Q & A
Sea as a classroom Q & A
EXPLORING LIFE: Marine sanctuaries abound in the oceans
I want to study M.Sc. nanoscience/nanotechnology. Please provide all information on the subject and also the opportunities.
Amarnath
via Email, Bangalore
The fast-emerging discipline of nanotechnology is all set to revolutionise the realm of science by using natural materials and processes to enhance the longevity and quality of human life. From consumer goods, electronics, computers, information and biotechnology, to aerospace defence, energy, environment, and medicine, all sectors of the economy are to be profoundly impacted by nanotechnology.
In the U.S., universities that offer either graduate or undergraduate courses in nanoscience/nanotechnology are Clemson University, Cornell University, Penn State University, Rice University, University of Notre Dame and University of Washington. A handful of universities in the world offer undergraduate engineering degrees in conjunction with undergraduate courses in nanoscience or nanotechnology. They are Virginia Commonwealth University and Penn State University in the U.S. and Flinders University in Australia.
The fundamental objective of nanotechnology is to model, simulate, design and manufacture nanostructures and nano devices with extraordinary properties and assemble them economically into a working system with revolutionary functional abilities. Nanotechnology offers a new paradigm of groundbreaking material development by controlling and manipulating the fundamental building blocks of matter at nanoscale, that is, at the atomic/molecular level.
Amity Institute of Nanotechnology (AINT) ( www.amity.edu/aint/), under the aegis of Ritnand Balved Education Foundation (RBEF), started a postgraduation course in nanotechnology in 2003. The programme comprises conceptual knowledge of nanoscience and nanotechnology, including preparation of nano materials, their characterisation and applications.
Genetic engineering
I want to pursue genetic engineering. Is there any university offering programmes at the graduation level?
Sankar Kamalanathan
via Email, Hosur
Genetic Engineering, Genetic Modification and Gene Splicing are terms that indicate the process of manipulation of genes, usually outside the organism’s normal reproductive process. It basically involves the isolation, manipulation and reintroduction of DNA into cells or model organisms, usually to express a protein.
The primary objective is to introduce new characteristics or attributes physiologically or physically, such as making a crop resistant to herbicide.
A qualified genetic engineer must have a graduate/postgraduate degree in genetics or related fields such as biotechnology, molecular biology, microbiology or biochemistry OR a doctorate from a recognised university, based on 2-3 years of his own research under the guidance of a professor/lecturer.
The basic eligibility criteria for a graduate degree (B.E. / B.Tech) is 10+2 or equivalent examination, with biology, chemistry and mathematics as well as genetics as part of the biology OR a bachelor’s degree in science or molecular biology.
Besides the Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs), you should also probe the idea of pursuing the programme in the following institutes and universities:
1. Benaras Hindu University, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh. 2. Biochemical Engineering Research and Process Development Centre at IMTECH, Chandigarh. 3. Centre for DNA Finger Printing and Diagnostics (CDFD), Hyderabad. 4. Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi. 5. Madurai Kamaraj University, Madurai, Tamil Nadu. 6. National Facility for Animal Cell and Tissue Culture, Pune. 7. National Institute of Immunology (NII), New Delhi.
The Indian Institute of Science has created a niche for itself over the past century. You can contact the Chairman, Department of Molecular Reproduction, Development and Genetics (MRDG), ( www.mrdg.iisc.ernet.in), Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore-560012. Ph: 2932659. Email: chairman@mrdg.iisc.ernet.in
Marine Archaeology
I am interested in Marine Archaeology. Where can I pursue it in Karnataka/ Tamil Nadu? I have a M.Sc in Botany.
Surendranath Tiwari
via Email, Bangalore
Marine Archaeology (Maritime Archaeology) is an area of study that focuses on the human interaction with the sea/oceans, lakes, rivers; and through qualitative study understands the nuances of shoreside facilities.
One area of study is underwater archaeology, which studies the past through the objects submerged. Another area of specialisation is nautical archaeology, which focuses on ships and ship building.
S.R. Rao, who excavated the ancient Indus Valley city of Lothal (Gujarat), is considered as the doyen of Indian marine archaeology. Besides Lothal, the city of Dwaraka was also excavated by him. Another world renowned authority who has done yeoman service to this field is Ballard, a scientist who identified the location of the Titanic.
You should pursue postgraduation in archaeology followed by a Ph.D..
You can pursue the programme in the following Universities in Karnataka and Tamil Nadu:
Department of Ancient History and Archaeology, Chepauk Campus, University of Madras, Chennai, Ph: 044-25368778, extn: 341.
Department of Ancient History and Archaeology, University of Mysore, Mysore.
Department of Ancient History, Tamil University, Thanjavur.
Department of History, Karnatak University, Dharwad.
The Post-Graduate Diploma in Archaeology (PGDA) of two years duration is offered by Archaeological Survey of India, Institute of Archaeology, 24, Tilak Marg, New Delhi-110001.
Those who have completed M.A. in Ancient/Medieval Indian History or M.A./M.Sc in Archaeology with 55 per cent marks are eligible for the course. (50 per cent for SC/ST/OBC). The upper age limit is 27 years. The post-graduate programme suggested will have a component in marine archaeology, which you can fathom.
Lateral entry
I am confused about the lateral entry schemes in computers that Sikkim Manipal University is offering. Being a Diploma (CSE) holder, will I benefit? Will the same be recognised?
Rajendra Kumar
via Email
With your Diploma in Computer Science Engineering, you will perform well when you start on the computer programmes by distance learning.
The Sikkim Manipal University of Health, Medical and Technological Sciences (SMUHMT)-Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE) ( www.manipalu.com) is recognised by the University Grants Commission (UGC) and other statutory bodies.
You can pursue the following programmes from SMUHMT-MAHE at your pace and convenience: Master of Business Administration in Information Technology (MBA IT), Master of Science in Computer Science (M.Sc CS), Master of Computer Application (MCA).
The following would be the entry requirements for a candidate with your qualification:
Direct entry: A student having a Bachelor’s degree can register for first semester of MSc-IT.
Lateral entry (first level): A student having Bachelor’s degree and qualified in a six-month computer course can directly enrol for second semester of M.Sc.-IT.
Lateral entry (second level): A student having Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science OR B.E./B.Tech can directly enrol for third semester of M.Sc.-IT.
Off-campus engg.
I have completed AMIE (Institution of Engineers) (equivalent to graduation) course in Electronics Engineering. I have learnt that the MGR University is offering courses in Engineering in Bangalore in the off-campus mo
de. Please provide the requisite information.
Diwakar K. M.
via Email, Davangere
The Dr. MGR Educational and Research Institute (Deemed to be University under the UGC Act) has an off-campus centre in Bangalore run by the Deccan Institute of Advanced Studies (DIAS) at 3, First Main, BDA Layout, Kodihalli, HAL 2nd Stage, Bangalore-560008.
It offers Master in Technology (M.Tech) Engineering programmes in: Computer Science and Engineering; Applied Electronics; Design Engineering; Network Communication and Security; Bio-Environmental Systems Management; Bio-Systems Engineering; Biotechnology; Construction Technology and Management; Product Design and Development; Quality Engineering and Management.
SHAHEED KHAN
Shaheed_k@yahoo.com
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