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DOCTOR-OF-PHILOSOPHY in Physics at JSS Science and Technology University
Mysuru, Karnataka
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About the Specialization
What is Physics at JSS Science and Technology University Mysuru?
This Doctor of Philosophy in Physics program at Sri Jayachamarajendra College of Engineering (now part of JSS STU) focuses on advanced research and original contributions to the field of physics. It addresses the growing need for highly skilled researchers and academicians in India''''s expanding scientific and technological landscape, fostering deep understanding and innovation in core and interdisciplinary areas of physics, critical for both industry and research.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for postgraduate students with an M.Sc. in Physics or related fields who aspire to a career in academic research, scientific R&D, or higher education. It also suits working professionals in scientific organizations seeking to advance their expertise, drive innovation, and attain doctoral qualifications to enhance their leadership and research capabilities within various Indian scientific institutions and startups.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect to pursue rewarding careers as research scientists in government labs (e.g., DRDO, BARC, ISRO), faculty members in universities and colleges, or R&D specialists in industries such as materials science, electronics, and energy. Doctoral qualification opens doors to leadership roles in Indian scientific bodies, commanding higher salary scales, and contributing significantly to national scientific advancements.
Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Deepen Core Physics Concepts- (Year 1-2)
Thoroughly revise and master advanced concepts in quantum mechanics, statistical physics, classical mechanics, and electrodynamics through self-study and discussions. This forms the bedrock for specialized research and comprehensive examinations.
Tools & Resources
NPTEL courses, Standard reference textbooks (e.g., Shankar, Kittel, Goldstein), Department seminars
Career Connection
Essential for comprehensive exams, developing a strong theoretical foundation, and approaching complex research problems efficiently, leading to robust research outcomes in any field of physics.
Excel in Research Methodology and IPR- (Year 1)
Actively engage with the ''''Research Methodology & IPR'''' coursework. Understand research ethics, experimental design, statistical data analysis tools, and intellectual property protection. Apply these learnings to identify and define your preliminary research problem.
Tools & Resources
Mendeley/Zotero for referencing, Python/R for data analysis, Institutional IPR workshops, Supervisor guidance
Career Connection
Crucial for conducting ethical and impactful research, securing patents/publications, and navigating the academic and industrial research landscape effectively, boosting credibility for future roles.
Engage in Departmental Seminars and Journal Clubs- (Throughout the program)
Regularly attend and actively participate in departmental seminars, colloquia, and journal clubs. Presenting early research ideas or reviewing recent papers helps in developing critical thinking, scientific communication, and networking skills.
Tools & Resources
Departmental seminar schedules, Online research platforms (e.g., arXiv, ResearchGate), Presentation tools
Career Connection
Builds presentation skills, expands research horizons, fosters networking with peers and faculty, and prepares for future conference presentations and thesis defense, essential for academic visibility.
Intermediate Stage
Specialize in a Research Niche- (Year 2-4)
Focus intensely on your chosen research area (e.g., Condensed Matter Physics, Materials Science). Read extensively, conduct pilot experiments or simulations, and regularly discuss progress and challenges with your supervisor to refine your research direction.
Tools & Resources
Specialized simulation software (e.g., VASP, LAMMPS), Advanced laboratory equipment (e.g., XRD, SEM), Online scientific databases (e.g., Web of Science, Scopus)
Career Connection
Develops deep expertise and unique problem-solving capabilities in your chosen domain, making you a highly valued asset in both academia and industry R&D roles in India and globally.
Develop Advanced Computational or Experimental Skills- (Year 2-4)
Acquire proficiency in advanced computational techniques (e.g., machine learning for data analysis, high-performance computing) or specialized experimental methods relevant to your research, becoming adept with state-of-the-art tools.
Tools & Resources
MATLAB, Python (with SciPy, NumPy), COMSOL, ANSYS, Specific lab instruments (e.g., AFM, XPS), Online tutorials and advanced workshops
Career Connection
Makes you a highly competitive candidate for R&D positions, enabling you to tackle complex problems and innovate with advanced tools, crucial for Indian tech and research sectors and enhancing employability.
Aim for Early Publications and Conference Presentations- (Year 3-5)
Prepare research findings for publication in peer-reviewed national or international journals and present at relevant conferences. Early publications enhance your academic profile and provide valuable feedback for further research.
Tools & Resources
LaTeX for scientific writing, Institutional funding for conference travel, Guidance on journal selection, Research communication workshops
Career Connection
Builds a strong research publication record, critical for securing post-doctoral positions, academic appointments, and attracting industry research opportunities in India and globally, demonstrating research impact.
Advanced Stage
Refine Thesis Writing and Defense Skills- (Year 4-6)
Dedicate significant time to writing your thesis, focusing on clarity, coherence, and originality of your research contribution. Practice your thesis defense presentation with mock vivas and incorporate feedback from your mentors and peers.
Tools & Resources
Thesis templates, Grammar and plagiarism checkers, Presentation software (e.g., PowerPoint, Keynote), Departmental mock defense sessions
Career Connection
Crucial for successfully completing your PhD, effectively communicating your complex research findings, and preparing for future academic presentations or job interviews with confidence.
Network Strategically and Explore Post-PhD Options- (Year 5-6)
Actively network with senior researchers, industry professionals, and alumni in physics. Explore diverse career paths—academia, industry R&D, startups, government research—and tailor your application materials accordingly for various opportunities.
Tools & Resources
LinkedIn for professional networking, Professional conferences and workshops, University career services, Alumni network events
Career Connection
Opens doors to collaborations, post-doctoral fellowships, faculty positions, or R&D roles in leading Indian companies and institutions, facilitating a smooth transition into your desired career.
Mentorship and Grant Writing Exposure- (Year 4-6)
Seek opportunities to mentor junior researchers or students, and gain exposure to grant proposal writing by assisting your supervisor. This builds leadership, project management, and resource acquisition skills essential for an independent research career.
Tools & Resources
Research project calls (e.g., DST, DBT, SERB), Institutional grant writing workshops, Co-supervision roles for M.Sc. projects, Faculty mentorship
Career Connection
Develops skills vital for future academic independence, leading research groups, and securing funding for your own research projects in India''''s competitive research landscape, fostering scientific leadership.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- Master''''s Degree in Physics or a relevant discipline from a recognized university with a minimum of 55% marks (or equivalent grade), with 5% relaxation for SC/ST/Category-I/OBC (non-creamy layer) and PWD candidates. Candidates must also qualify in the JSS STU Entrance Test or be UGC-NET/CSIR-NET/GATE/GPAT qualified.
Duration: Minimum 3 years, Maximum 6 years
Credits: Minimum 10 credits (for coursework) Credits
Assessment: Internal: 50% (Sessional/Assignments/Tests for coursework), External: 50% (End-semester examination for coursework)
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester stage
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 21PHD110 | Research Methodology & IPR | Core (Common for all Ph.D. Scholars) | 4 | Foundations of Research, Research Design, Data Collection and Analysis, Scientific Writing and Publication, Intellectual Property Rights |
| 21PHD120 | Advanced Physics | Core (Department Specific) | 4 | Quantum Mechanics, Statistical Physics, Electrodynamics, Classical Mechanics, Relativity |
| 21PHD121 | Condensed Matter Physics | Elective (Department Specific) | 4 | Crystal Structure, Band Theory of Solids, Semiconductors and Insulators, Superconductivity, Magnetic Properties of Materials |
| 21PHD122 | Materials Science | Elective (Department Specific) | 4 | Classification of Materials, Characterization Techniques, Ceramics, Polymers, and Composites, Nanomaterials and Their Applications, Biomaterials |
| 21PHD123 | Nuclear and Particle Physics | Elective (Department Specific) | 4 | Nuclear Structure and Properties, Radioactivity and Nuclear Decay, Nuclear Reactions and Fission, Elementary Particles and Interactions, The Standard Model |
| 21PHD124 | Spectroscopy | Elective (Department Specific) | 4 | Atomic Spectroscopy, Molecular Spectroscopy, UV-Visible and Infrared Spectroscopy, Raman Spectroscopy, NMR and ESR Spectroscopy |
| 21PHD125 | Theoretical Physics | Elective (Department Specific) | 4 | Mathematical Physics Methods, Advanced Quantum Field Theory, General Relativity, Computational Physics, Introduction to String Theory |
