The department of Physics, Cochin University of Science and Technology, has been recognised as a Centre for Advanced Studies by University Grants Commission in the areas of materials science and theoretical physics. The honour is due to the high-level of research and academic activities undertaken by the department.
An amount of Rs 1 crore has also been sanctioned for procuring equipment and recurring expenditures for the next five years (2013-2018). “Though colleges often get UGC grants, it is rare for a department. For a few years, we were working towards achieving this status. It’s the third recognition we are getting. First we got the status of Department of Research Scheme, then Department of Special Assistance. The biggest advantage of being elevated as a Centre for Advanced Studies (CAS) is that students get better exposure. At CAS, a student can do postgraduation courses and pursue research simultaneously. This facility is available only at few institutions,” said B Pradeep, HoD, Physics. “Though there will not be any restriction on subjects for research at CAS, the thrust area will be materials science and theoretical physics.”
Professor Pradeep said the grant will be utilised to renovate the library and lab. The upgraded laboratory will offer students a better exposure, which only few universities can boast of in India.
Established in 1962, the department offers Msc, MPhil and PhD. Students are selected on the basis of their performance in admission tests. The two-year MSc courses comprise lecture classes and a project work in the last semester.
Source : The Hindu