Modular Teaching

Modular teaching is an advance teaching approach based on building expertise and knowledge in distinct self-contained units, for arranging learner experience in the educational field. Nowadays, modular teaching has gained more attention due to its features like autonomous, self-sufficient, well explained and defined, dealing with individual differences, structural arrangement of learning, instantaneous support of responses and interpretation of work. 

In The NorthCap University, the strategy of learning modules has become an important part of teaching at every level. The learning module is a self-learning package with technology-based teaching in a specific subject associated with industrial demand. Mainly, implemented in a small group of 25 students, it is designed in such a way that the learner can find his/her own objective, choose sufficient material from a commonplace, follow a sequence by choosing a method of presentation and at last interpreting his/her own performance by submitting quiz, assignments, drills and exercises. Teachers become a mentor and facilitator in order to control the knowledge of learners instead of a traditional dispenser of knowledge. The teacher keeps student motivated throughout the cycle of module teaching through puzzles, quizzes and group discussions. Enough and sufficient material regarding theory and practice in modular teaching is available in the classrooms. 

Modular teaching is facilitated with pre class readings that give the student an idea about the topic which is further explored in the lectures delivered by the teacher. Class exercise and assignments of each topic are given to the students for better understanding the concept. Peer reviews help the students in building normalcy around constructive feedback and utilize it to improve their understanding of the concept. The teacher maintains a system of constant reviews and feedbacks to help the students.

Modular teaching includes guided project-based learning, which helps them in completing unguided projects in real life scenario on their own. This advance teaching helps student to gain practical technology-based education and later, aids them in getting placed in good companies with high packages. Additionally, regular assessment of student’s work helps them polish their skills and achieve justifiable performance as a result. 

In The NorthCap University, this approach is used in subjects like Data Science and Artificial Intelligence, Cyber Security, Full Stack Development, Internet of Things and Cloud Computing, Game Technology, Augmented Reality and Virtual Reality. The course structure and content is specifically designed by the mentors keeping in mind the industrial standards and needs, its connectivity with other subjects and student's ability to grasp. 

Dr Yogita Gigras, 

Assistant Professor

Game Technologies AR, VR

Augmented and Virtual Reality technology is engaging everyone towards itself and this shows a belief of upgrading themselves on technology. According to Zion Market Research, the Global Augmented and Virtual Reality Market will reach USD 814.7 Billion by 2025.

Zion Market Research has published a new report titled “Augmented and Virtual Reality Market by Device (Head-Mounted Display (HMD), Handheld Device, Head-Up Display (HUD), Projector and Display Wall, Gesture-Tracking Device, and Others) by Offering (Hardware and Software), by Application (Consumer, Commercial, Enterprise, and Others), and by Vertical (Entertainment & Media, Gaming, Healthcare, Aerospace & Defense, Manufacturing, Retail, Education, and Others): Global Industry Perspective, Comprehensive Analysis, and Forecast, 2018–2025’’. 

While applications are still emerging, VR, AR, and MR are already offering many benefits for the users that are savvy enough to embrace them.

•   The Power of Immersion. One of the greatest AR/VR advantages in advance tech-enabled gadgets and software solutions can immensely enhance user engagement with multiple interactive activities. Digital extended reality provide users with enticing virtual objects and makes them treat these objects as real.
•    Improved user experience. AR/VR solutions seem to be a note-perfect option for gaining much attraction and retention among the global audience.
•  A Better Trained Workforce.Virtual and mixed reality can standardize training programs and make the overall process more effective. In a test conducted by Google’s Daydream team, which is responsible for the development of its virtual reality (VR) platform, researchers were able to show that VR training was more impactful than video training.
•  Simplified Maintenance Operations. Augmented reality is not only invaluable as a teaching tool, but can also be used to guide technicians through complex, repetitive tasks that must be done right every time. One example of this comes from Mitsubishi Electric, which has developed an inspection and maintenance system that utilizes 3D AR smart glasses. Mitsubishi's technology first makes a 3D model of a machine with a tablet camera. The 3D scan interacts with the glasses to provide a visual checklist that guides the technician through which components of the machine should be inspected. The technician can even verbally fill out an inspection report as he or she is completing each step.

•   Improved Quality Assurance. While improved training and equipment maintenance will enhance productivity and reduce downtime, quality assurance can also benefit from advancements in VR and AR. the technology has the potential to go beyond this and enter the realm of optical digitalization. 3D scanning for quality assurance is already a critical tool for many industries. It’s used to compare a final part to its original CAD design and ensure that all specifications are being properly met. Before long, it will be common for this scanning and analysis to be conducted at every stage of production via the employees’ headset or glasses.

The Top Industrial Companies who adopted AR/VR/MR

With VR-powered technologies and AR-oriented devices flooding the tech market, there’s simply no denying the pace at which these innovations are fast going mainstream.Innovations with AR, MR, and VRwith Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg hailing these technologies as the ‘next big things’ in the world of the Internet, we are yet to witness their performances to compete for potentials. Let’s just say, Virtual and Augmented Reality will soon become an integral part of online operations.

On that note, it is time for us to take a look at how AR, VR, and MR are being leveraged by industrial companies

1.       Simplifying critical and complex tasks: Initiatives by Boeing

Augmented Reality plays a remarkable role in overlaying instructions. As one of the leading aviation manufacturing company, Boeing has cut down their error possibilities to a great extent. By leveraging AR technology, experts at Boeing are installing electrical wiring on an aircraft is a complex task that leaves zero room for error. That’s why Boeing is testing augmented reality as a possible solution to give technicians real-time, hands-free, interactive 3D wiring diagrams and designs.

2.       Introducing immersive experiences: Airbus innovations

Creating a virtual world and augmented environment can lead to multiple benefits. Airbus, another commercial aircraft manufacturing giant, has embraced the idea of implementing AR/VR/MR technologies to introduce a holographic application. Customization and configuration of cabin space is possible in real-time. which will act as a key to create immersive experiences for their engineers. The opportunity to impart lessons through shared 3D modules and holographic coach will also make the entire experience engaging. For customers, employees and other stake holders.

3.       Manufacturing vehicles and cars: GM embraces VR

General Motors (GM), the car manufacturing behemoth, took a step further and decided to integrate Virtual Reality in their existing production processes. The prime emphasis was to create an immersive and real-time virtual environment. The manufacturers can see this particular data on a large projection screen, or Cave Automatic Virtual Environment (CAVE). An immersive virtual reality environment will help engineers and designers assess, view, and modify a considerable amount of variants. Quite naturally, that will boost the entire manufacturing process in a new way.

 4. Leveraging complete potential of IT: Knowing the Siemens approach

Information happens to be at the core of every technical process. That paves the path for data analytics and synthesis. Siemens has come up with a unique approach, where AR and VR technologies are used to analyze crucial data sets that lead to improved industrial operations.

Ms Nisha Arya, 

Industry Engagement Manager, 

Department of CSE

***

Data Science

“We have lots of data – now what?”

(How can we unlock real value from our data?)

The data scientist career path is probably the hottest career choice a student can currently make. For three years in a row, data scientist has been named the number one job in the U.S by Glassdoor. What’s more, the U.S. Bureau of Labour Statistics reports that the rise of data science need will create 11.5 million job openings by 2026. Not only is there a huge demand for data science, but there is also a noticeable shortage of qualified data scientists.

Daniel Gutierrez, Managing Editor of Inside BIGDATA, told Forbes, “The word on the street is there’s definitely a shortage of people who can do data science.”

 Data science is used by “computing professionals who have the skills for collecting, shaping, storing, managing, and analyzing data as an important resource for organizations to allow for data-driven decision making.” Almost every interaction with technology includes data—your Amazon purchases, Facebook feeds, Netflix recommendations, and even the facial recognition required for Signing-In into your phone. Data science experts are needed in virtually every job sector—not just in technology.

Pursuing a career in data science is a smart move, not just because it is trendy and pays well, but because data very well may be the pivot point on which the entire economy turns.

Our university has launched specialization for B.Tech in DataScience to prepare students to gain that knowledge which is required by the companies in data science stream. Some faculties are especially devoted to data science stream and proper training programs have been conducted for the faculties as and when required to cope up with the industry requirements.

Some of the leading data science careers and their corresponding average salaries are-

·         Business Intelligence (BI) Developer Average Salary: $89,333,

·         Data Architect Average Salary: $137,630,

·         Data ScientistAverage Salary: $139,840,

·         Data AnalystAverage Salary: $83,878,

·         Data EngineerAverage Salary: $151,307,

·         Machine Learning ScientistAverage Salary: $139,840,

·         StatisticianAverage Salary: $93,589.

There is a clear need for professionals who understand a business need, can devise a data-oriented solution, and then implement that solution.

Dr Rita Chhikara, 

Associate Professor,

 Department of CSE

Industry Participation in Teaching

“If we teach today as we taught yesterday, we rob our children of tomorrow”.

-          John Dewey

There is a need to improve the quality and scope of engineering education if we are to meet the demands of students and employers for industry-relevant skills. Since technology is changing and the content for teaching remains same throughout years so engineering education has to adapt with new technologies. This adaptation will ensure that engineering degrees are‘fit for the future’. There is a strong need for a radical increase in the involvement of industry at national and local levels in engineering education. It is unrealistic to expect graduate engineers to have all the knowledge and skills that industry requires “but it is fundamental that graduates understand what other people do and how it all fits together”.

Our university continuously works really hard to adapt with the new technologies and be upto date in order to enhance students’ skills and deliver the industry, a full skilled and deployable product.

Our university engage industrialists in many ways such as Ad-hoc lectures or participation in projects by industrialists, Industrial mentors which is assigned to students in the early stages, Site visits to first - year students, Career fair and recruitment talks, and many more.

The pedagogy we follow is not a regular one where one teacher teaches a large number of students. At The NorthCap University, only 25 students attend the lecture at the same time.

The university believes in providing more hands-on learning rather than propagating a stagnant way of teaching thereby involving industries to come and guide our students.

"Often we invite eminent speakers from different areas to deliver their philosophies and experiences which impact the thought process of our students in a sound manner.

The University has signed MoUs with various companies which provide summer internship programs and placements to the students. Industry based projects are guided by the companies staff itself planned by the faculty members, facilitating a better learning experience for the students.

Our alumni are spread across the Globe, working in key positions in various industries. The Alumni Meet is an annual event wherein a huge number of alumni love to visit the campus and memorize the beautiful time they had spent at the university. We structure alumni meet such that it focuses on sharing industry experience, managerial challenges faced in the current era and entrepreneurial know-how between students, faculty and our alma mater.

Ms Shakshi Sharma,

 Assistant Professor

Full Stack Development

Full stack development is a buzzword today in software development industry. One of the largest in-demand technical roles in IT industry these days is in the domain of Full stack development. This is evident from the fact that a Full stack developer is ranked as the second most popular developer profession across the world and is expected to remain so in the foreseeable future. The term full stack was first coined by Randy Schmidt in June 2008, the managing director of the Burns & McDonnell Terminals and Pipelines group. Randy described a full stack developer as “one who is responsible for design, mark-up, styling, behaviour, and programming.”Although a number of definitions and explanations on this subject can be found on Internet, this blog aims to explain it for a newbie who wants to know about this field from amateur’s perspective.

There are two aspects of software development that are common for all kind of applications: front-end and back-end. The front-end of an application, also referred to as the client-side, is what the user sees, touches and experiences. Front end is less about code and more about how a user experiences the interface. Back-end on the other hand is an enabler for a front end experience. An application’s front end may be the most beautifully crafted web page, but if the application itself doesn’t work, it will be a failure. The backend of an application, on the other hand, is responsible for things like business logic, database interactions, and performance.

Over the years, application development profiles were partitioned into silos like front-end developer and back-end developer. A front-end developer would focus on User interface elements and related programming whereas a back-end developer would focus more on writing code which would run on the web and application servers.However, the growth of start-ups has led to the demand of experts who have a wide set of skills across both the front-end and the back-end. Such developers are called as full stack developers.


A full stack developer has a good understanding of how the different layers of a system behave and is capable of creating a complete applications by himself. This turns out to be especially valuable for an application’s performance & optimization, since even when a full stack developer works in a team and is associated with only one aspect of an application, he can visualize what happens up and down the stack as the application is build and can plan his part of tasks according to the expectations in a better way.
Evidently, full stack developers are relied upon by companies to build, support and maintain their applications. It is one of the most in-demand profile and fast growing software development career path.



Dr Jyoti Sahni,
Associate Professor,
Department of CSE

Project Based Learning

Project based learning is a student eccentric pedagogy that is focused on learning by doing. Project based learning has shifted the learning from paper-based, teacher-led instructions to the learning which carries active style of learning by involving the students to solve different set of problems in a team. This learning methodology has become the core part of curriculum across the world which is totally inclined towards the inculcating passion, creativity and team work in a student.

John Dewey promoted the idea of ‘Learning by Doing’ in My Pedagogical Creed (1897).  Dewey mentioned that “The teacher is not in the school to impose certain ideas or to form certain

habits in the child, but is there as a member of the community to select the influences which shall affect the child and to assist him in properly responding to these.......I believe, therefore, in the so-called expressive or constructive activities as the center of correlation” This idea of teaching and learning was has been promoted as methodology known today as project based learning. It has also been analyzed that the scored obtained by students involved in project-based learning are better than the scores obtained by students involved in tradition classroom learning practices.

We, at The NorthCap University also employ project based learning as teaching-learning pedagogy.  Using this practice, faculty members teach each and every concept of a course with small guided problems and unguided problems. Guided problems are the ones which are solved in a step-wise manner in class-room itself. Different students are then assigned different set of unguided problem statements to be solved. This enhances their concept learning by practicing on different problems related to the similar concept.

At the end of each course, students are involved in guided project problem which are solved by them based on guidelines provided by the concern faculty. Once they are done with guided project, students are supposed to provide the solution of unguided project problems. These problems are to be solved in team work. This forces the students to investigate the problem and corresponding solutions. Since the solutions are evaluated on regular basis throughout the time, they work on unguided project problem, each and every member of the team in involved in solving the problem and providing the solution in the best-possible manner.

While preparing the solutions, students first work on blueprint of the solution and then start working in implementation of the blueprint. The most appreciated phase of project based learning is inculcation of communication/presentation skills along with the ability to work in team. These are the assets that students get from project based learning apart from the technical skills they get from the different courses they have learned during the degree program.

Hence project based learning ensures day one readiness of our students in the industry they are going to face in real-world. Project based learning enhances overall development of a student ranging from technical skills to inter-personal skills. This also ensures the concept delivery by the student and hence confidence to communicate is also developed as a part of project based learning.

Dr Suman Bhatia,

 Assistant Professor

Why study Thermal Engineering?

One of the specializations in Mechanical engineering is Thermal Engineering which deals with the study of thermodynamics, energy transfers and their day to day applications. This branch of engineering is pursued at the PG level and now also at the UG level. 

Understanding heating and cooling processes: the conversion of heat into various energies viz., mechanical, chemical and electrical energy is a part of this the specialized subject. Thermal engineering involves efficiently dissipating heat may it be a computer or an engine. To control the heat or temperature rise in your computer, you carry out thermal designing to adequately cool the microprocessor in the CPU. Combustion engines and electricity generating boilers are important sources of energy in our daily lives.

Apart from heating systems, designing cooling systems like air-conditioners and refrigerators requires exhaustive knowledge of thermal engineering principles. The new gen-next, compact cost-effective cooling systems are the results of innovations made by thermal engineers!

A master’s degree in Thermal engineering is essential to equip yourself with such advanced engineering skills. Universities like The Northcap University also provides thermally specialized under bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering. 

Some of the key industries which employ thermal engineers are automobile industry, heating ventilation, and air-conditioning (HVAC) industry, gas turbine manufacturing industry and industrial power plants. Job openings for a thermal engineer are wide-ranging. In the era of cutting edge technology with a strong focus on renewable energy, thermal engineers play a vital role in the sustainable development of much-needed energy efficient systems.

Dr. Akanksha Mathur,

Departmental of Mechanical Engineering,

School of Engineering and Technology,

The NorthCap University.

Jolt- A smart way to commute.

Jolt India electric was founded with a goal to provide green technology solutions for everyone with our vast range of products like a solar charging station, solar rooftop systems, portable solar charging units, and electric bikes. the company aims for the greener future and encouragement of the emission-free technology.

Jolt India is the first company to provide the solar portable system with the large no. of customization according to customers requirement and also first in the segment company to make solar knowledge assessable to the general public.

The NorthCap University created a platform for us to turn our ideas into reality. The infrastructure of the esteemed institution is not only planned but also well equipped with the latest upcoming technology. The university provided us space to carry out our operations and experiments and also encouraged us for the same.

The University faculty also provided the technical support required to build the application and the website for the same.

My supervisor Dr. Rohit Singh Lather supported me at my every step and has always been my ray of light. He always directed me on how to initiate the process and how to properly execute it with every attention to detail.

The NorthCap University not only taught me academics but also helped in improving my leadership skills.

Deepak Kalra, 

2018 pass out from BTech Mechanical Engineering,

The NorthCap University.

NCU-ME-Automobile Engineering: A good career choice!!

The Indian automotive sector is the sunrise sector of Indian economy. It contributes significantly to the GDP, giving employment to a large population in India. Also, it is projected to grow 5 percent to 2022. It also contributes to technology development, implementation, and advancement. The need for design on the next generation of vehicles such as electric cars and vehicle systems will keep the career in demand. Keeping in mind the industrial requirements and national growth, at the Mechanical Engineering Department of NCU we offer a tailored specialization in automobile engineering. We have developed courses in specific areas of automotive engineering with a focus on employability and research.

Dr. Rohit Lather,

The Departmental of Mechanical Engineering,

School of Engineering and Technology,

The NorthCap University.

NCU-ME- Industrial and production Engineering

India is moving towards Make in India plan for prospective future of young generation in the field of Industrial and production engineering (IPE). The scope of IPE is emerging day by day due to the revolution in advance technologies in manufacturing. Production and industrial engineers are being preferred by most industries due to having capabilities to manage and optimize the available resources. Moreover, the activities related to operations are handled by these engineers which is a big asset to the industries. Currently, the industrial and production revolution is shifting towards additive manufacturing (3-D Printing and others) which again opens the gate to the bright future. To fulfill the requirements of industries, at the mechanical engineering department we offer a specialization in Industrial and Production engineering. Recently, we have developed special courses like 3-D printing, Supply chain management, etc. keeping in mind the industries requirements.

Hereby, we aspire students to make the future in the field of industrial and production engineering.

Dr. Vikas Sharma,

The Departmental of Mechanical Engineering, 

School of Engineering and Technology, 

The NorthCap University

NCU’s MECHANICAL ENGINEERING STUDENTS GOING TO THE GREEN WAY

In the era of sheer competitiveness and zeal to an outcome as the winner in every prospect of life, students are burning the midnight oil to cope with the fast-changing curriculum of the Institutions and requirement of the industries. The present scenario can be described as the phase in which a student has to be in the top league of performance not only in the field of academic but also in the area of curricular activities as well. Students of the Department of Mechanical Engineering have taken this change very seriously and have emerged themselves as the winners in every corner of the required requisites either by the institution or the industry. They have endeavored continuously for the best, and work in the direction for that. In the past two years, students of Mechanical Engineering at NorthCap University have been doing the projects of manufacturing the vehicles which run on solar energy and electric energy.

They have developed three vehicles namely Electric Solar Vehicle – I, Hybrid Vehicle and Electric Solar Vehicle – II. 

The Electric Solar cars run on the combination of electric power, it can switch to solar power, Hybrid Vehicles run on the Petrol Engine, and it can turn to the electric power supplied to it from the batteries. They participated in the Electric Solar Vehicle Challenge (ESVC) 2018 organized by ISIE (Imperial Society for Innovative Engineers) at Shri Vishnu Women College, Bhimavaram, Andhra Pradesh. The team (Team Alacrity) did very well in the theoretical round where the team stood Ist and at the final event where the team was ranked 12 pan India. The team bagged the 1st position in the ENDURANCE TEST and awarded by memento and cash prize. In the Hybrid vehicle, challenge team qualified to the final event which took place at the Galgotia’s University Greater Noida the event organizer praised the team and awarded with the spirit of the event award. The team participated in the ESVC 2019 where the team performed very well, and they were awarded the People’s Choice Award along with cash prize, the team also stood at the 3rd position in the Endurance test round. The students have given their blood sweat and tears to manufacture the

green vehicles and training the 1^st year students to come up with the better versions of both the vehicles. The Electric Solar Vehicle also won the 2nd prize at The NorthCap University in the best B.Tech projects across the University, in the placement process, team members of the team were praised by the recruiters of different firms for their efforts and they are working with reputed firms like Andritz Hydro, Vegazva, GROZ tools, Orangewood Labs and more.

Students of the Mechanical engineering department at NCU are going with green initiatives taken by the government along with teams of other institutions are leading the example of making green vehicles for the future.

Praveen Singh, 

The Departmental of Mechanical Engineering, School of Engineering and Technology, 

The Northcap University