Saturday 26 May 2012

B.Tech. Physical Sciences Course..



The B. Tech (Physical Science) program is primarily aimed at training students in fundamental areas of physical science for application in space sciences and technology. Space missions are often planned and driven by some definite science goals and scientific objectives. The B. Tech program in Physical Sciences has been designed keeping such science requirements of space research in mind. The students enrolled in the B. Tech (Physical Science) program take introductory and advanced courses in Astronomy & Astrophysics, Remote Sensing, Earth System Science and Chemical Systems. In addition, their curriculum also includes courses in basic electrical and mechanical engineering, physics, mathematics and humanities. The students in the B. Tech (Physical Science program would select five electives subjects from any one of the following four areas, (a) Astronomy Astrophysics (b) Remote Sensing (c) Earth System Science, and (d) Chemical Systems which span broad areas of current and future space research, not only under the Department of Space but also various national, international institutions which are actively engaged in.
The focus in Astronomy & Astrophysics will be on space exploration platforms as well as several ground based facilities which provide valuable data over a broad range of the electromagnetic spectrum enabling the study of various astrophysical systems in our universe. Several fundamental problems in the areas of Galactic, Extragalactic Astronomy and Cosmology can be addressed with multi-wavelength data. In addition, access to Rover and Orbiter satellite data for Moon and future missions to survey the terrestrial planets would enable comparative planetology studies. Such studies would help us to better understand the origin and history of our solar system and also address the question of the possibility of life on other planets. B.Tech (Physical Science) program includes theory and lab courses in astronomy & astrophysics and project/internship opportunities to get hands-on training in areas of observational, theoretical astronomy and solar system explorations.
The field of Remote Sensing deals with the gathering and interpretation of Earth Observation satellite data to bring out important characteristics of the Earth. Remote Sensing satellites provide important information for the mapping and monitoring of land use and various natural resources such as agriculture, forestry, mineral wealth, water resources, climate, urban and regional systems. Such information is crucial for proper utilization and management of our natural resources. Satellite data are also useful in mapping various geological features and in the exploration of mineral deposits on Earth and other terrestrial planets of the solar system. The continuous monitoring of Earth-Atmospheric system helps in identifying early warnings of impending natural calamities such as flash floods, earth quakes, tropical cyclones, tsunamis, droughts, forest fires and landslides. Satellite oceanic data is used for the measurement of sea surface temperature, sea surface heights, ocean color, various components of radiation, identification of potential fishing zones, and in the study of ocean surface wind waves and currents. Since the ocean occupies nearly 70% of the surface area of the Earth, the satellites offer an effective platform for monitoring the state of the ocean system.
The idea of ‘Earth System Science’ has provided a framework to consider Earth as a complex interacting system involving the core, mantle, lithosphere, hydrosphere, biosphere and atmosphere. The broad objective is to understand the nature and evolution of the planet since the formation of the solar system. The areas that come under Solid Earth Sciences are geological mapping, physical geology, mineralogy etc. and planetary bodies (Earth, Mars, and Moon). The institute’s research focuses on the processes associated with the origin and evolution of various rocks and minerals to understand the growth and early differentiation of Earth and other planets. In Atmospheric Sciences (which comes under Earth System Science), we offer a unique and varied curriculum involving course work, training and research built around observation, modeling and theory. The field of Atmospheric Sciences has greatly benefited from data obtained from Earth Observing satellites. Monitoring the movement and intensity of tropical cyclones, vertical temperature and humidity profiles, measuring atmospheric wind changes with altitude, obtaining surface wind vector over the sea, measuring precipitation, monitoring aerosols and the various components of the Earth radiation budget are all done effectively with the help of satellite data. Satellites also play a pivotal role in determining the initial state of the atmosphere; a key ingredient required for “Numerical Weather Forecast”.
The field of Chemical Systems deals with special chemicals and materials that are the heart of space vehicles, propulsion systems and satellite technologies. Development of novel materials with superior structural and functional properties and high energy propellants with superior performance will lead to successful development of reusable launch vehicles that can revolutionize the space transportation by bringing down the launch cost. Nanoscience and technology can contribute to the development of many advanced subsystems for space application such as batteries of high storage density, high efficiency solar cells, fuel cells, nanofluids, structural composites with high specific strength etc. The future manned missions demand the development of advanced materials and systems to protect and sustain astronaut inside the space module. The materials to be developed for future interplanetary missions should be suitable to withstand the harsh environment in space, moon and other planets.
The curriculum for the B. Tech (Physical Science) is structured to provide the students the knowledge in the following areas namely (a) a strong basics in physical sciences and mathematics, (b) exposure to the core areas of knowledge in astrophysics, atmospheric science, oceans, geology and remote sensing, (c) ability to acquire and analyze data relevant to astronomy, atmosphere, ocean and solid Earth, (d) exposure to the latest software dealing with the mapping and monitoring of various natural resources as well as various geological structures, (e) familiarity with advanced techniques of remote sensing, (f) exposure to various facets of satellite sensors and data in different parts of the electromagnetic spectrum, (g) knowledge about advanced materials for launch vehicles (h) knowledge on propellants and high energy materials, (i) exposure to advanced energy systems, and (j) exposure to nanoscience and technology.
While at IIST, students will have access to state-of-the-art laboratory and research facilities in all areas of the physical sciences. In addition they will have opportunities to engage in projects with faculty at IIST and also staff at the Department of Space affiliated institutions. Please visit the Department of Earth & Space Sciences, Department of Physics, Department of Chemistry and Department of Mathematics web pages to learn more. Also see the Course & Curriculum link for further details on the program requirements and course structure for the B. Tech (Physical Science) program. The students who complete B. Tech program in Physical Sciences would have acquired the essential knowledge and skill sets to utilize their knowledge to carry on various tasks in the following institutions/centers within the country.
Focus with Astronomy:
1. Physical Research Laboratory (PRL), Ahmedabad
2. ISRO Satellite Centre (ISAC), Bangalore
3. Inter University Center for Astronomy & Astrophysics (IUCAA), Pune
4. Indian Institute of Astrophysics (IIA), Bangalore
5. Raman Research Institute (RRI), Bangalore
6. Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (TIFR), Mumbai
7. National Center for Radio Astronomy (NCRA), Pune
8. Various Academic Institutes such as IISc, Bangalore, IIT Kharagpur and several Central/State universities
Focus with Remote Sensing:
1. National Remote Sensing Centre (NRSC), Hyderabad
2. Space Applications Centre (SAC), Ahmedabad
3. Indian Institute of Remote Sensing (IIRS), Dehradhun
4. Regional Remote Sensing Service Centres (RRSSC) (Jodhpur, Nagpur, Dehradun, Kharagpur and Bangalore)
5. North Eastern Space Applications Centre (NESAC), Shillong
6. Various Academic Institutes such as IIT Bombay, IIT Kharagpur and several Central/State universities
7. Opportunities with Private Companies involved in Remote Sensing software and GIS.
Focus with Earth Science:
1. Space Applications Centre (SAC), Ahmedabad
2. National Remote Sensing Centre (NRSC), Hyderabad
3. Satish Dhawan Space Centre, SHAR, Sriharikota, AP
4. Physical Research Laboratory (PRL), Ahmedabad
5. National Atmospheric Research Laboratory (NARL), Chittoor
6. North Eastern Space Applications Centre (NESAC), Shillong
7. Space Physics Laboratory, Thiruvananthapuram
8. Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology, Pune
9. National Center for Medium Range Weather Forecasting, New Delhi
10. Indian National Center for Ocean Information System, Hyderabad
11. National Institute of Ocean Technology, Chennai
12. National Aerospace Laboratory, Bangalore
13. Center for Mathematical Modeling and Computer Applications, Bangalore
14. Various Academic Institutes such as IISc, Bangalore, IIT Bombay, IIT Delhi, IIT Kharagpur and several Central/State universities
Focus with Chemical System:
1. Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC), Trivandrum
2. Liquid Propulsion Systems Centre (LPSC), Trivandrum, Bangalore, and Mahendragiri
3. Satish Dhavan Space Center (SDSC), Sriharikota
4. ISRO Satellite Center (ISAC), Bangalore
5. Space Application Center (SAC) , Ahmedabad
6. Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bangalore
7. National Chemical Laboratory (NCL), Pune
8. Indian Institute of Chemical technology (IICT), Hyderabad
9. Central Electrochemical Research Institute (CERI), Karaikudi
10. National Institute of Interdisciplinary Science and Technology (NIIST) , Trivandrum
11. Indian Institute of Technologies (IIT’s)
12. Indian Institute of Science Education and Research(IISER’S)

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