My Science School

I am good in Maths, Chemistry and Physics. My parents want me to opt for IIT, but I am thinking about IIM which has been my dream since I was younger. What should I do?

Both IIM (Indian Institutes of Management) and IIT (Indian Institutes of Technology) are very prestigious and world famous group of institutions. IIMs offer PG diploma in management, admission for which is through a competitive examination Graduates from any field are eligible to appear for the examination. IITs are famous for offering B.Tech. (Bachelors in Technology), besides offering many other courses including MBAs.

The good news is that you may join both. First go for B.Tech. in IITs. Eligibility is 10+2 with Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics. After completing B.Tech., you may go for post-graduate level management qualification from IIMs. But be prepared for the hard work, as entering into these institutes requires lot of effort, preparation and thorough knowledge.

 

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My aim is to become an eye specialist. What qualities do I need to develop and which courses should I take up after Std X to pursue a career as an eye specialist?

To become an eye specialist, first you need to have a Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) degree. After completing MBBS, go for 2 years PG diploma or 3 years M.D. (Doctor of Medicine) in Ophthalmology or M.S. (Master of Surgery).

The duration of MBBS is 52 of which the last one year is a period years of rotary internship. Four and half years are divided into three parts. The first one and half years are spent on pre-clinical subjects, i.e., anatomy, biochemistry and physiology. The next one and a half years are spent on studies of pharmacology, forensic medicine, pathology, bacteriology, microbiology, etc. After passing the pre-clinical subjects, the next one and half years are devoted to clinical work in hospital ward and departments, concurrently with training in the para medical subjects, i.e., surgery, medicine and gynaecology. One year of internship is devoted to complete practical training in above subjects.

There are medical colleges in every state while some are controlled by central or state governments, others are administered by private communities. Admissions are either through competitive entrance exams or on merit, i.e., marks obtained in the qualifying exam.

Some of the qualities required are: strong communication skills, high degree of motivation and self-discipline, strong desire to help the sick and injured, emotional stability and the capacity to make decisions in an emergency.

 

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I am a Class 12 (Science) student. After my 12th I want to enter into the field of Nuclear Physics. Which are the colleges that offer this field of study? Does this field carries some scope for research in our country? How do I shape my career after my Class 12 examinations?

A Nuclear Physics deals with study of the structure of matter at the atomic level. The subject is mainly applied in nuclear power generation and nuclear weapons technology. A few other applications of the subject are nuclear medicine, ion implantation in material engineering, magnetic resonance imaging, and radiocarbon dating in geology and archaeology.

To enter into this field, you should have a good grounding in Physics. Start with an UG degree in Physics and go for PG with specialization in Nuclear Physics. You may also go for an Integrated M.Sc.-Ph.D, degree after B.Sc (Hons). Some of the best institutes offering such courses are: Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (TIFR), Mumbai; IIT Mumbai, Delhi Kanpur, Kharagpur, Guwahati, Madras and Roorkee: The Institute of Mathematical Sciences (IMSc), Chennai; Harish Chandra Research Institute (HRT), Allahabad; Indian Institutes of Science Education and Research (IISER) at Pune, Mohali, Kolkata, Trivandrum and Bhopal, and also at the National Institute of Science Education and Research (NISER) at Bhubaneswar.

 

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I'm currently studying in Class 10. I am very interested in Biology and its branches and I want to become a gynaecologist. What should I opt for in the future?

In order to become a gynaecologist, you should first go for MBBS, for which eligibility is 10+2 with Physics, Chemistry and Biology. Then go for 2 years PG diploma or 3 years M.D. (Doctor of Medicine) in Gynaecology or M.S. (Master of Surgery).

 

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I am a student of Class 11 with the subjects PCM. I want to be a psychologist but had never studied it as a subject before. What should I do after Std 12 so as to pursue Psychology as a career? I also want to try for the Civil Services. What are the courses (so as to become eligible to give the Civil Services exams, too), job opportunities and scope in this field? Also is there any exam I need to do so as to work in foreign countries?

You can still study Psychology during graduation, even if you do not have Psychology as a subject in 10+2. But before taking this decision, you should carefully think about your seriousness about the subject and available options. Borrow books on Psychology from your friends and read to have an idea about the subject.

During graduation, the studies will be of a higher level. Psychology graduates have knowledge of the assessment of personality, intelligence and attitudes, interviewing techniques, questionnaire design and analysis, child development, and methods of teaching and learning. This knowledge can be applied to an enormous number of occupations and professions like market research, social work, personnel management and career guidance. They may also be involved in investigations such as crime detection and lie detection. Psychology is a popular subject in competitive examinations like the civil services.

Indian Civil Services are the most powerful, glamorous and coveted of all Indian services. Officers have a wide variety of duties and responsibilities ranging from maintenance of law and order, collection of taxes, to developmental work within State and Central areas of jurisdiction, implementation of social welfare activities, etc.

Recruitment to these offices is through the All India Combined Competitive Examination for the Civil Services, conducted by UPSC.

The examination consists of three levels: Preliminary Examination (two papers of multiple-choice questions), Main Examination (nine papers of essay type questions) and interview. This is truly an intense competitive examination and requires at least one year of dedicated preparation. To appear in this examination one should have completed graduation in any stream. However, the standard of questions is usually an inter-mix of both graduate and post graduate level of study.

 

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I am in Class X and I want to improve in my studies. My problem is that I sleep a lot; I'm always feeling sleepy and hopeless. As I am not as intelligent as other students, I need more time to study, but I can't manage my 'sleep'.

Looks like you find yourself slow and struggling with your studies due to excessive sleep, and you feel quite hopeless, too.

Excess sleepiness can be due to an underlying health condition: lack of certain vitamins in your diet; lack of exercise leading to lethargy; not getting enough sleep at night, and so on. These could also lead you to a low mood. Visit your family doctor at the earliest to find out the reason.

At the same time, make sure you get exercise - especially in the morning. Exercise boosts brain power and also helps you to feel good about yourself. If you feel sleepy only when studying it could be due to your lack of interest in studies, not understanding what you learn, or not using the right methods to study.

Most importantly, if you feel hopeless most of the time, do connect with a counsellor in person, at the earliest. She or he will help and support you.

 

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I was in a relationship with a boy of my age. We were always there for each other. But, his friends poisoned his mind and told him false stories about my best friend and I; that we are in a relationship behind his back. Due to this, my boyfriend broke up with me. I know he still loves me and I too love him a lot, but I don't know what I should do now.

Looks like you and your boyfriend shared a supportive relationship. You miss him a lot and would very much like to have him back.

However, if he has allowed his friends to 'poison his mind', it looks like he didn't trust you much, unless something happened to break that trust. It is important to reflect on why your friendship with your "best friend" has caused so much trouble. Did you spend more time with your best friend than with your boyfriend? What could have happened to make his friends say that you and your best friend were 'in a relationship behind his back’?

Looks like he is unwilling to speak to you. If he is willing to talk - as you say you are quite sure he still loves you - then ask him for a meet. Find out what has made him upset, as well as discuss your feelings and clear the misunderstandings. However, if he is unwilling to meet and listen to your point of view and your feelings, then you need to let go.

 

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I am deeply in love with a girl who is a year younger to me. I think about her every day. I even proposed to her, but she rejected it. I've been in love with her for more than a year. We often meet, too. Our mutual friends think that we're perfect for each other. But, she thinks of me as just a friend. The good thing is that my feelings for her don't affect my studies in any way. It's the first time I've ever felt this way about any girl.

Looks like you have a crush on this girl and she is quite special for you.

If she doesn't return your feelings, there is nothing much that you can do, except enjoy your friendship, for that too is a precious relationship.

A year is a long time for one-sided feelings. While it is great that it is not getting in the way of your studies, it does take up your mind-space - time that could be spent on developing your personality, your talents and hobbies, etc. Meeting her often, and having your friends to tell you you're 'perfect for each other' won't help you to move on with your life. So, help yourself to move on. Ask your friends to stop discussing about you as "a perfect pair", meet her less often. Make new friends, too. One day you will meet someone who will return your feelings and you will find that to be more fulfilling.

 

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I am the eldest son in my family. I have two younger sisters, aged 7 and 12. My parents are very protective of them and can't stand any wrong done against them. I enjoy playing or fooling with my sisters but my parents don't like it. They assume that I will "harm" them. They don't trust me with my sisters. I am older, chronologically and physically, and there's a possibility of me harming them. My parents also think I'm not good enough in studies and compare me with them. No matter how hard I work, my parents assume that I don't do anything good. The other day when I was playing with my siblings and one of them got injured and my parents threatened to "send me away". When I confronted them and asked if they really meant what they said, they replied: "Yes, we want you to go". They don't love me. Why?

Looks like you feel quite confused by your parents' behaviour. It makes you feel unloved. Before anything, do reflect on what you have shared, it will help you find your answers: What kind of 'play’ or 'fooling around' do you do? You may have no intention of harming them, but the reality is that one of them accidentally got injured. ‘What 'trouble' do your parents have to say: 'we don't need you around to cause....’? What makes them think you 'don't do anything good’?

Has any of the above happened before? If yes, it is natural that your parents are concerned about your sisters' safety, and also about your behaviour. If you want to win back your parents' trust, here are some changes you need to make in your behaviour:

1. Find different ways to show affection to your sisters. Perhaps you can show you care by playing board games or by helping them in some way. Be an encouraging and supportive older brother.

2.  Make friends with other people of your age. Channel your energy into exercises and sports. Focus on your future, your career, your hobbies, etc. Take responsibility and offer to help at home.

3. Reach out to your parents. Share your feelings with them: "I feel very hurt when you ask me to go.” Ask: "What can I do differently that we can get on better?" Tell them you want to make them feel proud of you and ask them what would make them feel proud of you. If they won't agree to a conversation ask a trusted older person to help. Only when your parents see a change in you, they will begin to trust you; and when you change you will feel better about yourself.

 

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Today, the kinds of robots that are designed and made available to the public are nothing short of amazing. Listed here are some of the craziest robots made and what they are capable of doing.

Tag-along suitcase bot

Any time you travel, one of the biggest hassles is pulling along or carrying your suitcases and luggage while weaving past crowds without going crazy. You wish you could have your own pet mule, but that's nearly impossible...or is it? Gita cargo both works the seemingly impossible by being a large suitcase that can lug around your items and follow you along while you walk ahead like a boss. Now that's a suitcase no one would mind owning!

A friend for everyone

For young kids and old adults without companions, Zenbo might be able to offer the right company Looking like a vacuum cleaner with a digital face capable of displaying emotions, this robot whizzes around taking commands, singing songs, playing games, dance and generally always be cute and at your disposal without a frown.

A cute, furry cure

You've probably heard that animals like dogs and cats are ideal as therapy for sick But a dog might bite accidentally or a cat might scratch, and there is that problem with them shedding fur. The solution? In Japan, patients get to pet and interact with a cute, furry robotic seal PARO. With touch-sensitive fur and whiskers, it'll let you pet and cuddle, without expecting any care from you.

100% winner

What makes rock-paper-scissors fun is the fact that it is a totally random and unpredictable way to pass time! Enter Janken, a robot that takes the game a bit too seriously. So seriously, in fact, that it has a 100 per cent winning rate. How on earth does it do that? Equipped with a high-speed camera and hand shape recognition, it can apparently guess what shape you're going to make so quickly that you'll never know. Cheater!

ATLAS to the rescue

ATLAS is among the many humanoid robots in the make that is capable of performing different tasks. Unlike many robots that can move well only on smooth floors, ATLAS can power its 6-foot frame through forest paths or even snow. That's not all - it can open doors, climb ladders, use tools, turn on or turn off valves and probably other tasks. In the future, be prepared to not be shocked by seeing one or ATLAS humanoids rushing past you to tackle emergencies.

What a help!

Finally, a robot we'd rush to buy if only they became available to the public! FoldiMate Inc. is designed to tackle the most annoying among all household chores and the one that Mom assigns to you most often folding clothes. Think of merely feeding one piece of cloth after another on top of FoldiMate and the good robot dutifully deposits them into a bin, ready for you to use!

A robotic smartphone

One day, our boring old rectangular smartphones will be replaced by miniature robot-shaped phones that will do much more. RoBoHoN is one such robot in the making. How can it be better than your faithful smartphone that you own? For instance, you probably go hunting for your smartphone if you keep it somewhere, but ROBOHON is capable of moving in search of you. How awesome is that?

 

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All the members of the Chuzzlewit family have something in common; they are all selfish. Dickens talks about the Chuzzlewit family in a satirical fashion in his novel The Life and Adventures of Martin Chuzzlewit.

Old Martin Chuzzlewit, the wealthy patriarch of the Chuzzlewit family, lives in constant suspicion of the financial designs of his extended family. Young Martin Chuzzlewit is the grandson of old Martin and his closest relative. Along with money, he has also inherited much of the stubbornness and selfishness of the old man. Young Martin’s engagement to Mary causes a rift between the grandfather and grandson. Towards the end of the novel, Martin becomes a changed man; he ends up repenting for his past actions born out of selfishness.

The Life and Adventures of Martin Chuzzlewit was first published by Chapman & Hall in installments between 1842 and 1844. The novel is also notable for two of Dickens’s notorious villains, Seth Pecksniff and Jonas Chuzzlewit.

Let us now talk about Nicholas Nickleby, a novel about the life and adventures of Nicholas Nickleby, a young man with whom rests the responsibility of providing for his mother and sister after his father dies.

After his father’s death, Nicholas is forced to leave a comfortable life at Devonshire and travel to London to seek aid from his uncle Ralph Nickleby. He has to take his mother and sister along with him. Ralph is a cold and ruthless businessman who has no desire to help his destitute relations. He hates Nicholas as he reminds him of his dead brother.

In the beginning of the novel, Nicholas is shown as an honest and steadfast young lad. But as the story progresses, his youth and inexperience of the world make him violent and emotional.

There is another interesting fact about the novel. Dickens began writing Nicholas Nickleby while still working on Oliver Twist. It was originally published in twenty monthly installments.

 

Have you heard of the novel The Old Curiosity Shop? The novel is about Little Nell Trent and the evil Quilp.

Little Nell’s grandfather gambles away his curiosity shop to his creditor Quilp. The grandfather and granddaughter are left with no other option but to run away. Nell’s friend Kit Nubbles and a mysterious Single Gentleman attempt to find them but are thwarted by Quilp. The Single Gentleman turns out to be the wealthy brother of Nell’s grandfather. The novel ends on a sad note; Little Nell dies and her heartbroken grandfather dies days later.

Queen Victoria read The Old Curiosity Shop in 1841 and found it ‘very interesting and cleverly written’. The novel was popular beyond measure; it is said that readers in New York stormed the dock when the ship bearing the final installment arrived in 1841!

 

A case filed in the court may not be resolved immediately; some verdicts come out in months while some others may take many years. One such case filed in England’s Court of Chancery drags on through decades. The Bleak House is about this lawsuit, filed by Jarndyce and Jarndyce.

Esther Summerson is one of the most prominent characters in the novel. In fact, half the novel is narrated from her perspective. Esther was orphaned right after she was born; she is raised by Miss Barbary, whom she knows as her godmother. Miss Barbary was in fact, her mother’s sister. When she dies a sudden death, Esther is left in the care of John Jarndyce, a philanthropist. He also arranges for Esther to receive a sound education.

Esther stays at the Bleak House, Jarndyce’s house near St. Albans. Over the course of Esther’s stay at Bleak House, she learns more about her family, and learns the identity of her mother.

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Samuel Pickwick is remembered for his child-like simplicity and loyalty towards his friends. Moreover, he is the founder of the Pickwick Club. The tale of Samuel Pickwick is told in The Pickwick Papers, or The Posthumous Papers of the Pickwick Club.

Samuel Pickwick is often tricked by conmen because of his innocence. Though he is always gallant towards women, young and old, he is indecisive in his dealings with them. It is Samuel who suggests that he and three other ‘Pickwickians’ should travel around the country and report whatever they saw to the members of the club.

Mr. Winkle, Mr. Snodgrass and Mr. Tupman accompany him in the mission. They come back to tell the tales of their adventures to the members of the club as planned beforehand.

The Pickwick Papers was first published in serialized form between 1836 and 1837. The witty accounts of the kindly, naive Samuel Pickwick and his friends in the Pickwick Club became an instant success. Though the novel offers a pleasurable reading, it addresses a serious issue-the injustice that prevails in the justice system. Dickens himself worked as a clerk in the law department and was aware of the inequities and incompetence of the system.