Dr. Konda Shiva Reddy is the Head of the Department of Mathematics at Anurag University. He is a renowned mathematician and has over 17 years of teaching and research experience. He has 25 publications to his credit in reputed international and national journals. He has presented research papers at various international conferences. Dr. Reddy has also successfully completed a minor research project funded by the UGC. Currently, he is handling a minor research project funded by TEQIP-III, JNTUH.

Anurag University

What is the latest program that you are offering in your institute/dept. which will help students outperform and stand apart from the crowd?

The Department of Mathematics offers various mathematics and statistics theory courses. These courses primarily focused on matrices, vector spaces, complex variables, numerical methods, differential equations, probability and statistics, operational research, biostatistics, and business mathematics. All these topics are relevant to the present generation and also useful for understanding the latest technological developments in the different fields of engineering. The courses are intended to be designed in such a way that the technocrats can interpret and understand real-time social problems, which in turn helps them to write better algorithms. I am glad to share that all UG and PG students have outperformed in the fields of mathematics and statistics.

What are the factors that make this program the best for the students to opt?

Our department's strength lies in the presence of highly experienced and knowledgeable faculty members who are dedicated to teaching and guiding our students. This faculty expertise attracts the best students to choose our courses. The course encompasses various subjects that provide a foundation for students to acquire knowledge in advanced fields such as signals and systems, fluid dynamics, computer graphics, image processing, data science, and artificial intelligence. The knowledge they acquire here is perfect for students to pursue higher education and even research.

What will you say the “best practices” in the course you’re offering?

With the help of IOT tools, the Department of Mathematics is adopting some best practices. We have regular structured student seminars with industry experts. These sessions are perfect for knowing which skills are in demand in the industry and how one can meet them. Students learn problem-solving skills that are required in most jobs. We also use interactive teaching, where we emphasise classroom participation among students.

What are some valuable insights of the program that you are offering at your institute/dept.?

We have a Matrix Laboratory Lab (MATLAB) in our department, which covers fundamental programmes related to applied mathematics. These programmes give the real-life idea of mathematics for different branches of B.Tech. students and motivate them to develop their skills.

How does the program ensure that students are being prepared for the future?

Our mathematics courses offer students the skills, experience, and preparation necessary for several career options, including research programs. These career options are part of data science and artificial intelligence, computer graphics, and the design of machines. The options are endless for students truly interested in this field.

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How did you train yourself/faculty to deliver this program to the students?

Every faculty member in our department is required to finish at least one advanced course certification from NPTEL/Coursera, etc. The department faculty members demonstrate a strong commitment to professional growth by actively participating in a range of faculty development programs, both as attendees and as organisers. Interdepartmental presentations are regularly scheduled among our team members during semester breaks in order to exchange valuable insights and expertise. Academic staff members are incentivized to disseminate their research findings via participation in conferences and seminars, therefore facilitating their engagement with the most recent advancements in the realm of science and technology.

How do you tend to build an industry connect with this program? 

As a part of our PhD programme, our supervisors and scholars work with DST and CSIR scientists to establish connections with the institute and industry. Applications of Mathematics (Fluid Dynamics and Modelling) are used in almost every sector of Computer, electronics, science and engineering. We use this to our advantage by signing MOUs and agreements to provide internships, training sessions and more to our students.

What were the challenges that you faced while inculcating this program in your curriculum?

One of the most significant challenges encountered was the development of a standardised curriculum that effectively meets the needs and expectations of all stakeholders across various engineering disciplines. Another challenge is the constant updating of the curriculum. We try to ensure that our course syllabus reflects what is trending in the job market.

What are the types of projects that the students are working on through this program?

Students involved in mathematics and statistics programmes engage in a diverse range of projects that align with their interests, curriculum, and the discipline's requirements. In statistical research, they design experiments, collect and analyse data, and derive insights to address research questions across multiple fields. Collaboration with other departments or fields to solve real-world problems requiring mathematical and statistical expertise. For example, data analysis and modelling projects that examine and interpret real datasets to gain insights and build mathematical models to forecast trends. These projects involve developing software tools or applications for mathematical or statistical analysis. Operational research projects use mathematical and analytical methods to optimize decision-making processes within organizations. They focus on improving operational efficiency and resource allocation in logistics, supply chain management, and enterprise operations. Students examine environmental data to support sustainability initiatives and evaluate the impacts of environmental regulations. They use ecological models to investigate environmental changes. Machine learning and data science projects involve the use of computational algorithms and statistical models to analyze large datasets. Students develop machine learning models for predictions, data-driven applications, and decision-making.

What are the benefits and career options after pursuing this course?

Pursuing courses in mathematics and statistics offers numerous benefits and diverse career options. These courses foster strong problem-solving abilities, which are highly valued in various professions. Graduates can critically analyse data, identify patterns, and make informed decisions. A foundation in mathematics and statistics is versatile and applicable in fields like finance, healthcare, technology, and more, ensuring a wide range of career opportunities. With the increasing importance of data-driven decision-making, individuals proficient in math and statistics are in high demand in fields like data science, artificial intelligence, and finance. Many roles in this field are less vulnerable to automation, offering job security. Actuaries, data analysts, and statisticians are sought after across industries. Mathematics and statistics professionals, especially those with experience and advanced qualifications, often enjoy competitive compensation packages. Those inclined towards research can explore academia, government research institutions, and private-sector research organisations by pursuing advanced degrees in math or statistics.