The cancer biology and infectious disease course, which was about to be introduced in the Delhi University this year in July, is set to get delayed further with the varsity awaiting a positive respons
The cancer biology and infectious disease course, which was about to be introduced in the Delhi University this year in July, is set to get delayed further with the varsity awaiting a positive response on the same.
In order to promote a multi-disciplinary approach in areas related to cancer care, the varsity had planned to introduce a five-year integrated course at M.Sc. and Ph.D. level from January this year which got postponed till July.
DU had got the approval of university’s statutory bodies last year itself after it prepared its draft. However, due to incomplete negotiation process between some foreign and domestic institutions, it was shifted to this year.
According to a DU source, periodic meetings are being held for discussions on the same but delays are making the plan from being operational. “The DU officials are not ready to comment on this topic so it is not sure if the course will start this year or not. But it seems DU vice-chancellor is not in a hurry to begin this course now,” he said.
As per the plan, the varsity’s Cluster Innovation Centre (CIC) will run the integrated course in partnership with 12 other departments. University institutions such as Department of Biochemistry, Dr Ambedkar Centre for Biomedical Research and Vallabhbhai Patel Chest Institute have also collaborated with CIC for running the course. The new course will begin with an intake of 12 students.
While the first two years will take students into the biological world of cancer, the remaining period will focus on research. Students from any discipline can apply for the course, provided, their knowledge could further cancer research.
“Since the students also have an option of visiting foreign institutions for research projects, the university is planning to sign MoUs with US-based MD Anderson Cancer Centre and King’s College London. The course is being designed in such a way that a student is able to gather information about math, biology, ayurveda, biotechnology and homeopathy all together,” the source added.
