B.Tech Engineering Physics Dual Degree at IIST Thiruvananthapuram Offline Course

This is a five year full time course of Indian Institute of Space Science and Technology, Thiruvananthapuram and course is approved by AICTE.

Recent years have seen a rapid expansion of research and development facilities in our country,both public funded, under the aegis of various national research establishments, and by the industry at large. The upcoming research laboratories under Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO), Defence Research and Development Organization (DRDO), Indian Institute of Science (IISc). etc in Chitradurg, the Indian Neutrino observatory, Indian participation in the International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER) project, much awaited human space flight programme by ISRO are just few examples. Substantial funding is being given to such initiatives. Consequently, the creation of suitable workforce is and will be imperative in the coming years. At one end the engineering graduates are facing an increasing demand in the industry and at the other end lack of graduates trained in fundamental sciences but oriented towards applications are very few in number. Bachelor and masters degrees offered by many reputed institutes all over the world have shown that such programmes play a vital role in creating new technologies and larger innovation. Any knowledge driven technological development, such as in the challenging and frontier area of Space Science and application, cannot be achieved without a well trained workforce in the fundamental sciences, oriented towards applications. The B.Tech. (Engineering Physics) – Master of Science/Master of Technology dual degree programme is a step in this direction. It is identified that Solid State Physics and Optical Engineering are two suitable areas of physics with broad applications in most national research laboratories and technology dependent industry.

Solid State Physics:

Conventionally the name Solid State Physics refers to semi conductor devices under microscopic scale sizes. With rapid advances in technology, and an even more rapidly increasing demand for devices that are faster yet less power hungry, lighter yet hold larger memory capacity, the size of the average transistor has shrunk to a threshold where the underlying physics takes a paradigm shift. Present day Solid State Physics is a larger umbrella encompassing all such technologies sharing the same goal. The Master of Science (Solid State Physics) programme prepares the student in the fundamental aspects of physics required to handle this transition, while also providing adequate training in the required technology and necessary tools. The programme has been conceived, and the curriculum has been so formulated, with the semiconductor related R&D industry as the primary area where such expertise will be employed. Apart from industry, a student completing this programme will have covered adequate ground to carry further into higher research in the larger discipline of condensed matter physics.

Optical Engineering:

The name optical engineering refers to optical physics with more focus on the applied aspects of the subject. The theme is to design, control, and synthesize optical sources and devices to meet the advanced industrial demands of high accuracy and better performance with almost zero tolerance. Optical engineering encompasses giving training in both fundamental and technical aspects of the subject. Besides preparing the students for a career in research and development, the programme will also be a stepping stone to pursue higher studies in applied science and engineering.

Astronomy and Astrophysics:

Astronomy & Astrophysics deals with application of principles of physics and mathematics to learn more about celestial bodies (planets, moons, stars, galaxies, etc.) and the universe. There are mainly two fields: observational and theoretical. Observational astronomy involves data acquisition (for example through observations at a telescope), analysis and interpretation. Theoretical astrophysics involves development of analytical and computational models to describe celestial objects and phenomena. The two fields complement each other with data interpretation of observational astronomy requiring models from theoretical astrophysics. A unique aspect of astronomy & astrophysics is that it deals with complex phenomena involving processes of different kinds, which requires use of all branches of physics ranging from elementary particle physics to large scale phenomena such as gravitation. The programme instructs students in all aspects of astronomy & astrophysics followed by their application in a one year research project. Upon completion of the programme, students can pursue higher studies in either astronomy & astrophysics or other branches of physics. The scope or pursuing astronomy & astrophysics as a career option is taking a giant leap with upcoming state-of-the-art national facilities and Indian participation in major international projects - ASTROSAT (India's first dedicated satellite for astronomy), ADITYA (India's mission to the Sun), Chandrayann II, Devasthal Optical Telescope, Indian Neutrino Observatory (INO), Thirty Meter Telescope (TMT), Square Kilometer Array (SKA), IndIGO (Indian participation in Laser Interferometer Gravitational wave Observatory) are to list a few.

In addition, opportunities exist in the following ISRO/DoS centres: ISRO Satellite Centre (ISAC), Bangalore, Physical Research Laboratory (PRL), Ahmedabad, Space Applications Centre (SAC), Ahmedabad and Space Physics Laboratory (SPL), Thiruvananthapuram.

Earth System Science:

Earth system science provides a physical basis for understanding and appreciating the planet Earth in which we live. Earth system science encompasses both the basic and applied sciences and treats the Earth as an integrated system. The study of Earth System Science leads to a deeper understanding of the physical, chemical, biological and human interactions that determine the past, current and future states of the Planet Earth. The Master of Science programme in Earth System Science educates students in all aspects of Earth System, its components and their interactions; followed by a one year research project. Upon completion of this programme, students can pursue higher studies in Atmospheric Sciences, Ocean Sciences, Solid Earth Sciences or in other branches of Physics. The career scope and job opportunities for students of Earth System Science are numerous with the possibility of good career prospects with the Ministry of Earth Sciences and its various institutions under Government of India, such as India Meteorological Department, Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM), Pune, National Centre for Medium Range Weather Forecast (NCMRWF), Noida, National Institute of Ocean Technology (NIOT), Chennai, National Centre for Antarctic & Ocean Research (NCAOR), Goa, Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Service (INCOIS), Hyderabad, and National Centre for Earth Science Studies (NCESS), Thiruvananthapuram. Additionally, opportunities exist in several ISRO/DoS centers such as Space Application Center (SAC), Ahmedabad, Physical Research Laboratory (PRL), Ahmedabad, National Atmospheric Research Laboratory (NARL), Gadanki, National Remote Sensing Center (NRSC), Hyderabad, Space Physics Laboratory (SPL), Thiruvanathapuram and North-East Space Applications Center (NESAC), Shillong.