I am in 11th Grade and I would like to be a research scientist, either in Biochemistry or Cancer Biology. Which is the best college to study and where would I get a job as a researcher?
Maithreyi Selvaraj via email
The move to become a research scientist is clear. On completion of 12th Grade, you should pursue Bachelor’s programme either in the pure science domain of Chemistry, Biology and Biology or in the applied science arena viz., Biochemistry, Microbiology, and Biotechnology. On completion of the Bachelor’s programme, take up the Master’s degree and the Doctoral programme. Pursuing integrated programmes (Master’s and Doctoral) viz., the ones offered by the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) (www.iisc.ernet.in) will ensure better opportunities for continued learning in the field of choice.
IISc. also offers the four-year Bachelor of Science (Research) Programme, which is in its infancy. For more details, contact the Dean, Undergraduate Studies, IISc, Bangalore-560 012. Ph: 22933400 . Email: deanugoff@admin.iisc.ernet.in
You should look for an institution that has a good laboratory, experienced faculty, and connect with science-based research institutions. Institutions accredited by the National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC) (www.naac.gov.in) will surely add value to the efforts of your studies, as they have clear benchmarks in the world of academics.
I had applied for B.Ed, but it was rejected on the grounds that I had completed B.A. and M.A. (Sociology) through Correspondence Education mode. I am already working in an unaided private school and have an intention to pursue B.Ed to teach in the higher classes. I do not mind taking up any other study for ensuring continuation. I am not aware of the rules governing the programmes.
Eshwarappa via email, Bengaluru
The normal schemata of academic life in India if it is a B.A./B.Com/B.Sc programme is 10 years of schooling; 2 years of Pre-University/Intermediate; and 3 years of graduation. That completes the cycle of 10 + 2 + 3. From your query, we at EducationPlus gather that you have directly taken admission to the B.A. and M.A. programmes on the basis of age and under the Open University environment.
In such a scenario you will surely not be permitted to take up programmes on a regular basis. You could seek admission for B.Ed in an Open University provided you are working as a teacher in a school (this is as per the guidance of the National Council for Teacher Education, NCTE, Union Ministry of Human Resources Development). However, the University offering B.Ed in the Open University or Distance Learning environment reserves the right of admission.
You will have to adhere to the statutes and rules that are created by the University and ensure the process of admission.
If you get admission in a regular B.Ed programme, the duration will be one year and the programmes in the distance scheme will be for two years.
You should connect to the IGNOU (www.ignou.ac.in) and check and seek admission for the B.Ed programme and get information on teaching related programmes like Post-Graduate Diploma in Higher Education (PGDHE).
The B.Ed programme of IGNOU has practical components which are mandatory for the teacher-educator to pursue. In fact, one has to be a serving teacher for pursuing the programme.
I am currently pursuing B.Sc – CBZ (second year), and have got a keen interest in Anthropology (Physical, Criminal and Forensic). I would like to probe the idea of pursuing Master’s degree in Anthropology. I request you to provide details on the subject and the areas of specialisation and the consideration of a career and the scope of the subject in India.
Shailaja Kumar via email, Bengaluru
In Karnataka you can pursue M.Sc in Anthropology in the following Universities:
Department of Anthropology, University of Mysore, JLB Road, Mysore-570005. Ph: 0821-2419706 (Department), 0821-2419361 (General). The department conducts M.A. and M.Sc programmes. The I and II semesters are common to both the programmes.
The M.Sc stream will have courses such as Forensic Anthropology, Genetics, Practical Studies in Osteometry, Serology and Estimation of Haemoglobin Content, and Molecular Anthropology, while the M.A. programme will have Population Anthropology, Gender Anthropology, Development Anthropology, and Studies on Indian Tribes. Considering that you are from the Science stream you should select the M.Sc programme.
Department of Anthropology, Karnatak University, Pavate Nagar, Dharwad-580003. Its programmes are similar in nature to those on offer at other Universities. Most of the Sociology Departments in India offer one or two papers of Anthropology for students who are pursuing M.A. in Sociology as a means of introducing the subject. However, those with an interest in the field of Anthropology will pursue programmes directly with the Departments of Anthropology to ensure a better career.
Anthropology as a discipline has grown leaps and bounds in the U.S., Europe and other developed and developing nations. On completion of M.Sc or M.A in Anthropology, pursuing doctorate (Ph.D.) will ensure that research opportunity comes about.
If one is looking at the government sector, organisations such as the Archaeological Survey of India, the Planning Commission and United Nations bodies like UNESCO and UNICEF provide ample opportunities. Teaching and research is another area where one can flourish in India.
The Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) too support proponents of Anthropology in various areas, but the opportunities are few.
This is in total dichotomy to the scenario in the U.S., Europe and other areas where anthropologists are much sought after.
Shaheed Khan
Email: Shaheed_k@yahoo.com
