Project Based Learning
Hands-On Training: Soil Microbial Diversity
(19 Jan 2023)
Dr. Viral Shukla led 40 students through soil sampling, serial dilution, microbial culturing, and colony identification using microscopy and biochemical tests. Advanced DNA extraction and PCR methods demonstrated modern microbial ecology techniques.
Trainees gained comprehensive skills from sampling to molecular analysis, deepening appreciation for soil microbiomes’ ecological roles.
Plant Tissue Culture Techniques
(10 Aug 2022)
Dr. Niketan Deshmukh taught 19 participants aseptic techniques, media preparation, and plant regeneration methods (callus induction, organogenesis, somatic embryogenesis). Students established and maintained in vitro cultures of various plant tissues.
Hands-on experience empowered attendees to apply tissue culture in breeding, genetic improvement, and conservation.
Project-Based Learning (PBL) is a pedagogical approach used by the School of Pharmacy to immerse students in real-world scenarios, enabling them to think critically and apply their knowledge in practical contexts. PBL emphasizes active exploration and problem-solving, allowing students to engage deeply with subject matter and develop essential research and analytical skills. Students undertake small research projects and short-term assignments under the mentorship of experienced faculty members, reflecting real-life issues in pharmaceutical sciences, clinical research, drug formulation, toxicology, and community health. This hands-on approach strengthens students' understanding of theoretical concepts and cultivates essential soft skills such as time management, teamwork, scientific writing, and data interpretation. Many student-led projects culminate in presentations, publications, or conferences, fostering a research-oriented mindset. PBL also provides students with the opportunity to innovate, collaborate, and explore interdisciplinary solutions to healthcare and pharmaceutical challenges. By simulating real-world research environments, PBL prepares students for diverse career paths in industry, academia, clinical settings, and regulatory affairs.
Figure 17: Product images of small projects
Figure 18: Image of small projects
B.E. Mechanical Engineering (22nd to 24th February 2022)
To promote real-world application of mechanical engineering concepts, a Project-Based Learning (PBL) activity was organized under the guidance of Mr. Mihir Mistry at LJ Institute of Engineering and Technology. Conducted from 22nd to 24th February 2022, the activity focused on developing problem-solving, teamwork, and independent research skills. Students, working in groups of 3–5, tackled real-time engineering challenges involving the design and fabrication of mechanical devices, CAD modeling using tools like SolidWorks and ANSYS, and proposing solutions for energy efficiency in mechanical systems. Faculty mentors evaluated students based on innovation, design accuracy, teamwork, and presentation effectiveness.
A total of 82 students actively participated in this group-based, offline classroom initiative. The outcomes included enhanced critical thinking, improved collaboration, and refined communication and project management skills. Through guided exploration and real-time execution, students were able to connect theoretical learning with practical application—preparing them for industry-level challenges and boosting their confidence in technical problem-solving.
9. Photographs / Screenshots:
B.E. Mechanical Engineering (10th to 13th October 2023)
From 10th to 13th October 2023, a Project-Based Learning (PBL) activity was conducted for B.E. Mechanical Engineering students under the guidance of Mr. Vivek Parikh. The activity aimed to foster self-directed learning by engaging students in solving real-world mechanical problems through innovation and design. Students worked individually or in small groups to conceptualize, design, and in some cases, prototype engineering solutions. Tools like AutoCAD, SolidWorks, and MATLAB were used extensively, supported by faculty mentorship and periodic evaluations.
A total of 82 students participated in this offline, classroom-based initiative. The experience helped develop analytical thinking, research capabilities, and project execution skills. Students demonstrated strong leadership, teamwork, and communication abilities while tackling engineering challenges. The showcase format of the final presentation enhanced their confidence and exposed them to peer and faculty feedback, strengthening their preparedness for future industry roles.
9. Photographs / Screenshots:
Communication Ethics Research Project
Date: February 1 - March 25, 2025 | Participants: 229 students | Coordinator: Dr. Mayuri Thakar
The Project-Based Learning initiative under Soft Skills and Communication Ethics exemplified student-centric pedagogy through a comprehensive five-stage research project. Working in groups of 3-5, students conducted interdisciplinary research on communication, commerce, and ethics topics, progressing through topic allotment, project proposals, draft reviews, final submissions, and poster/PowerPoint presentations with viva voce examinations. Students utilized research tools including Microsoft Word, Excel, Canva, and PowerPoint while applying ethical research practices, primary/secondary data collection, and collaborative problem-solving techniques under faculty mentorship and structured feedback sessions.
The 14-hour learning experience spanning seven weeks achieved significant outcomes in developing critical 21st-century skills. Students demonstrated enhanced communication and presentation abilities, strengthened teamwork and collaboration skills, improved ethical reasoning and decision-making capabilities, and developed robust research aptitude and analytical thinking. The assessment revealed that 71% of students reported enhanced understanding of communication ethics in real-world contexts, with many expressing that the experience closely simulated corporate project handling environments. This methodology successfully fostered independent learning, peer engagement, and practical application of communication ethics principles essential for professional development.
9. Photographs / Screenshots:
Glimpses of Viva Voce-Project presentations
