Physics
I am in the final year of the degree course in physics. Kindly inform me about the higher study options in the discipline and the related specialised subjects.
DOUGLES P.M.
KOTTAYAM
Physics graduates who want to enter the scientific profession should do the Master's course in the discipline or related specialised subjects or branches and then take up research leading to a Ph.D. The specialised subjects and branches include astrophysics, astronomy, nuclear physics, geophysics, applied geophysics, solid state physics, and space physics.
Physics may be broadly classified into theoretical and experimental categories. Theoretical physics deals with laws and theories, while experimental physics involves the designing of experiments and comparison of the findings with predictions based on theory and laws.
Astrophysics
Astrophysics, a specialised subject, is one of the better options for higher studies. It is a branch of astronomy that deals with the physics of the universe, including the physical properties of astronomical objects, such as stars and galaxies. After taking a Master's degree in the subject, do research leading to a Ph.D. to become an astrophysicist or scientist or research officer in the field of space research.
In Kerala, the School of Pure and Applied Physics of Mahatma Gandhi University, Kottayam, offers an M.Sc. physics course with astrophysics as a specialisation. Those who have scored at least 55 per cent marks in the B.Sc. course in physics, with mathematics as a subsidiary subject, are eligible for admission. There are 20 seats. Selection is based on an entrance test. The school offers the M.Phil. and the Ph.D. courses too. Details may be had from www.mguniversity.edu.
Universities offering the M.Sc. astrophysics or astronomy courses include Osmania University, Hyderabad, and the Swami Ramanand Teerth Marathwada University, Nanded, Maharashtra – 431 606.
Nuclear physics
It is another specialised branch of physics involving the scientific study of the forces, reactions, and internal structure of the atomic nuclei. To become a nuclear physicist, specialise in nuclear physics at the M.Sc. and the Ph.D. levels. Those who score top marks in B.Sc. physics can go for the M.Sc. nuclear physics course. Only a few universities conduct the course. Aspirants must have a scientific aptitude and capability.
In Kerala, the Department of Physics of the University of Calicut conducts an M.Sc. physics course with nuclear physics as a specialised subject. M.Phil. and Ph.D. courses are also offered.
Some other universities and affiliated colleges in the State conduct the M.Sc. physics course with nuclear physics and atomic and molecular physics as separate papers.
The universities and institutes conducting the M.Sc. nuclear physics course outside Kerala include:
Andhra University, Waltair, Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh. (M.Sc. courses in space physics and meteorology are also conducted here.)
Manonmaniam Sundaranar University, Tirunelveli.
Karnatak University, Dharwad. (It also offers M.Sc. courses in atomic and molecular physics and electronics and solid state physics.)
Geophysics
It is the study of the physics of he Earth, especially its crust. Applied geophysics deals with the application of methods of physics in the study of the Earth. Geophysics and applied geophysics courses are rare.
The Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs), Kharagpur and Bombay, offer M.Sc. courses in geophysics and applied geophysics, respectively.
The Department of Applied Geophysics of the Indian School of Mines University, Dhanbad, offers the three-year M.Sc. Tech. programme in applied geophysics. Entry qualification is a B.Sc. degree in physics with mathematics and chemistry, statistics, computer science, geology, or geography as subsidiary subjects. The university conducts a national-level entrance test for the course.
Those who obtain higher qualifications in geophysics can try to secure specialist jobs in scientific institutions such as the Centre for Earth Science Studies, the Geological Survey of India, the National Institute of Oceanography, the Defence Research and Development Organisation, and oil refineries.
Meteorology
Meteorology, an interdisciplinary science, studies the Earth's atmosphere that influences weather conditions. Therefore, meteorology is mainly concerned with the study of weather and weather forecasting.
Atmospheric science is a combination of meteorology and other branches of physical sciences involved in studying the atmosphere.
Meteorology and atmospheric science courses are generally conducted at the M.Sc. and the M.Tech. levels. Only a few universities in the country offer them. A student considering a career in meteorology or atmospheric science should study physics at the graduate level.
In Kerala, the Department of Atmospheric Science of the Cochin University of Science and Technology offers an M.Sc. course in meteorology and an M.Tech. course in atmospheric science. Those with a degree in physics or mathematics with at least 55 per cent marks are eligible for admission to the M.Sc. course. Selection is based on the Cusat Common Admission Test.
Those with an M.Sc. degree in meteorology, physics, or mathematics with at least 60 per cent marks and a valid score in the Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering are eligible for admission to the M.Tech. course. Those who have cleared the National Eligibility Test conducted by the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research and the University Grants Commission are also eligible.
Some other major research institutes offering Ph.D. programmes in astrophysics or astronomy are:
The Indian Institute of Astrophysics, Bangalore.
Harish Chandra Research Institute, Allahabad.
The Inter-University Centre of Astronomy and Astrophysics, Pune.
The National Centre for Radio Astrophysics, Tata Institute of Fundamental Research, Pune.
Physical Research Laboratory, Ahmedabad.
Other options
The IITs, Delhi, Kanpur, Kharagpur, Madras, Hyderabad, Roorkee, and Guwahati, offer M.Sc.-level courses in physics. The IITs, Kanpur and Bombay, conduct an M.Sc.-Ph.D. dual-degree programme in physics. Physics graduates with at least 55 per cent marks in aggregate can get admission on clearing the Joint Admission Test (www.iitb.ac.in/jam).
The Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bangalore, offers integrated Ph.D. programmes in physical sciences for physics graduates. Selection is through the national-level IISc entrance test and interview. For details, visit www.iiscernet.in.
The S.N. Bose National Centre for Basic Sciences, Kolkata, conducts a post-B.Sc. integrated M.Sc.-Ph.D. programme in physical sciences. Physics graduates with at least 55 per cent marks are eligible for admission. Those who complete the programme with 55 per cent or more marks are eligible for admission. Details may be had from www.bose.res.in.
The Saha Institute of Nuclear Physics, Kolkata, offers undergraduate associateship in biophysical sciences. The students may be absorbed as research fellows depending on their academic performance (www.saha.ac.in).
The Tata Institute of Fundamental Research, Mumbai, the Institute of Physics, Bhubaneswar, and the Nuclear Science Centre, New Delhi, provide research facilities leading to a Ph.D. in the relevant fields of physics.
The Bhabha Atomic Research Centre provides exciting research facilities and opportunities to build a good career in the atomic and nuclear fields.
Those who have obtained a Master's degree in the respective discipline with high marks can appear for the Joint Entrance Screening Test (JEST) for admission to the Ph.D. programmes being offered by leading research institutes in India.
Details of more universities conducting M.Sc., M.Phil. and Ph.D. programmes in physics and related subjects may be had from the University Handbook published by the Association of Indian Universities, New Delhi, usually available for reference at the university employment information and guidance bureaux of all universities in Kerala.
