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PH-D in Chemistry at Indian Institute of Space Science and Technology
Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala
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About the Specialization
What is Chemistry at Indian Institute of Space Science and Technology Thiruvananthapuram?
This Ph.D. in Chemistry program at Indian Institute of Space Science and Technology (IIST) focuses on advanced research in diverse areas of chemical sciences, with a unique emphasis on applications relevant to space technology and materials. It explores fundamental and applied aspects of chemistry, contributing to India''''s burgeoning space industry and high-tech sectors, addressing critical scientific challenges.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for highly motivated M.Sc. or M.Tech. graduates in Chemistry or related fields seeking to pursue cutting-edge research. It caters to individuals passionate about fundamental chemical principles and their application in advanced materials, propulsion, and life support systems for space. Candidates with strong analytical skills and a desire to contribute to scientific innovation are well-suited.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect to embark on esteemed careers in R&D institutions like ISRO, DRDO, or national laboratories, as well as in academia, or specialized chemical and materials industries within India. They are equipped to lead independent research, publish in top journals, and develop advanced technologies. Expected entry-level salaries can range from INR 8-15 LPA, with significant growth potential.
Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Deep Dive into Advanced Core Concepts- (First 12-18 months of the Ph.D.)
Systematically review and master the advanced concepts in organic, inorganic, and physical chemistry, focusing on areas directly relevant to potential research interests. Utilize the IIST library''''s extensive resources, including digital databases like SciFinder and Reaxys, and attend departmental seminars.
Tools & Resources
IIST Library, SciFinder, Reaxys, Departmental seminars, Ph.D. coursework notes
Career Connection
Builds a robust theoretical foundation essential for conceptualizing and executing complex research projects, crucial for R&D roles in academia and industry.
Identify and Refine Research Problem- (First 6-12 months of the Ph.D.)
Work closely with the supervisor to identify a novel and impactful research problem. This involves extensive literature review, understanding current gaps, and formulating clear research questions and hypotheses. Present initial ideas in departmental colloquia for early feedback.
Tools & Resources
Google Scholar, Web of Science, Scopus, Supervisor mentorship, Departmental research presentations
Career Connection
Develops critical thinking, problem-solving, and scientific communication skills, vital for a research career and securing grants.
Skill Development in Advanced Analytical Techniques- (First 12-24 months of the Ph.D.)
Actively seek training and hands-on experience with advanced instrumentation prevalent in chemistry research, such as NMR, Mass Spectrometry, X-ray Diffraction, and SEM/TEM, often available in IIST''''s central instrumentation facility. Proactively assist seniors in their experiments to gain practical exposure.
Tools & Resources
IIST Central Instrumentation Facility, Manufacturer''''s manuals, Experienced lab members
Career Connection
Acquires highly sought-after technical skills, making graduates highly competitive for R&D positions requiring expertise in characterization and analysis.
Intermediate Stage
Regular Research Progress Presentations- (Annually from Year 2 onwards)
Schedule regular, formal presentations of research progress to the doctoral committee and departmental colleagues. This practice helps in organizing thoughts, receiving constructive criticism, and maintaining research momentum. Aim for at least one significant internal presentation per year.
Tools & Resources
PowerPoint/Keynote, Departmental presentation forums, Feedback from committee members
Career Connection
Enhances scientific communication, presentation skills, and the ability to articulate complex research effectively, crucial for conferences and job interviews.
Attend National and International Conferences- (Year 2-4 of the Ph.D.)
Actively participate in national and international scientific conferences to present research findings (posters/oral presentations), network with peers and leading experts, and stay abreast of the latest developments in the field. Seek funding opportunities for travel through IIST or external grants.
Tools & Resources
Conference websites (e.g., RSC, ACS, national chemistry conferences), Travel grants, IIST research grants
Career Connection
Builds a professional network, increases visibility within the scientific community, and hones presentation skills, crucial for academic and industrial career progression.
Manuscript Preparation and Submission- (Year 2.5-4.5 of the Ph.D.)
Begin preparing manuscripts for publication in peer-reviewed journals as research results emerge. Work closely with the supervisor on writing, formatting, and responding to reviewer comments. Aim for at least one high-impact publication during this stage.
Tools & Resources
LaTeX/Word, Reference management software (Mendeley/Zotero), Journal submission portals, Supervisor guidance
Career Connection
Establishes a publication record, a critical metric for academic positions, and demonstrates research independence and scientific rigor for industry R&D roles.
Advanced Stage
Meticulous Thesis Writing and Editing- (Year 4.5 onwards until submission)
Dedicate substantial time to writing the doctoral thesis, ensuring clarity, coherence, and comprehensive coverage of research work. Follow IIST''''s guidelines for thesis formatting and use tools for grammar and plagiarism checks. Engage in multiple rounds of review with the supervisor.
Tools & Resources
IIST Thesis Guidelines, Grammarly, Turnitin, Supervisor and peer review
Career Connection
Produces a high-quality research monograph, which is the cornerstone for securing academic positions or demonstrating extensive research capability in industry.
Proactive Career Planning and Job Search- (Last 12-18 months of the Ph.D.)
Begin exploring post-Ph.D. career options (postdoctoral fellowships, academic positions, industrial R&D) and tailor the resume/CV accordingly. Attend career workshops, participate in mock interviews, and leverage professional networks built during conferences.
Tools & Resources
LinkedIn, Academic job portals (e.g., Chronicle of Higher Education, Nature Careers), Industry job sites, IIST career services
Career Connection
Ensures a smooth transition into the desired career path, leveraging the Ph.D. expertise effectively.
Mentorship and Collaboration- (Year 3.5 onwards)
Seek opportunities to mentor junior Ph.D. students or collaborate on new projects within the department or with other research groups. This fosters leadership skills and expands research horizons, preparing for independent research group leadership.
Tools & Resources
Departmental mentorship programs, Inter-group collaborations, Joint publications
Career Connection
Develops leadership, teamwork, and collaborative skills essential for leading research teams in both academic and industrial settings.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- Master''''s degree in Chemistry/Physics/Applied Chemistry/Applied Physics/Geology/Geophysics or M.Phil in Chemistry/Physics; OR M.Tech. in Materials Science/Earth System Science/Space Technology or equivalent; OR B.Tech./B.E. in Chemical Engineering/Materials Engineering/Polymer Engineering/Ceramic Engineering or equivalent. Minimum 60% marks or CGPA 6.5/10 for General/EWS/OBC-NCL, or 55% marks or CGPA 6.0/10 for SC/ST/PwD. Valid GATE/UGC-CSIR NET/JEST/NBHM score as specified.
Duration: Minimum 3 years (for Bachelor''''s degree holders), Minimum 2 years (for M.Tech degree holders), Maximum 7 years
Credits: Minimum 12 credits (for regular Ph.D. students) Credits
Assessment: Internal: Course-specific, determined by instructor, External: Course-specific, determined by instructor
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester 1
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CHM 601 | Advanced Organic Chemistry | Elective | 3 | Stereochemistry and Chirality, Reaction Mechanisms, Aromaticity and Heteroaromatic Chemistry, Pericyclic Reactions, Photochemistry and Spectroscopy |
| CHM 602 | Advanced Inorganic Chemistry | Elective | 3 | Molecular Orbital Theory, Ligand Field Theory, Coordination Chemistry, Organometallic Chemistry, Bioinorganic Chemistry |
| CHM 603 | Advanced Physical Chemistry | Elective | 3 | Quantum Chemistry Fundamentals, Statistical Thermodynamics, Chemical Kinetics, Electrochemistry, Surface Chemistry and Catalysis |
| CHM 604 | Advanced Spectroscopy | Elective | 3 | NMR Spectroscopy, EPR and Mossbauer Spectroscopy, Mass Spectrometry, Vibrational and Electronic Spectroscopy, X-ray Diffraction Principles |
| CHM 605 | Materials Chemistry | Elective | 3 | Solid State Chemistry, Nanomaterials Synthesis and Characterization, Polymers and Composites, Advanced Functional Materials, Electronic and Optical Materials |
| CHM 606 | Computational Chemistry | Elective | 3 | Quantum Chemical Methods, Molecular Mechanics and Dynamics, Density Functional Theory, Computational Materials Science, Software Packages for Chemistry |
| CHM 607 | Supramolecular Chemistry | Elective | 3 | Non-covalent Interactions, Molecular Recognition, Host-Guest Chemistry, Self-Assembly Principles, Supramolecular Nanomaterials |
| CHM 608 | Photochemistry & Photophysics | Elective | 3 | Electronic Excitation and Deactivation, Luminescence and Fluorescence, Energy Transfer Mechanisms, Electron Transfer Reactions, Photosynthesis and Photoreactions |
| CHM 609 | Polymer Chemistry | Elective | 3 | Polymer Synthesis Methods, Polymer Characterization Techniques, Structure-Property Relationships, Polymer Rheology, Advanced Polymer Applications |
| CHM 610 | Green Chemistry | Elective | 3 | Principles of Green Chemistry, Green Solvents and Reaction Media, Catalysis for Sustainable Processes, Renewable Feedstocks, Waste Minimization and Utilization |
| CHM 611 | Medicinal Chemistry | Elective | 3 | Drug Discovery and Development, Drug Design Strategies, Pharmacokinetics and Pharmacodynamics, Structure-Activity Relationship, Target Identification and Validation |
| CHM 612 | Catalysis | Elective | 3 | Homogeneous Catalysis, Heterogeneous Catalysis, Organocatalysis, Biocatalysis, Industrial Applications of Catalysis |
| CHM 613 | Electroanalytical Chemistry | Elective | 3 | Voltammetry Techniques, Potentiometry and pH Measurements, Amperometry and Conductometry, Electrochemical Sensors, Applications in Chemical Analysis |
| CHM 614 | Quantum Chemistry | Elective | 3 | Postulates of Quantum Mechanics, Atomic Structure Theory, Molecular Bonding Theories, Electronic Structure Methods, Spectroscopic Applications of Quantum Mechanics |
| CHM 615 | Chemistry of Renewable Energy | Elective | 3 | Solar Energy Conversion, Fuel Cell Technologies, Advanced Battery Chemistry, Biofuels Production, Hydrogen Generation and Storage |
| CHM 616 | Solid State and Materials Chemistry | Elective | 3 | Crystal Structure and Defects, Electronic Properties of Solids, Magnetic Materials, Optical Properties of Materials, Advanced Materials Synthesis Techniques |
| CHM 617 | Chemical Biology | Elective | 3 | Chemistry of Nucleic Acids, Protein Structure and Function, Carbohydrate Chemistry, Lipids and Membranes, Enzyme Catalysis and Biosynthesis |
