Physics

Introduction: Astronomy and Astrophysics have always attracted physics students. There have been tremendous discoveries in recent years which have changed our understanding of the universe. This has been possible due to the ingenious use of information technology and of satellites for astronomical observations among other developments. With numerous advantages in terms of geographical position on the earth, many research institutes, knowledge, skills and cost effectiveness, Astronomy and Astrophysics in India has immense potential to emerge as a global key player. In Mumbai there are many amateur astronomy clubs, but no educational institute offers a Master’s course at present. To cater to this increasing need for trained professionals, St. Xavier’s College (Autonomous), Mumbai, has started the MSc in Physics (with specialization Astrophysics) programme affiliated to the University of Mumbai from the academic year 2019-20.

Number of Seats: 20 students per year.

Reservation of Seats: (Refer: PG Admission overview)

Selection Process: B.Sc. students with Physics as one of the major subjects at the final year or equivalent from any recognized university are eligible. The selection criteria (with weightages) are: BSc Grades / Marks - 30%, Recommendation Letter, Statement of Purpose & Relevant Competitive exams’ score / rank - 20%, Co-curricular (e.g.,, science projects / research) & Extracurricular activities - 30%, Subject Interview - 20%. Applications for the course will be available online.

Eligibility Criteria

Bachelor’s degree in science with Physics as one of the major subjects at the final year or equivalent from any recognized university.

For Eligibility / Transfer / Migration Certificates: (Refer: PG Admission overview)

Fees: As sanctioned by the Board of Management, St. Xavier’s College:

M.Sc. Part I: Rs. 95,000/- and M.Sc. Part II : Rs. 95,000/-

Syllabi per Semester

There will be eight general physics and four astrophysics theory courses (100 marks each) and laboratory courses corresponding to each of them (50 marks each) in the first three semesters. Students will work on a MSc Thesis or dissertation in the last semester which will be from any Physics or Astrophysics area. For this project work, students can go to several research institutes in the country or can work under the guidance of the in-house faculty. Semester wise Credit distribution is shown below:

Scheme of Evaluation

For theory courses (per course per semester): CIA (40 Marks) - written test + assignment + review of research article and End Semester Examination (60 Marks) written test.

Practical Courses (per course per semester): Experiment based exam, project evaluation (includes exhibit, presentation in seminar PROBE), field trip (includes night sky observation).

Teaching Pedagogy of the Department

  • Emphasis on problem solving in theory - universal practice for physics, useful for entrance exams.

  • Zero rote learning - for the written exams

  • Practical course - experiments directly related to the theory course

  • Project based learning - The course-wise projects train students to understand, plan and carry out an experiment on their own. Also enhances their interest and understanding of the theory course.

  • This training is very useful for starting independent research – The final semester project is expected to be their MSc thesis containing good quality as well as quantity of work. A strong experimental, computational, or theoretical physics content is a must for this work.

  • Students should decide on their supervisor and their thesis topic( in consultation with the supervisor) before the semester starts. A student can choose to work with a faculty of the department or a professor from a research institute/university other than Xavier’s for his/her dissertation. Every student will follow the General Guidelines provided for the same.

  • Students will be encouraged to take up internships in the summer between 1st and 2nd year.

Resources of the Department

  • Large Labs: There are 5 labs to cater to various research needs.

  • Computer Lab: There is a dedicated computer lab integrated with the Physics lab to take care of the computing needs of our students.

  • Department Library: We have a small department library for the referencing needs of our students.

  • Sophisticated Equipment: We have high-end equipment such as Hall effect apparatus, Photoelectric effect apparatus, Zeeman effect apparatus and a six inch Telescope with auto tracking for night sky observations.

  • Dedicated Lab Staff: We have a well-trained and dedicated lab staff to help our students.

Co-curricular Activities of the Department

  • The Department organizes an exhibition of physics’ experiments called ‘Jigyasa’, to show case ‘possibilities in Physics’ in August.

  • A research seminar ‘PROBE’ is organized in February every year, where students present their projects as research papers through oral / poster presentations.

  • Students will be taken for a field trip to visit some Astronomy / Astrophysics research institute.