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Get Experimental: Boundaries between pure sciences are fast blurring, leading to exciting ‘applied’ subjects

Dr. Munish Goswami

Your platter is certainly brimming with choices of courses in case you are from the Science stream. Students of this stream have a clear advantage as they have the option of switching career streams later on very easily. Those having physics, chemistry, maths and/or biology in Class XI, are not only eligible for engineering and medical streams but also the traditional BSc courses in pure sciences as well as the host of applied science courses that are available in a number of colleges and universities these days. Pure science courses have surely lost some traction over the years as more and more students prefer to go in for applied sciences courses rather than sticking to the pure sciences BSc courses because of dearth of job opportunities later on. Along with this is the misconception that BSc is an easy choice or the road taken by those who fail to get into engineering or medical colleges. But the study of pure sciences is not a disadvantage in any manner as physics, chemistry, botany and zoology remain the strong pillars of all scientific research and inventions and proficiency in these is a foundation for a strong career growth.

Studying sciences can be broadly divided into basic sciences and applied sciences. Applied science refers to disciplines that apply the existing scientific knowledge to develop more practical applications, like technology or inventions.

Basic sciences offer two courses namely BSc Non-Medical and BSc Medical respectively. Both the courses are of three years duration in which students can choose number of subject options according to their area of interest. Like in chemistry, the choice of subjects includes physical chemistry, organic chemistry or in-organic chemistry. Similarly in case of BSc. Medical, there are number of subject combinations which are available such as zoology, botany and others. The future scope for the students studying BSc. Non-Medical and BSc. Medical can pursue teaching career by going in for Master's programme and finally Ph.D. in the area of their specialisation

Applied sciences

If you feel that a simple BSc is not your cup of tea then there are a number of professional courses other than medical and engineering that science students can opt for. Under the applied science domain, you will learn the practical application of different science subjects in niche domains. Three years BSc. programmes in bio-technology, biochemistry, biophysics, forensic sciences are the ones that students can opt for in accordance with their aptitude and career goals. Some major ones worth having a look at are:

Biotechnology

Biotechnology is a set of powerful tools that employ living organisms (or parts of organisms) to make or modify products, improve plants or animals, or develop microorganisms for specific uses. This is a blend of biology, mathematics, physics, chemistry and engineering principles. And is a research-oriented field wherein most of the work is carried out at research institutes and laboratories. It covers a wide variety of subjects like genetics, biochemistry, microbiology, immunology, virology, chemistry and engineering. It also has strong links and relationships with many other subjects like health and medicine, agriculture and animal husbandry, cropping system and crop management, ecology, cell biology, soil science and soil conservation, bio-statistics, plant physiology, seed technology and the like. Biotechnology is the use of living things, especially cells and bacteria in industrial process.

The eligibility criterion for getting into an undergraduate programme varies from one institution to another. In some colleges the eligibility criteria includes a Plus II with 50 per cent marks in physics, chemistry, biology and mathematics. In some other institutions, the Plus II pass percentage required is 55 per cent. While some colleges consider physics, chemistry and biology combination of subjects as a basic entry level qualification, others take into account the physics, chemistry and mathematics combination. Once this eligibility criterion is met, you can get admission into the BSc programmes.

Employment record shows that biotechnology has a great scope in future. Biotechnologists can find careers with pharmaceutical companies, chemical, agricultural and allied companies. They can be employed in the areas of planning, production and management of bio-processing industries. There is a large scale employment in research laboratories run by the government as well as the corporate sectors.

Microbiology

This involves the study of living organisms such as fungi, bacteria and viruses. Medical microbiology is a popular field as it deals with the human illness. Graduation level courses include BSc in Microbiology, Diploma in Clinical Microbiology, Diploma in Clinical Pathology, Diploma in Industrial Microbiology etc. Career opportunities abound in pharmaceutical, food, research and development laboratories in hospital, beverage and chemical industries, research organisations, agriculture and healthcare research.

— The writer is Principal, University Institute of Pharma-Sciences, Chandigarh University, Gharaun

Forensic Science

This involves study of science for criminal investigation and is a multi disciplinary subject encompassing fields of science such as chemistry, biology, physics, geology, psychology, social science, engineering, etc. Forensic Science is clears the decks for a crime laboratory-based profession.

Different universities offer certificate, bachelor and master's courses in Forensic Science. The UG course is of three year duration (BSc in forensic science). Some specialisations in this field are: forensic biology; forensic serology; forensic chemistry; forensic toxicology; forensic ballistics; forensic entomology and forensic botany.

Panjab University, Punjabi University, Chandigarh University are some of the universities offering courses in this field in the region.

University Institute of Applied Health Sciences (UIAHS), PU, trains aspiring and mid-career professionals in a variety of forensic disciplines applied to crime scene investigation and evidence analysis. An Integrated scientific and clinical training, provide students exposure to cutting edge technologies required for this modern profession.

The quick gain course

Bachelor of Optometry

The term optometry is derived from the Greek word 'optos' which means eye or vision and 'metria' which means measurement. Optometrists are health professionals who have specialised in eye care and they deal with eye testing and providing solutions to patients who suffer from partial sight, hereditary vision defects, squint, weakening of eye muscles etc. They suggest the use of proper vision aids such as spectacles or contact lenses. They also provide pre-operative and post-operative care to cataract patients. However, optometrists are not ophthalmologists, the latter being physicians trained to even undertake eye surgeries, when necessary.

Eligibility: Plus II with physics, chemistry,maths/biology as the subjects studied

BSc. MLT (Medical Lab Technology)

Clinical laboratory technicians, also known as medical technicians or medical laboratory technicians conduct laboratory tests that aid in the detection, diagnosis, and treatment of diseases. Clinical laboratory technicians are supervised by clinical laboratory technologists and physicians, such as pathologists. Pathologists specialise in the diagnosis of diseases and they have the ability to function across specialties. Though they work independently, most of the time you would be an important part of a healthcare team. The MLT degree programme enables you to work in hospitals; public and private clinical laboratories, ambulatory healthcare services - blood and organ banks, out-patient care centres and laboratory instrument sales and service firms.

Eligibility

Plus II examination with physics and chemistry along with one of the following subjects:- mathematics/bio-technology/computer science/biology

Top colleges

All-India Jat Heroes Memorial College, Rohtak

Estd: 1944

Website: www.jatcollegerohtak.org

In its 11th plan, the University Grants Commission (UGC) has marked it as College with Potential for Excellence. The college has produced sportspersons of national and international repute and has been winning the overall champions' sports trophy of Maharishi Dayanand university.

Sri Pratap College, Srinagar

Established:1905

Website: http://www.spcsgr.edu.in/

Offers BSc Zoology, Botany, Biochemistry, Physics, Mathematics, Environment Science and Water Management.courses and admission is through college entrance test . it is also the only undergraduate government college in Kashmir with bus service for the students, Dr.Asgar Saamon, Ex-Divisional Commisioner, Kashmir, General O.P Malhotra, former Chief of Army Staff and Governor of Punjab are alumi of the college.

The Indian Institute of Science Education & Research (IISER), Mohali

Website: www.iisermohali.ac.in/

One of the premier science research institutes in the country it fosters a group of young aspiring minds driven by curiosity and a potential for cutting-edge research. With a faculty of 70, various programmes are being conducted along with cutting edge research in basic sciences. It offers BS-MS Dual Degree Programme. Promoting diversity, IISER Mohali welcomes a wide spectrum of disciplines, cutting across disciplinary boundaries. The institute provides students with a platform for interdisciplinary research.

Course: Cut-off: Merit in joint entrance test

DAV College, Sector 10, Chandigarh

Estd: 1958

Website: www.davchd.com

Among top colleges in Chandigarh for science courses, including BSc. (Med., Non-Med., B.Sc. (Hons) Bio-Informatics - B.Sc. (Hons) Bio-Technology that has high cut off percentage during admissions. The college offers a range of science courses especially in biotechnology, bioinformatics etc

in the region. The college has produced 58 international sportspersons like the legendary Kapil Dev, Yograj Singh, Yuvraj Singh, Dinesh Mongia, Jeev Milkha Singh, Irana Brar etc. The has also been holding computer literacy classes for senior citizens free of cost.

Government Mohindra College, Patiala

Estd: 1875

Website: www.mohindracollege.in

The college was re-accredited with A Grade with CGPA of 3.86 by the National Accreditation and Assessment Council (NAAC) in 2016. (Highest ranking in India in college category). The college has also received UGC Status of "College With Potential for Excellence". The cut off percentage for 2016 was 79 per cent for BSc. Medical and 84.5 per cent for BSc. Non-Medical courses. The Ministry of Science and Technology, Govt. of India has recognised the institute as "Star College in Life Sciences". The Govt. of Punjab and UGC have attached a Community College to the institute to impart skill based education.

Region Scan

PG Govt. College For Girls,

Sector-42, Chandigarh

Website: www.gcg42.ac.in

Government College for Girls Sector 11, Chandigarh

Website: www.gcg11.org

Satish Chander Dhawan Government College, Ludhiana

Estd: 1920

Website: www.scdgovtcollege.org

Hans Raj Mahila Maha Vidyalaya, Jalandhar

Estd: 1927

Website: www.hrmmv.org