Q. I am doing my B. Sc. I have heard of industrial mathematics but don’t have a clear idea about it. Kindly tell me what this line entails?

A. Scientific computing, semiconductor devices, image processing, electro-optics, very large integrated systems (VLIS), and sensor technology are some of the emerging areas of high technology. As classical geometry is ‘inadequate’ to understand the intricacies of nature, a new geometry called ‘Fractal Geometry’ has been invented by a mathematician. It has proved useful in studying and picturing mountains, skies, rainfall, coastal lines, artificial scenery, and designs and patterns through computers. This technique has revolutionised the film industry, image processing and data compression techniques, leading to the compact disc.

Industrial mathematics has become a buzzword in the US, Europe and Japan in the last decade. In fact, this branch of applied mathematics is not only the queen of all sciences but is also the mother of all technologies.

M.Sc Industrial Mathematics is taught in Annamalai University. IIT Roorkee offers M.Sc in Industrial Maths & Informatics, while M.Sc Industrial Statistics is offered at North Maharashtra University, Jalgaon. The typical eligibility is BSc (Hon) or BSc with Maths. You could also consider going for MA/MSc in Applied Maths, which is offered at several universities.

Admitting dyslexics

Q. My daughter who has completed Class XII is dyslexic but otherwise quite bright. Is there any provision for such students at the university level?

— Nayantara Bishnoi

A. Recently, the Delhi High Court directed Delhi University to provisionally process the applications of candidates suffering from dyslexia as they are covered under the Persons with the Disabilities Act. This was in response to a petition filed by the Disabled Rights Group which has been actively canvassing for reservation for persons with dyslexia as a form of disability. You have not mentioned your location, but I guess, by extension, the same provision would apply to the universities in your state as well.

I know of several dyslexics who are doing very well in life. Here’s wishing your daughter the best of luck.

Taxing matters

Q. What exams do I need to take to become an Income Tax officer?

— Girish Saxena

A. To become an Income Tax Officer or Central Excise Officer, you should first take the Civil Services Examination conducted by the UPSC. In the Civil Services, both posts are of the Group ‘A’ Officer cadre. The maximum age limit for taking this exam (for general candidates) is 30, the eligibility being graduation. Be on the lookout for the UPSC advertisement in Employment News in December.

You could also take the competitive exam for Inspectors of Central Excise, Income Tax, etc. conducted by the Staff Selection Commission. The eligibility for taking this exam is a Bachelor’s degree.

Open varsity

Q. I am doing BCA through correspondence in Jalandhar. Now my father has been transferred to Kerala. Will it be possible for me to take admission in an Open University in the South or will I have to keep coming to Punjab to give my exams and attend contact classes? Please guide.

— Hema Khatri

A. The Distance Education Council (DEC) has decided to allow credit transfer between various open universities in the country, thereby permitting students to migrate form one institution to the other without repeating years.

This concept of credits transfer recognises all institutions academically on a par with each other.

As a migrating student, you must first take admission in the first year of the university concerned, and then apply for credit transfer. The scheme allows an exemption of up to 50 per cent of the total number of credits that a programme carries.

So, stop worrying and enjoy your stint in "God’s own country".

Dietetics course

Q. I have completed B.Sc (Home Sc). I wish to do a PG Diploma in Dietetics. Please tell me what are the prospects in this field?

— Parminder Kaur

A. The fast developing food processing industry spurred by the entry of multinationals offers well-paying job opportunities. Dieticians continuously research and experiment at improving the nutritive value, flavour and general acceptability of the food while keeping the calorie and fat content to a minimum.

As a clinical Dietician, you can work in any hospital or large nursing home.

Food processing units, food research labs, wholesalers of edibles, large industrial and educational canteens, besides hotels, health clubs and fitness centres, employ dieticians

Sports nutrition is another emerging field of specialisation.

Moreover, should you wish to strike out on your own, you could start your own consulting practice, or catering service.

Teaching is yet another option. With a B.Ed under your belt, you could teach Nutrition & Dietetics at schools that offer Home Science as a subject. However, to teach in a college or at the high school level, you require a Master’s in Home Science.

Scope of Botany

Q. I have passed BSc Botany in first class. Please tell me about its scope as a career.

A. Depending on your specialisation, you can look at the following options:

Research Associate in a university, government body, health authority or industry. Research Scientist in agricultural or botanical labs and biotechnology firms after completing a Ph.D

Analyst and Investigator in food & beverage processing factories, and pharmaceutical industries to maintain quality and consistency of the products.

Medical & Laboratory Technician in hospitals, laboratories, and institutions involved in conducting research and training Medical Sales Representati ve for promoting sales of pharmaceutical products to general practitioners, retail pharmacists, hospitals, clinics and doctors Conservationist to conduct biological surveys and make recommendations for the management and safeguarding of rare and endangered plants, animals and their habitats.

Teacher in schools (after doing BEd) or at the college level (after qualifying the CSIR NET).

However, from the career point of view, postgraduate, and better still Ph.D studies in Genetics, Biotechnology, Bioinformatics, Biochemistry, Environmental Sciences, Microbiology, Oceanography, Fishery Sciences offer better prospects — particularly for those interested in research and development fields.

— Pervin Malhotra

Please send in your query, preferably on a postcard, along with your full name, complete address and academic qualifications to: Editor, Jobs and Careers, The Tribune, Sector 29,
Chandigarh-160020, or at careers@tribunemail.com