My Science School

I am studying in Std IX. I want to do my UG degree in U.S.A. What exams should I do for this and from when should I start coaching for it?

For an UG course in USA, you’re required to takes SAT I (Scholastic Assessment Test) and TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language). In addition to these, some universities also have ACT (American College Testing) and SAT II Subject Tests. Every university has its own minimum requirements and scores with respect to standardized tests.

 SAT-I is a three-hour reasoning test, primarily multiple-choice test that measures verbal and mathematical reasoning abilities that develop over time. Mastering vocabulary is a really easy way to increase your SAT score, you should pay particular attention to developing language and writing abilities. Maths questions are of Std X level, but application-oriented. So get your concepts clear now.

SAT-II consists of subject tests. These one-hour tests measure your knowledge of particular subjects and your ability to apply the knowledge. You may take the coaching while studying in Std XI.

 

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I am in Std X. I am keen on architectural engineering as a career but I’m not sure how to go about it. What degrees are required and is it a bright career option?

Architects design buildings and other structures. In addition to considering the way these buildings and structures look, they also make sure they are functional, safe, economical and suit the needs of the people who use them.

To become an architect, one should have at least a Bachelor’s in Architecture (B.Arch.). Eligibility for this course is 10+2 with Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics. The Council of Architecture conducts an aptitude test, NATA (National Aptitude Test), on an all-India basis for admission to colleges of architecture. This test is held to judge the applicant’s visual and spatial perception, creative ability, imagination, aesthetic sensitivity, etc. in addition to NATA, some colleges conduct their own written exam for admission. After finishing the course an architect must register with the Council of Architecture to practice as an independent architect.

Opportunities in this field are highly dependent on the level of local construction. Big cities are developing very fast, and constructions of commercial as well as residential buildings are going on. Even renovation of old buildings is on the rise. This trend is especially good for architects as it provides many job opportunities.

 

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I’m 16 years old and confused about what I should take up after Std XII. I would love to specialize in gynaecology. What are the requirements/qualifications to become a gynaecologist? Is it possible to write an entrance exam without going for coaching? F so, how can I prepare by myself for the exam?

OB/GYN specialists are doctors who focus solely on women. This field is particularly appealing because it allows you to maintain an interest in both medicine and surgery. You can develop expertise in the most sophisticated, technically demanding procedures if you choose.

You need many years of education to become an OB/GYN specialist. First, clear 10+2 examination with Biology, Chemistry and Physics. Then appear in a competitive exam to get admission into M.B.B.S. (Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery). This is a five and a half-year course which includes a one-year internship period as well. After that you can go for M.D. in Gynaecology.

It is certainly not necessary to go for coaching classes. These just guide you, but it is you who have to work hard. First get your concepts clear, understand all the topics of XI and XII NCERT. Do the last five years entrance test papers to get a full insight into the pattern of the papers. Normally, in these exams, the emphasis is on conceptual questions. So, you should practice for questions based on diagrams given in NCERT text and concepts. Be confident and prepare well. Wish you all the best.

 

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I am in Std VIII. I am interested in space science, astronomy and planetary studies. How can I align my education towards a career in this field?

A career in space sciences is full of glamour and adventure. But in order to establish yourself in the space industry, be prepared to continue studying throughout your work-life.

To enter this field, there are two routes, both of which require 10+2 with PCM. After 10+2

you can go for a four-year B.Tech. in Aerospace Engineering/Avionics/Physical Sciences at the Indian Institute of Space Science & Technology (under Department of Space, Govt. of India) at Thiruvananthapuram. After completion of the course, students are absorbed into Indian Space Research Organisation.

Alternatively, you can go for graduation in Physics followed by M.Sc. in Physics/Astrophysics. Some institutes like the IISER, NISER, Bhubaneswar, National Institute of Technology, Surat, a few IITs offer integrated M.Sc. directly after 10+2.

 

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I am an F.Y.B.Sc. (Chemistry) student. I am interested in Forensic Science and intend to make my career in the field of forensics. What course would I have to do?

A forensic scientist investigates crimes. S/he gathers and documents, or analyzes, physical evidence from crime scenes. This evidence may include fingerprints, blood, hair and bullets. An inquisitive nature and a concern for accuracy is the main attribute required to be in this field.

To become a forensic scientist, you need to do M.Sc. (Forensic Science), for which eligibility in Bachelor’s in Forensic/Physical/Biological Sciences. To become a forensic pathologist, one has to complete an M.D. in Forensic Medicine after successfully completing his/her MBBS. These pathologists conduct post-mortems on dead bodies to find out the cause of death.

 

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I am in class 12. I have a secret crush on a girl in class 10 from my own school, but she has a crush on my classmate. She does not use a cell phone and she’s not on any social networking site, due to which I cannot express my feelings. I feel shy to propose to her face to face because of the fear of being rejected. But whenever I talk to her, I feel that she’s comfortable with me. What should I do?

You have a secret crush on a girl who does not use a cell phone nor is on any networking site. Because of this, you are unable or unwilling to talk to her face to face, fearing rejection. In this situation it is better for you to wait until you gather enough courage to talk to her or she will make up her mind: either to concentrate on her studies, or to carry on the crush she has with one of your classmates or to accept your proposal (if and when you will do that). If you do not feel confident to talk to a girl, you are not yet ready for a relationship with her.

 

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My 17-year-old son is not at all interested in studies. He is only interested in playing football and late nights out. At a tender age he’s picked up bad habits like smoking and drinking. His food habits are not appropriate. He loses his temper easily and is very undisciplined. What should I do?

The upbringing of a son is the duty and responsibility of both parents. Did you and your husband approach your son with one heart and mind? Have you spoken to him clearly about your expectations and love for him? How could he spend late nights out and pick up “bad habits of smoking and drinking” without the parents’ knowledge and consent? Who gave him the money for such bad habits? These questions have to be answered and solutions found together in the family as soon as possible.

 

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A very good friend of mine is trying to get into relationship with a girl who is not morally good. When I try to convince him not to do so, he feels that I am jealous of him. His grades have also come down this year. I want to help him. What should I do?

Are you absolutely sure that the character of that girl “is not morally good”? You should be very careful not to spread rumours about the behaviour of others. If you are convinced about that and you have explained the matter to your “very good friend” you have done enough. Now it is up to him to decide what to do or not to do. You are not his parent, just a friend.

 

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I feel very lonely. My grandmom does not like me at all. Due to this I feel depressed and cannot concentrate on my studies. I just want her love. Whenever there is a fight between me and my brother she will take my brother’s side. This hurts me a lot because she reacts without understanding the matter. She often says bad things about me, such as, “This girl will eat the whole family. She is born to kill everyone. It’s all my poor fate,” to my aunts and other relatives. Sometimes I argue with her and then I cry about why she does such things. She always praises my brother and puts me down. I live my brother very much. I just don’t want her to differentiate between me and my brother and I want that she gives me equal love which I need. Please help me.

I understand from your letter that you and your brother are living with your grandmother. If you have lost your parents she is now your family. Having accepted the responsibility of bringing both of you up, she may be overstressed and insecure; after all she must be advanced in age. Rather than arguing with her, try to approach her with a helping attitude, a loving smile and words of appreciation. Old people need to feel loved and appreciated. Of course, you too feel the same. Tell her that you too need her love. If you change your attitude, she too may slowly change hers. Some close family relative, with whom you can share your problem, may help in bringing all of you close to each other.

 

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I am in Std X (Karnataka Boards). My ambition is to become an astronaut. What combinations must I choose in PU?

Astronauts go out into space to conduct experiments and research on various different projects. To become one, you need to have a high level of fitness and the right attitude to spend long periods of time in space. Scientific and technical competence is essential. Take Science and Mathematics in 10+2 then appear in ISAT, conducted by Indian Institute of Space Science & Technology (IIST), Thiruvananthapuram for B.Tech. Aerospace Engineering/Avionics. All engineering graduates from the IIST are absorbed in the ISRO.

A career as an astronaut is not always as thrilling as it seems. One has to dedicate a lot of hours to training and practice before being allowed to go into space. Moreover getting into training programmes is very difficult because of the high level of competition and the relatively low number of astronauts required globally.

In India, astronaut training is yet to begin. The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) of USA select people from all over to participate in their astronaut programme.

 

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I am studying in Std X and I am interested in astrobiology. Is this a safe career option? What is the scope of astrobiology in India? What qualifications are required to enter this field?

Astrobiology is the study of life in the universe. This field combines the knowledge and techniques from many fields, including astronomy, biology, chemistry, geology, atmospheric science, oceanography and aeronautical engineering.

This multi-disciplinary field encompasses the search of habitable environments in our solar system and habitable research has a significant impact on how agencies such as NASA plan for current and future space missions. Most jobs in astrobiology are in universities or industry, which conduct interdisciplinary research in astrobiology.

MP Birla Institute of Fundamental Research, Bangalore offers a course in Astrobiology for which eligibility in graduation in Physics/Chemistry/Biology. Indian Astrobiology Research Centre (IARC), Mumbai conducts and encourages research in astrobiology. It offers a diploma in astrobiology and astronomy. The NASA Astrobiology Institute (NAI), a virtual organization works through their team seating in many universities and institutions all over the world.

 

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I’m studying in Std XII. I want to pursue a career in Human Resources. What is the scope in this field and the package offered? What are the courses available? Which are the best colleges for these courses in Mumbai?

A diploma/degree course in HR with duration of two years is required to make a career in human resources. The eligibility for this is graduation in any stream. Every large and medium-sized organization keeps a fully functional HRM/HRD/Personnel department managed by HR professionals.

Apart from professional qualifications, an HR professional should be a good listener and a good decision-maker. Being a good judge of competencies and personalities certainly helps, especially during recruitment and promotion process. Several institutes/universities all over India offer courses in HR. Some of the institutes in Mumbai are: Tata Institute of Social Science (TSS), Mumbai; NMIMS School of Business Management, Mumbai; S.P. Jain Institute of Management & Research.

 

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I’m in Std XI. I want to know the difference between BBM and B.Com – which is a better course and what are the specializations it offers? Which field has more scope as in finance, marketing, human resource, etc? Which are the best colleges in Bangalore that offer BBM/B.Com? What are the aptitude tests that people often speak of as being very difficult to clear? I’m in a fix, please help.

BBM and B.Com. are both undergraduate degree courses and the duration of both is three years. By doing a BBM course, you gain good exposure to the world of business management. You gain a lot of practical experience through your final year project and internship. B.Com, on the other hand, is more theory-oriented and covers a wide array of subjects.

While BBM is more focused on management concepts, B.Com is more about accounts. While the two undergraduate programmes have some similarities in their course content, there is a huge gap in the course fee. B.Com is offered by almost every college in India, but BBM is also becoming very popular. Bangalore University offers both these courses.

Admission to BBM is generally through a competitive test, which is not very difficult. Just go through 10th level maths, English and general knowledge.

 

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