriculum and syllabi.
is offered. In this case, S will represent the lower semester and N will represent the
higher semester.
For eg: UCHUT345-is a university core theory course offered by the humanities department in
the third or fourth semester.
COURSE CODING
Identification
Branch/Department Codes for the nature Semester
Course Category Number for Each
Code of the Course Number
Course
YY XX C S NN
UC T-Theory
HU, HW
UE M-MOOC
PC S-Seminar
PB P-Project 1 to 8 01,02,03…….
CS, CE, EC, EE, ME,
HN-Honours
MN-Minor
● T- Theory based courses (Other than the lecture hours, these courses can have
tutorial, practical and project hours, e.g. L-T-P-R structures 3-1-0-0, 3-0-0-1, 3-0-0-
0,2-0-2-0 etc.
The Minor courses aim to provide students with additional knowledge and skills in a
secondary field of study, complementing their major discipline. This allows students to
diversify their expertise and enhance their employability and interdisciplinary competencies.
Minors can be offered both in specialized areas (e.g., Data Science, AI, Robotics, IoT, AI and
IoT, Robotics and AI, Entrepreneurship and Electric Vehicle Technology) or on a branch-
wise basis (e.g., Minor in Mechanical Engineering for students majoring in Computer
Science Engineering, “Bachelor of Technology in [CSE] with Minor in [ME].”).
Affiliated colleges have the option to offer Industry Linked Minors (ILMs) in collaboration
with reputed industries, government agencies, and institutes of national importance. In such
cases, the syllabus of the minor program must be scrutinized and recommended by the Board
of Studies and subsequently approved by the Academic Council of the university. Evaluation
of courses, excluding MOOC courses listed in the ILM curriculum, will be conducted at the
college level.
Minors in specialized areas and industry linked minors can be offered by a single department
or in collaboration with two or more departments
The student shall earn an additional 15 credits to be eligible for the award of a B. Tech.
degree with a Minor.
The distribution of courses for the B. Tech. (Minor) program is structured to ensure a
balanced and comprehensive acquisition of knowledge in the chosen minor discipline.
The minor courses and credits are allocated across four semesters to progressively
build the student’s expertise:
1. Semester 3: 4 Credits
2. Semester 4: 4 Credits
3. Semester 5: 4 Credits
4. Semester 6: 3 Credits
Minor(Title)
Semester
Credit Total
Sl. No:
3 1 0 5
2 4
MNXXT409
Course/ 40 60 4 4/5
3 0 2 5.5
3 5 MNXXT509 Course/MOOC 3 1 0 5 40 60 4 4
The courses offered in the third and fourth semesters can be structured as either
theory-based courses or a combination of theory and lab-based courses.
Upon completion of the program, students will be awarded a degree stating,
“Bachelor of Technology in [Major] with Minor in [Minor].”
10.2 Honours Courses
Objective:
The Honours courses are designed for high-achieving students who wish to delve deeper
into advanced topics within their major field of study. Completing these courses enables
students to gain specialized knowledge and demonstrates their commitment to academic
excellence.
10.2.1 Credit Requirement and Course Distribution for B. Tech. (Honours) Degree
i. Credit Requirement:
The student shall earn additional 15 credits to be eligible for the award of
B. Tech. (Honours) Degree.
ii. Course Distribution:
15 credits are distributed across four semesters to ensure a structured and
progressive acquisition of knowledge in the Honours discipline.
1. Semester 4: 4 Credits
2. Semester 5: 4 Credits
3. Semester 6: 4 Credits
4. Semester 7: 3 Credits
Honours
Semester
Credit Total
Sl. No:
1 4 HNXXT409 Course 3 1 0 5 40 60 4 4
2 5 HNXXT509 Course/MOOC 3 1 0 5 40 60 4 4
3 6 HNXXT609 Course/MOOC 3 1 0 5 40 60 4 4
Total 20 15 15
11.1 Objectives
The primary objectives of incorporating internships into the B. Tech curriculum at KTU are
to:
The industry internship included in the curriculum will give students the opportunity to apply
their theoretical knowledge to practical situations and gain valuable experience.
The students can opt for Self-Study or Online Classes or MOOC courses corresponding to
Professional Elective, Open Elective and HMC Courses during their 7 th/8th semester, which
will give them flexibility in doing internships.
qualifications and periods of study. ECTS plays a crucial role in promoting academic
mobility and ensuring that students' educational achievements are universally acknowledged.
Including ECTS and self-study hours in the new curriculum at APJ Abdul Kalam
Technological University offers several significant benefits:
Student Mobility: By adopting ECTS, KTU students will find it easier to participate
in international exchange programs, pursue higher studies abroad, or transfer credits
to institutions that recognize ECTS.
Including self-study hours in the curriculum design ensures that the courses
are structured to foster independent learning and critical thinking, essential for
professional and personal development.
Aligning with international standards and practices enhances the reputation and
credibility of KTU, attracting more students and partnerships globally.
Integrating ECTS and self-study hours into the curriculum enhances its industry
relevance by ensuring that graduates possess the skills and knowledge demanded by
the job market.
Comprehensive Learning Assessment: ECTS credits account for both contact hours
(lectures, labs, etc.) and self-study hours, providing a more holistic measure of student
workload.
Student Planning: Students can better manage their time and plan their studies when
they have a clear understanding of the total expected workload, including time for
independent study.
Project Work: Working on design projects, lab reports, and other practical
assignments that require application of theoretical knowledge.
Preparation for Exams: Studying lecture notes, textbooks, and other resources to
prepare for assessments.
1 ECTS credit point lies between 25 to 30 hours (except in the UK). The exact study hours
vary depending on the country and can be categorized as follows-
For a full academic year, 60 ECTS credits will be assigned. Normally 30 credits are given
for a semester. The total workload of a study program in terms of ECTS points can be
explained as–
Bachelor’s degree – usually ranges from 180 ECTS (3 years full-time) to 240 ECTS (4
years full-time).
Master’s degree – usually ranges from 60 ECTS (1 year full-time) to 120 ECTS (2 Years
full-time).
SS Hours=1.5L+0.5 T+0.5P+R
L-T-P-R: Lecture-Tutorial-Practical-Project
If a student requests ECTS for Honours or Minor course, then the same can be
calculated using the above-mentioned formula.
B. Tech Honours
Total Study
L+ T+P Self-study Hours/Week Hours/Year ECTS
Semester
(Week) (SS=1.5L +0.5T + 0.5P+R) {(L+T+P+SS)x 15 (Total Study Hrs. /30)
weeks}
4
5
6
7
Total ECTS
ACTS=ECTS/2
1 25 30 825 33 16.5
2 28 34 930 37 18.5
3 27 31 870 35 17.5
4 26 31 855 34 17
5 24 30 810 32 16
6 25 32 855 34 17
7 22 26 720 29 14.5
8 16 20 540 22 11
Total ECTS 256 128
Incorporating ECTS and self-study hours into KTU's new curriculum would align the
university with global best practices, enhance the quality and flexibility of its educational
programs, and better prepare students for international opportunities and professional success
13 Summary
By offering options for Project-Based Learning and incorporating University
Core, Group Core courses, and internships, KTU aims to enhance students'
practical skills, industry readiness, and comprehensive understanding of essential
and specialized disciplines. This approach ensures a well-balanced education that
prepares students for successful careers in engineering.