Annamalai University launches CAD courses

CHENNAI: In a first of its kind move, Annamalai University has launched one undergraduate and five diploma courses in Computer Aided Designing (CAD). The university’s Directorate of Distance Education (DDE) offers these courses in collaboration with city-based Vinzas Solutions. The courses offered include BSc CAD, a three-year course for those who have passed standard 12 or have completed any two years in an Industrial Training Institute(ITI). The one-year courses are Diploma in CAD, Advanced Diplomas in Architectural and Civil, Mechanical and Electrical CAD and a Post-Graduate Diploma in CAD. Vice Chancellor of AU, Dr M Ramanathan presented the first five students admitted with their application forms. In his inaugural address, the Vice Chancellor stressed on the importance of offering education to those who might not have scored high marks at school level.   “Some of the courses are open to those who have completed higher secondary and ITI courses. We want to make this course accessible to all those who have the talent, and not the required qualification in this field,” he said. Ramanathan also spoke about the need to produce graduates with more than just basic degrees. He said, “They need values, and our country needs to produce not only employable candidates, but also those who have the entrepreneurial capacity to provide jobs.” Citing the example of an AU alumnus who had not been able to crack IIT or IIM entrances, he said that the man is now providing employment for graduates from those same institutions. Director of DDE in AU, Dr S B Nageswara Rao, said the CAD course would ensure that students would have the right opportunity in their chosen fields.  Dr Thandavam, retired professor of Madras University, said, “Students may join Madras University for the name, but they join Annamalai Univ for its courses.”  Louis Susairaj, head of an IT firm, gave an industry view of the importance of the CAD courses.