A slew of new-generation courses is being introduced at campuses in Kerala this year. Though they have heard of some subjects, most people have no clear understanding of the subject or its prospects.

Let's look into some of these courses.

Data analytics

Courses such as MSC data analytics and statistics with data analytics are being introduced at arts and science colleges. Data analytics have been included in engineering courses as well.

Subject: This can be explained through an example. What were the products that were sold the most during the last festive season? Did rural and urban areas have similar demands?

If these data are analysed, market strategies for this season can be formulated. Data analytics is the field of such analysis. While importance is given to the business aspect in management branches; science and technical aspects and analysis techniques are taught in science and engineering fields.

Prospects: Plenty of job opportunities as there is a dearth of experts.

Cyber forensic science

New BSc and MSC programmes have been sanctioned. Currently, this is being taught at very few campuses.

Subject: Finding digital evidence in cyber-crimes and online fraud. The job would also involve analysing the data in computers and digital storage gadgets. Cyber evidence assists in solving all types of crimes.

Prospects: More experts are needed in this field as the incidence of cyber-crimes is on the rise and most crimes would have digital evidence.

Econometrics

MSc and MA programmes

Subject: Economic principles are analysed using maths and statistics. And this is utilised to find practical solutions for several problems. The thrust is on economics subjects in MA programmes, while maths and statistics subjects get the weightage in MSc programmes.

Prospects: Econometrics is used in industrial and agricultural fields for planning and analysis. As more sectors turn professional, econometrics will become an integral part.

Integrated courses

More number of integrated programmes, that combine undergraduate and postgraduate courses, are being introduced this year. Five-year integrated programmes are offered in subjects such as political science, English, Malayalam, economics, computer science, basic science, and geology.

Prospects: Students can learn in-depth about the subjects. Pursuing research studies also becomes easier. No need to seek separate admission for undergraduate and postgraduate courses. However, studies cannot be discontinued half-way through the course and secure just the graduation certificate, as per the current norms.

Sports management

Opportunities for those interested in sports and management.

Subject: Sports-related fields would be taught instead of sports training or coaching. For instance: sports event managements, technological advancements in this field, training to become professional managers of sports stars and so on. Not sporting talent but an understanding of the field is required.

Prospect: This is for the first time that such an undergraduate course is being introduced in Kerala. As sports becomes more professional, the prospects in this field increases.

Artificial intelligence (AI)

MSc and MTech programmes

Currently, some institutions such as the IIITM-K in Thiruvananthapuram offer AI courses.

Subject: If the computer is developed to imitate the human thought process, it would be beneficial in several sectors. For example: Some organisations have ChatBots for online customer care services. The replies for frequently asked questions by the customers have been computer programmed.

Prospects: The influence of machine language and artificial intelligence is increasing in daily life. Not just those studying computer science, students in all fields would need to know about this.

Occupational therapy

A four-year programme. Admission is based on the paramedical degree rank list.

Subject: An occupational therapist helps people to overcome their cognitive disorders, and make them capable to complete their daily routines and tasks. This is in coordination with fields of physiotherapy, speech-language pathology, audiology, nursing, social work, and clinical psychology.

Prospects: Opportunities at hospitals, special schools, and rehabilitation centres. Currently, this field has very few professionals.