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PHD in Science And Humanities Including Commerce Physics Chemistry Mathematics English Etc at SRM Institute of Science and Technology (Deemed to be University)
Chengalpattu, Tamil Nadu
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About the Specialization
What is Science and Humanities (including Commerce, Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, English, etc.) at SRM Institute of Science and Technology (Deemed to be University) Chengalpattu?
This PhD program in Science and Humanities at Sri Ramaswamy Memorial Institute of Science and Technology focuses on advanced research across a diverse spectrum, including Commerce, Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, and English. Recognizing the interdisciplinary demands of modern Indian academia and industry, the program encourages innovative inquiry and contributes to new knowledge generation. Its multidisciplinary nature is a key differentiator, fostering research that can bridge traditional academic silos to address complex real-world challenges pertinent to India''''s evolving research landscape.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for postgraduate degree holders, typically with an M.Phil. or a Master''''s degree in a relevant field, who possess a strong academic record and a passion for in-depth research. It caters to aspiring academicians, researchers seeking to contribute to foundational knowledge, and professionals aiming to bring advanced analytical and critical thinking skills to various sectors. Candidates from diverse backgrounds within Science and Humanities are encouraged, provided their research interests align with faculty expertise.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect to pursue esteemed careers as professors, research scientists, policy analysts, and domain experts in India. The rigorous training equips them for leadership roles in academia, research and development wings of industries, and government institutions. While specific salary ranges vary greatly by discipline and sector, a PhD holder can command competitive packages, especially in research-intensive roles. The degree also facilitates international collaborations and opportunities for post-doctoral fellowships.
Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Master Research Methodology Fundamentals- (Initial 6-12 months of the program)
Diligent attendance and active participation in the mandatory Research Methodology coursework are crucial. Focus on understanding statistical tools, literature review techniques, and ethical considerations. Engage with faculty for clarification on complex concepts, as this forms the bedrock for all subsequent research activities.
Tools & Resources
SRMIST library resources, Online courses (NPTEL, Coursera), Statistical software tutorials (e.g., SPSS, R, Python libraries), Academic writing guides
Career Connection
Strong research methodology skills are essential for conducting credible research, publishing in peer-reviewed journals, and securing research grants, critical for academic and R&D careers.
Define and Refine Research Problem- (First year)
Collaborate closely with your supervisor to identify a novel, relevant, and feasible research problem within your specialization. Conduct an exhaustive literature review to understand existing gaps, formulate clear research questions, and outline initial hypotheses. Present your proposed research at departmental seminars to gather feedback.
Tools & Resources
Academic databases (Scopus, Web of Science, Google Scholar), SRMIST institutional repository, Citation management software (Zotero, Mendeley), Faculty mentorship
Career Connection
A well-defined research problem leads to a focused thesis, increasing the chances of impactful publications and successful thesis defense, boosting credibility for academic positions.
Cultivate Academic Writing and Presentation Skills- (Ongoing from the first semester)
Regularly practice academic writing through reports, review articles, and initial drafts of thesis chapters. Actively seek feedback from your supervisor and peers. Participate in departmental seminars and workshops to hone public speaking and presentation skills, which are crucial for conferences and the final viva-voce.
Tools & Resources
Writing centers (if available), Grammarly, LaTeX, Presentation software (PowerPoint, Google Slides), University workshops on academic writing and presentation
Career Connection
Effective communication is vital for publishing research, presenting at conferences, teaching, and securing grants – all paramount for a successful research career.
Intermediate Stage
Engage in Rigorous Data Collection and Analysis- (Second and third years)
Systematically execute your research design for data collection, whether through experiments, surveys, archival research, or textual analysis. Master the necessary analytical tools and software relevant to your field (e.g., advanced statistical packages for social sciences, computational tools for physics, linguistic software for English).
Tools & Resources
Specialized lab equipment, Survey platforms (Google Forms, Qualtrics), Statistical software (Stata, NVivo, MATLAB), Computational resources, Primary source repositories
Career Connection
Proficiency in data handling and analysis makes you a valuable asset in data-driven roles across research, academia, and industry, particularly in analytics and R&D.
Publish and Present Research Findings- (Second to fourth year)
Aim to publish at least 1-2 research papers in peer-reviewed journals (Scopus/UGC CARE listed for Indian context) and present your work at national and international conferences. This not only fulfills program requirements but also builds your academic profile and opens avenues for collaboration.
Tools & Resources
Journal submission portals, Conference websites, Academic networking platforms (ResearchGate, Academia.edu)
Career Connection
Publications are the currency of academia; they are critical for securing faculty positions, post-doctoral fellowships, and research grants, significantly enhancing visibility and reputation.
Build a Professional Network- (Ongoing throughout the program)
Actively network with faculty, fellow research scholars, and experts in your field through conferences, workshops, and online academic communities. Seek opportunities for collaboration and mentorship beyond your immediate supervisor, fostering a broader intellectual support system.
Tools & Resources
LinkedIn, Conference events and workshops, University seminars and guest lectures, Academic associations (e.g., Indian Academy of Sciences, various literary/commerce associations)
Career Connection
Networking can lead to job opportunities, collaborative projects, funding avenues, and intellectual support, crucial for long-term career growth in research and academia.
Advanced Stage
Systematically Write and Refine Thesis Chapters- (Fourth year onwards)
Dedicate significant time to writing your thesis, breaking it down into manageable chapters. Regularly submit drafts to your supervisor for feedback and iterate. Ensure coherence, clarity, and strict adherence to academic writing and institutional formatting standards. Prepare for comprehensive viva and pre-submission presentation.
Tools & Resources
Word processors (Microsoft Word, Google Docs), LaTeX, Citation managers, Institutional thesis guidelines, Academic editors (if needed)
Career Connection
A well-written and meticulously structured thesis demonstrates your ability to conduct and present high-level research, a key indicator for potential employers and academic institutions.
Prepare for Viva-Voce and Dissertation Defense- (Final year)
Thoroughly review your entire thesis, anticipating potential questions from examiners. Practice presenting your research concisely and convincingly. Engage in mock vivas with peers or faculty to build confidence and refine your responses, ensuring you can articulate your contributions effectively.
Tools & Resources
Complete thesis document, Published research papers, Presentation slides, Mock interview sessions
Career Connection
A strong defense not only leads to successful degree completion but also showcases your expertise and communication skills, vital for interviews in both academia and industry.
Proactive Career Planning and Job Search- (Final 6-12 months)
Begin exploring career opportunities in academia, research institutions, and industry well before thesis submission. Prepare a compelling CV, cover letters, and teaching/research statements. Actively apply for post-doctoral positions, faculty roles, or industry R&D positions relevant to your specialization.
Tools & Resources
University career services, Academic job portals (e.g., University Grants Commission (UGC) job board, specific Indian university job boards), LinkedIn, Professional networking
Career Connection
Early and strategic career planning maximizes the chances of securing desirable positions post-PhD, aligning your research expertise with professional goals and ensuring a smooth transition into your chosen career path.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- Master''''s degree in a relevant discipline with a minimum of 55% marks or 5.5 CGPA (on a 10-point scale) for general category, 50% for SC/ST/OBC (non-creamy layer)/Differently-abled candidates.
Duration: Minimum 3 years, Maximum 6 years
Credits: Minimum 8 credits (for coursework) Credits
Assessment: Assessment pattern not specified
