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PH-D in Solid State Structural Chemistry at Indian Institute of Science
Bengaluru, Karnataka
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About the Specialization
What is Solid State & Structural Chemistry at Indian Institute of Science Bengaluru?
This Solid State & Structural Chemistry Ph.D. program at the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) Bengaluru focuses on advanced research and fundamental understanding of materials, their synthesis, structure, properties, and diverse applications. It is crucial for India''''s burgeoning R&D sectors in electronics, energy, healthcare, and advanced manufacturing, aiming to foster innovative solutions and high-tech material development for a self-reliant India.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for highly motivated postgraduates holding an M.Sc. or equivalent in Chemistry, Materials Science, Physics, Chemical Engineering, or related fields, aiming for a research career. It suits individuals with a strong academic background, passionate about deep scientific inquiry, eager to contribute to fundamental and applied material science, and those seeking to innovate in areas like sustainable energy, catalysis, and advanced functional materials.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect to secure impactful roles as research scientists in national laboratories (e.g., CSIR, DRDO), R&D departments of top Indian companies (e.g., Reliance, Tata Steel, various pharmaceutical and materials companies), or as faculty in prestigious academic institutions across India. Initial salaries for Ph.D. holders in India typically range from INR 8-15 LPA, with significant growth trajectories for experienced researchers and innovators driving India''''s scientific advancements.
Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Deep Dive into Fundamental Coursework- (undefined)
Engage rigorously with core and elective courses like Crystallography, Solid State Chemistry, and Quantum Chemistry offered by the unit. Focus on building a strong theoretical foundation essential for cutting-edge research. Actively participate in discussions, attend tutorials, and seek clarifications from professors, leveraging IISc''''s distinguished faculty.
Tools & Resources
IISc Library resources (e-journals, databases), SSCU faculty office hours, Peer study groups and discussion forums
Career Connection
A solid theoretical base is critical for formulating insightful research questions, designing impactful experiments, and interpreting complex data, which are fundamental for strong research proposals, publications, and future R&D roles.
Identify Research Area and Advisor Early- (undefined)
Attend departmental seminars, research colloquia, and lab meetings from various faculty members within SSCU and related departments. Proactively interact with potential advisors to understand their research focus and align your interests with available projects. This early engagement helps in shaping your Ph.D. trajectory effectively and defining your research scope.
Tools & Resources
SSCU Research Group pages, IISc Research publications database (e.g., IISc Repository), Departmental seminar series and research expos
Career Connection
Early alignment with a suitable research group ensures a productive Ph.D. journey, culminating in high-impact thesis work and strong letters of recommendation, vital for academic faculty positions or senior industrial research roles.
Cultivate Scientific Reading and Writing Habits- (undefined)
Regularly read top-tier scientific journals (e.g., Nature, Science, JACS, Angewandte Chemie, Advanced Materials) to stay updated and critically analyze research. Practice summarizing complex papers and develop precise scientific writing skills for lab reports, literature reviews, and research proposals. Utilize writing workshops or academic writing support offered by the institute.
Tools & Resources
Web of Science, Scopus, Elsevier/Springer databases, Grammarly, IISc Academic Writing Centre if available
Career Connection
Effective scientific communication, both in reading and writing, is indispensable for publishing research, securing grants, collaborating internationally, and advancing in any research-intensive career path in India or globally.
Intermediate Stage
Master Advanced Characterization Techniques- (undefined)
Gain hands-on expertise in advanced materials characterization techniques relevant to solid-state and structural chemistry, such as X-ray Diffraction (XRD), various forms of Electron Microscopy (SEM/TEM), Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) spectroscopy, Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM), and other advanced spectroscopies. Seek comprehensive training and utilize IISc''''s state-of-the-art central instrumentation facilities and departmental labs.
Tools & Resources
IISc Central Instrumentation Facility (CIF), SSCU specific lab equipment, Online courses and workshops on specific techniques
Career Connection
Proficiency in advanced characterization makes you highly valuable in industrial R&D and academic research, as it''''s crucial for understanding, synthesizing, and validating material properties and performance. This is a critical skill for materials scientists in India''''s rapidly developing sectors.
Present Research Regularly at Seminars and Conferences- (undefined)
Actively present your preliminary and ongoing research findings at internal departmental seminars, national workshops, and eventually international conferences. This hones critical presentation skills, provides valuable feedback from experts, and significantly expands your professional network within the scientific community in India and abroad. Practice defending your research in Q&A sessions.
Tools & Resources
Departmental seminar series, National conferences (e.g., Materials Research Society of India - MRSI, Chemical Research Society of India - CRSI), IISc travel grants for conference participation
Career Connection
Regular presentations build your academic profile, attract potential collaborations, and are essential for networking with potential employers, post-doctoral mentors, and peers, boosting your visibility and reputation in the Indian scientific ecosystem.
Seek Interdisciplinary Collaborations and Problem-Solving- (undefined)
Leverage IISc''''s highly interdisciplinary environment by actively exploring collaborations with research groups in related departments like Materials Engineering, Physics, Chemical Engineering, or even Biosciences. This enriches your research perspective, broadens your skillset, and helps develop a holistic understanding of complex scientific challenges by applying diverse methodologies.
Tools & Resources
IISc Interdisciplinary Research Initiatives, Faculty networking events, Joint seminar series across departments
Career Connection
Interdisciplinary problem-solving skills are highly sought after in modern R&D, especially in emerging fields. This approach opens doors to diverse career paths in convergent technologies, innovation roles, and leadership positions in both academia and industry in India.
Advanced Stage
Focus on High-Impact Publications and Thesis Writing- (undefined)
Prioritize publishing your research findings in high-impact, peer-reviewed international journals. Systematically organize your research findings, analyze data meticulously, and dedicate significant time to writing a comprehensive, coherent, and well-articulated Ph.D. thesis. Seek critical feedback from your advisor and peers well in advance of submission.
Tools & Resources
Journal submission platforms (e.g., ACS, RSC, Wiley, Nature Publishing Group), Academic writing software and reference managers, IISc thesis template guidelines and writing support
Career Connection
High-quality publications are the cornerstone of a successful research career, directly influencing post-doctoral opportunities, academic faculty positions, and senior R&D roles within India''''s top research institutions and industries. A strong thesis is your ultimate research output.
Network Strategically and Explore Post-PhD Pathways- (undefined)
Utilize conferences, workshops, and IISc''''s extensive alumni network to build professional connections. Actively explore various post-Ph.D. options, including post-doctoral fellowships (in India or abroad), R&D positions in industry, or entrepreneurial ventures in deep tech. Prepare your curriculum vitae, cover letters, and research statements tailored to these diverse roles.
Tools & Resources
LinkedIn, ResearchGate, Career guidance cells at IISc, IISc Alumni Association events, Job portals for scientific roles in India
Career Connection
Strategic networking and proactive career planning are crucial for a smooth and successful transition from Ph.D. to a fulfilling and impactful career, whether in academic research, industrial innovation, or as a scientific entrepreneur in the rapidly evolving Indian economy.
Develop Mentorship and Leadership Skills- (undefined)
Take on mentorship roles for junior Ph.D. students and master''''s candidates in the lab, guiding them in experiments, data analysis, and scientific thinking. Take initiatives in lab management, equipment maintenance, or organizing research activities and journal clubs. These experiences cultivate essential leadership, project management, and team collaboration skills, preparing you to lead your own research team or projects.
Tools & Resources
Lab safety protocols and management systems, Group meeting organization and facilitation, IISc leadership development workshops if available
Career Connection
Leadership and mentorship experience during your Ph.D. significantly enhances your profile for leadership roles in academia, industrial R&D management, and even science policy or consultancy, demonstrating your capability to manage and inspire scientific teams.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- Master''''s degree (M.Sc./M.Tech./M.E./M.S.) in a relevant discipline (e.g., Chemistry, Materials Science, Physics, Chemical Engineering) with a first-class or equivalent. Candidates must have qualified a national entrance exam such as GATE, NET (JRF), JEST, INSPIRE, or other recognized national fellowships, followed by a rigorous interview at IISc.
Duration: Minimum 3 years (up to 7 years allowed, typically 4-5 years)
Credits: Minimum 24 credits (for coursework, typically spread over first two years) Credits
Assessment: Assessment pattern not specified
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester 1
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SSC 201 | Crystallography | Elective | 3 | Crystal systems and symmetry, Point and space groups, X-ray diffraction principles, Powder and single-crystal methods, Structure determination techniques |
| SSC 202 | Group Theory & Spectroscopy | Elective | 3 | Symmetry elements and operations, Character tables and irreducible representations, Vibrational spectroscopy (IR, Raman), Electronic spectroscopy (UV-Vis), Application to molecular structure |
| SSC 203 | Quantum Chemistry | Elective | 3 | Postulates of quantum mechanics, Schrodinger equation and operators, Atomic and molecular orbitals, Valence bond and molecular orbital theories, Perturbation theory and approximations |
| SSC 204 | Thermodynamics and Statistical Mechanics | Elective | 3 | Laws of thermodynamics, Free energy and chemical potential, Ensembles and partition functions, Statistical mechanics of ideal gases, Phase transitions and critical phenomena |
| SSC 205 | Symmetry in Chemistry | Elective (Audit) | 1 | Symmetry elements and operations, Point groups and molecular symmetry, Applications in spectroscopy, Chirality and stereochemistry, Symmetry in crystal lattices |
| SSC 206 | Computer Simulation in Chemical Sciences | Elective | 3 | Molecular mechanics and dynamics, Monte Carlo simulations, Density Functional Theory (DFT), Computational tools and software, Applications in materials and reactions |
| SSC 207 | Chemical Biology | Elective | 3 | Principles of chemical biology, Protein and nucleic acid chemistry, Enzyme mechanisms and inhibitors, Small molecule probes, Drug discovery principles |
| SSC 208 | General Chemistry | Elective | 3 | Atomic structure and periodicity, Chemical bonding theories, Acids, bases and pH, Chemical reactions and stoichiometry, Introduction to organic chemistry |
| SSC 209 | Organometallic Chemistry | Elective | 3 | Ligands and coordination modes, 18-electron rule and bonding, Catalysis (e.g., Heck, Suzuki reactions), Metal-carbon sigma and pi bonds, Applications in organic synthesis |
| SSC 210 | Special Topics in Materials Chemistry | Elective | 3 | Advanced functional materials, Energy materials synthesis, Biomaterials and polymers, Nanomaterials and characterization, Computational materials design |
| SSC 211 | Chemistry of Main Group Elements | Elective | 3 | Periodic trends and properties, Synthesis and reactions of main group compounds, Chemistry of boron, silicon, phosphorus, Inorganic polymers, Industrial applications |
| SSC 212 | Solid State Chemistry | Elective | 3 | Crystal structures and defects, Synthesis methods (e.g., solid-state reactions), Electronic and ionic conductivity, Magnetic and optical properties, Phase transitions and diagrams |
| SSC 213 | Advanced Solid State Chemistry | Elective | 3 | Advanced crystal growth techniques, Correlations in solids, Defect chemistry and thermodynamics, Quantum solids and low-dimensional systems, Advanced functional materials (e.g., topological insulators) |
| SSC 214 | Chemical Applications of NMR Spectroscopy | Elective | 3 | NMR theory and principles, Chemical shift and coupling constants, 1D and 2D NMR techniques (COSY, HMQC), Structure elucidation of organic and inorganic molecules, Dynamic NMR and reaction monitoring |
| SSC 215 | Biological Chemistry | Elective | 3 | Structure and function of biomolecules, Metabolic pathways and bioenergetics, Enzyme kinetics and regulation, DNA replication, transcription, translation, Biochemical techniques |
| SSC 216 | Structural Biology | Elective | 3 | Protein structure and folding, Nucleic acid structures (DNA, RNA), X-ray crystallography of biomacromolecules, Cryo-EM and NMR in structural biology, Protein-ligand interactions |
| SSC 217 | Molecular Spectroscopy | Elective | 3 | Rotational and vibrational spectroscopy, Electronic spectroscopy (absorption, emission), Raman and fluorescence spectroscopy, Photoelectron spectroscopy, Spectroscopic techniques for molecular characterization |
| SSC 218 | Biomaterials | Elective | 3 | Introduction to biomaterials science, Biocompatibility and biodegradation, Polymers, ceramics, metals as biomaterials, Tissue engineering and regenerative medicine, Drug delivery systems |
| SSC 219 | Chemical Energetics and Kinetics | Elective | 3 | Thermodynamics of chemical reactions, Reaction rates and rate laws, Activation energy and transition state theory, Complex reaction mechanisms, Photochemistry and catalysis kinetics |
| SSC 220 | Concepts in Chemical Bonding | Elective | 3 | Valence bond theory, Molecular orbital theory, Hybridization and VSEPR theory, Intermolecular forces, Bonding in main group and transition metal compounds |
| SSC 221 | Modern Methods of Materials Characterization | Elective | 3 | Electron microscopy (SEM, TEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM), Spectroscopic techniques (XPS, UPS, Raman), Thermal analysis (TGA, DSC) |
| SSC 222 | Soft Matter | Elective | 3 | Polymers and polymer solutions, Liquid crystals and colloids, Gels and emulsions, Self-assembly phenomena, Rheology and mechanical properties |
| SSC 223 | Frontiers in Bio-inorganic Chemistry | Elective | 3 | Metal ions in biological systems, Metalloenzymes and their mechanisms, Metal-based drugs and diagnostics, Bio-inspired catalysis, Spectroscopic techniques in bioinorganic chemistry |
| SSC 224 | Chemistry of Carbon Materials | Elective | 3 | Fullerenes, nanotubes, graphene, Synthesis and properties of carbon materials, Diamond and amorphous carbon, Applications in energy, electronics, catalysis, Characterization of carbon nanomaterials |
| SSC 225 | Inorganic Clusters and Metal-Metal Bonded Compounds | Elective | 3 | Synthesis and structure of metal clusters, Electron counting rules (Wade''''s, Mingos''''), Multiple metal-metal bonds, Catalytic applications of clusters, Supramolecular inorganic chemistry |
| SSC 226 | Molecular Reaction Dynamics | Elective | 3 | Potential energy surfaces, Collision theory and reaction cross-sections, State-to-state reaction dynamics, Femtochemistry and ultrafast processes, Experimental techniques in reaction dynamics |
| SSC 227 | Materials Chemistry for Energy and Environment | Elective | 3 | Photovoltaics and solar cells, Batteries and supercapacitors, Catalysis for environmental remediation, Hydrogen generation and storage, CO2 capture and conversion |
| SSC 228 | Physical Chemistry of Surfaces | Elective | 3 | Surface structure and thermodynamics, Adsorption and desorption kinetics, Surface sensitive techniques (STM, AFM, XPS), Heterogeneous catalysis, Surface functionalization and coatings |
| SSC 229 | Introduction to Biological Macromolecules | Elective | 3 | Structure of proteins, nucleic acids, polysaccharides, Self-assembly of biological systems, Biomolecular interactions, Conformational dynamics, Techniques for studying macromolecules |
| SSC 230 | Chemistry of Advanced Materials | Elective | 3 | Functional ceramics and glasses, Polymeric materials science, Composites and hybrid materials, Smart materials and sensors, Materials for electronics and photonics |
| SSC 231 | Introduction to Data Science in Chemistry | Elective | 3 | Data acquisition and analysis in chemistry, Machine learning algorithms for chemical data, Cheminformatics and bioinformatics, Spectroscopic data processing, Predictive modeling in materials and drug discovery |
| SSC 232 | Electrochemical Energy Systems | Elective | 3 | Principles of electrochemistry, Batteries (Li-ion, redox flow), Fuel cells and electrolyzers, Supercapacitors, Electrochemical characterization techniques |
| SSC 233 | Advanced Organic Chemistry | Elective | 3 | Reaction mechanisms (pericyclic, radical), Stereochemistry and asymmetric synthesis, Retrosynthesis and target molecule synthesis, Modern synthetic methodologies, Organocatalysis and photoredox catalysis |
| SSC 234 | Supramolecular Chemistry | Elective | 3 | Non-covalent interactions, Host-guest chemistry, Molecular recognition, Self-assembly and self-organization, Supramolecular polymers and materials |
Semester 2
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SSC 235 | Principles of Materials Science and Engineering | Elective | 3 | Atomic structure and bonding, Crystal defects and diffusion, Mechanical properties of materials, Electrical, thermal, and optical properties, Phase diagrams and transformations |
| SSC 236 | Advanced Organic Synthesis | Elective | 3 | Total synthesis of natural products, Asymmetric catalysis (organo-, metal-catalyzed), Flow chemistry and green synthesis, Protecting group strategies, New reagents and reactions in synthesis |
| SSC 237 | Electrochemistry | Elective | 3 | Electrochemical cells and thermodynamics, Electrode kinetics and mass transfer, Cyclic voltammetry and impedance spectroscopy, Electrochemical sensors, Corrosion and passivation |
| SSC 238 | Reaction Mechanism | Elective | 3 | Principles of organic reaction mechanisms, Substitutions, additions, eliminations, Pericyclic reactions, Carbocation, carbanion, radical intermediates, Kinetic and thermodynamic control |
| SSC 239 | Introduction to Polymer Science | Elective | 3 | Polymer synthesis methods (addition, condensation), Polymer characterization techniques, Morphology and crystallinity, Mechanical and thermal properties, Polymer applications and processing |
| SSC 240 | Concepts in Spectroscopy | Elective | 3 | Principles of electromagnetic radiation, Atomic and molecular spectroscopy, NMR, IR, UV-Vis, Mass Spectrometry fundamentals, Structural elucidation techniques, Data interpretation and analysis |
| SSC 241 | Bio-organic Chemistry | Elective | 3 | Enzyme catalysis mechanisms, Nucleic acid chemistry and synthesis, Peptide synthesis and protein engineering, Carbohydrate chemistry, Natural products and their biological activity |
| SSC 242 | Spectroscopy and Structure | Elective | 3 | Correlation of spectroscopic data with structure, Combined use of IR, NMR, Mass Spec, Advanced UV-Vis and Fluorescence applications, Chiroptical spectroscopies (CD, ORD), Spectroscopy of excited states |
| SSC 243 | Computational Chemistry | Elective | 3 | Quantum mechanical methods (ab initio, semi-empirical), Density Functional Theory (DFT) calculations, Molecular mechanics and dynamics, Conformational analysis, Software tools for computational chemistry |
| SSC 244 | Principles of Nanoscience | Elective | 3 | Quantum effects at nanoscale, Synthesis of nanomaterials (top-down, bottom-up), Properties of quantum dots, nanowires, 2D materials, Characterization techniques for nanomaterials, Applications of nanoscience |
| SSC 245 | Applied Solid State Chemistry | Elective | 3 | Solid electrolytes and ion conductors, Photocatalysis and electrocatalysis, Thermosensitive and magnetic materials, Sensors and actuators, Materials for spintronics and quantum computing |
| SSC 246 | Chemical Physics of Energy Materials | Elective | 3 | Fundamentals of energy conversion, Thermoelectric and photovoltaic materials, Materials for hydrogen economy, Catalytic materials for energy applications, Advanced characterization of energy materials |
| SSC 247 | Polymer Chemistry | Elective | 3 | Polymerization kinetics and mechanisms, Block copolymers and composites, Polymer processing and recycling, Functional polymers and smart materials, Biomedical and electronic polymer applications |
| SSC 248 | Biophysical Chemistry | Elective | 3 | Thermodynamics of biomolecular interactions, Spectroscopic methods in biophysics (CD, fluorescence), Calorimetry and surface plasmon resonance, Protein folding and stability, Biomolecular dynamics and simulations |
| SSC 249 | Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) Spectroscopy and its applications | Elective | 3 | Advanced NMR theory and pulse sequences, Solid-state NMR techniques, NMR for materials characterization, NMR in drug discovery and metabolomics, Dynamic processes by NMR |
| SSC 250 | Structure and Function of Proteins | Elective | 3 | Amino acid chemistry and peptide bonds, Levels of protein structure (primary to quaternary), Protein folding and misfolding, Enzyme mechanisms and kinetics, Protein engineering and design |
| SSC 251 | Chemistry of Biomolecules | Elective | 3 | Carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, nucleic acids, Biosynthesis and degradation pathways, Drug-biomolecule interactions, Bio-conjugation techniques, Chemical approaches to study biological systems |
| SSC 252 | Polymer Physics | Elective | 3 | Statistical mechanics of polymers, Polymer solutions and melts, Glass transition and crystallinity, Mechanical properties and viscoelasticity, Polymer networks and gels |
| SSC 253 | Advanced Electrochemistry | Elective | 3 | Double layer theory, Electrocatalysis and photoelectrochemistry, Scanning electrochemical microscopy, Spectroelectrochemistry, Advanced electrochemical energy conversion |
| SSC 254 | Methods in Bioanalytical Chemistry | Elective | 3 | Chromatographic techniques (HPLC, GC), Mass spectrometry for biomolecules, Electrophoresis and capillary electrophoresis, Biosensors and immunoassays, Microfluidics in bioanalysis |
| SSC 255 | Introduction to Quantum Mechanics | Elective | 3 | Wave-particle duality and uncertainty principle, Schrodinger equation and its solutions, Quantum harmonic oscillator and rigid rotor, Hydrogen atom and angular momentum, Introduction to perturbation theory |
