My Science School

I am a Std X student. I am interested in Aeronautical Engineering. What courses should I take up after Std X to be successful engineer? Which is the best college in Mumbai for Aeronautical Engineering?

Aeronautical Engineering is technologically one of the most advanced branches in engineering today. The focus is mainly on design and development of aircraft and aircraft navigation systems, which extends even to space and satellite research.

To become an aeronautical engineer, one needs to have a Bachelor of Engineering/Technology (B.E./B. Tech.) in Aeronautical Engineering. The eligibility for this course is 10+2 with Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics. Punjab Engineering College, Chandigarh, IITs at Kharagpur, Chennai and Kanpur, Mumbai offer B.Tech. in Aerospace Engineering. Admission is through an entrance test.

The Aeronautical Society of India (ASI) also conducts an Associated Membership exam twice a year. It is possible to do Aeronautical Engineering from this society through correspondence and the exam is held in three parts, viz, Studentship, Section A and Section B. The minimum educational qualification for appearing for this exam is a pass in Class 10. Students who have cleared 10+2 with science subjects are eligible directly for Section A. Those students who clear this exam are considered equivalent to those with Bachelor's degree in Aeronautical Engineering.

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I am a student of Class 10 and I am interested in Cardiology. But I don't know about its scope in India. Please guide me.

A Becoming a cardiologist requires 5-6 years of training beyond an MBBS degree. First, clear 10+2 examination with Biology, Chemistry and Physics. Then appear in competitive exams to get admission into MBBS (Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery). This is a 5½ years course which includes one-year internship period as well.

After that you can go for an MD in General Medicine followed by DM in Cardiology, which is a super - specialization. You can practice cardiology after your MD, but to have a really successful career, you must do the DM. Those interested in surgery can first do a M.S. in General Surgery after MBBS and then M.Ch. in Cardio-thoracic Surgery or Cardiovascular & Thoracic Surgery. The demand for all medical professionals is increasing with the unfortunate upsurge in diseases and ailments day by day. At the same time super specialty hospitals are mushrooming both within the country and abroad offering employment opportunities.

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I am a Class 12 Science student. I am very interested in wildlife and I want to become a wildlife biologist. What do I have to study to achieve my goal? Does this career have a good scope in India?

A wildlife biologist studies both animals and plants. It's more common, however, that wildlife biologists only work with wild animals.

Here are some good institutes: Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun, National Centre for Biological Sciences (NCBS), Bengaluru, Centre for Wildlife Studies (CWS), Bengaluru, University of Kota, Rajasthan, Central University of Odisha, Koraput, Amity Institute of wildlife sciences, Noida.

All these institutes offer a PG programme in wildlife sciences. Graduates in Botany, Zoology, Agriculture, Biotechnology, Nursing, Forestry, Veterinary or equivalent science degree are eligible to apply.

After completing the post-graduate course in wildlife sciences, students work with research labs, central and state natural resource agencies, conservation groups, forest industries, forest research institutes, wildlife research institutes, zoological parks, sanctuaries and with private consulting companies.

There is huge demand for wildlife biologists and a wonderful career in wildlife conservation awaits the trained and motivated. But be prepared as there is a lot more to being a wildlife biologist than just looking at animals in forests. All that is good enough only for amateurs. To be a biologist, you need to start making the transition from naturalist to a scientist.

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My brother is pursuing B.E. (Mech.) third year now. He wants to do a Master's in Marine Engineering. Is it a good idea? If so, which college would be best for this? What is the procedure to join this course?

A Marine Engineer is responsible for maintaining and operating the machinery and electrical and electronic equipment on board ships. Although a career at sea appears glamorous and attractive, it entails being away from one's family for long stretches of time. In spite of all this, life at sea pays very well and is full of varied experiences, thrills and challenges.

The following institutes offer M.Tech. in Marine Engineering: National Institute of Technology Karnataka, Srinivasnagar PO, Surathkal, Mangalore (nitk.ac.in), Kunjali Marakkar School of Marine Engineering (KMSME) CUSAT, Cochi; Defence Institute of Advanced Technology, (Deemed University), Girinagar, Pune; Academy of Maritime Education and Training (AMET), Chennai. Admission for Mechanical Engineering graduates is usually based on the GATE score. Eligibility is B.E. in Marine/Mechanical Engineering.

Candidates seeking admission to these courses should be medically fit. Glasses are permitted but the power in each eye should not exceed +/-2.5. You must also not suffer from colour blindness.

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In 2017, I passed Class 12 with PCM. My aim is to become an engineer but unfortunately I didn't get a good rank in JEE. I wanted to take the JEE again so I decided to give up one year for preparation. But my parents decided that I should join a local degree college. I again applied to JEE. I have successfully completed the first semester in degree college, but now as my preparation for JEE is in the final four months I am not able to manage both of them at same time. What can I do now? I am thoroughly confused and stressed. How can I overcome this stress?

Were you studying for JEE throughout the year? If you were studying then during the remaining time, you can easily allot time to prepare for both the exams. But if you were not studying earlier and thought that you could make up during the last few months, then it's difficult to get a good rank in JEE. In that case, it's better to study for your graduation.

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I'm a student of Class 9. I love my friends but they feel that I'm ignoring them, but I know I'm not. If I'm with one of my friends, the other gets upset. I just don't know what to do.

Put on a smile and be available to talk with any one of your friends. Tell them how happy you are to have good friends in your class. If you talk and spend of your time with a particular friend, the others may feel you are ignoring them. Do not worry too much about what people feel about you; what really matters is that you are a good and loving person. They will appreciate your approach and may change their attitude.

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I am a 16-year-old girl. I am a very reserved kind of person. Many boys in my school have proposed to me but I didn't accept any of them. But one day a boy proposed to me; again I refused. But from that day onwards, I cannot forget him. I can't understand what is happening to me - I keep thinking of him the whole day and night. I can't forget him but I want to forget him. What should I do?

Though at the age of 16 you are "a very reserved kind of person" and have been able to reject the proposals of "many boys" in your school, you have now fallen into an infatuation with a particular boy who proposed to you, and now you "keep thinking of him day and night". You are now confused and disturbed. This means that you got emotionally attracted to him. This is common during the teenage. Keep focusing on your family, your studies and the good friends you have. Emotions come and go during the teenage and you will learn to control them with the good advice of a school counsellor or a trusted family friend. Don't forget also to pray to God to guide you in all the decisions you take in life.

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I'm too addicted to social media. I am on Instagram and over there a boy likes me. I know that boy personally but I don't know what to do. My friends are forcing me to date him but I have never dated anyone yet. I want to focus on my studies. Please help me.

Your "addiction" to social media may lead you into wrong relationships and bad results. All addictions are bad. The fact that a boy likes you on Instagram does not mean that you should "date him" as your friends are forcing you to do. Keep focusing on your family, your studies and good friendships. At your tender age of 14 this is what matters. Be close to your parents and good friends. With them you will not make mistakes and they will not lead you in the wrong direction.

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I have a massive crush on a girl who lives in my colony and I think that she also has a crush on me. I want to propose to her but I cannot because I think she may break her friendship with me. I am stressed out. What should I do?

What you call "a massive crush" is also called infatuation. It is a mixture of romantic feelings and sexual attraction that surfaces during adolescence. Infatuation is an exciting experience but can be also troublesome, because it can make people depressed if rejected by the one they feel they are in love with. True love relationships are deeper than infatuation and imply the capacity to forgive and sacrifice; they also imply dedication, respect, fidelity and compassion. The more mature we are, the more we are capable of loving. At this point of your teenage life it is better for you to keep your relationship with that girl in the limit of a good friendship: sharing your experiences, plans for the future, family life, friendship, etc. If she feels comfortable to share her life experience with you, your relationship with her will grow and I may lead in the future to a mature decision of sharing your life. Marriage is the final and full expression of true love. An early proposal may break her friendship with you.

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I am a student of Std XI (Arts). My favourite subject is sociology. What are the careers in sociology and which colleges or universities can I opt for after 12th (colleges in Assam)?

The study of human behaviour in social groups is called Sociology. It is not a subject with strong vocational values, but offers valuable preparation for careers in law, journalism, business, social work, counselling, politics, public relations, public administration and other related disciplines. These fields require the conceptual and skill-based training that comes from undertaking a degree in Sociology. It is also one of the few sought-after optionals for aspirants of the Civil Services Examination.

Graduate study is available in almost all the universities. After completing a Bachelor's in Sociology, one can go for post-graduation in specialized fields such as: M.A. Criminology, Master of Social Work, M.A. in Forensic Science, etc.

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I am currently studying in Std XI (Commerce). I am interested in making my career in the IT industry and recently found out that Commerce students who have taken maths can go for B.Sc. (IT). But my parents want me to do CA as it has a promising future. What should I do? Also, one of my friends said that if I do M.Tech. or M.S. (abroad), it can lead to a bright future. Is it true? What are the recommended colleges for doing M.S. and what are their admission procedures?

IT and Chartered Accountancy (CA) are two different fields. First find out which subject you like more: accounts/commerce or computers. It takes about 5 years to complete the CA course, then there are good opportunities available. On the other hand, it is easy to enter into 3-year B.Sc. (IT), but job opportunities are not that good. You will need additional qualifications. For a Master's in some other country, you will require good score in eligibility exam of that country.

Nowhere is the path easy. But understand that if you're interested in a field, you'll willingly work hard and spend more time studying, leading to brighter future.

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I am a medical student of Std XII (PCB). I am equally interested in Science as well as Journalism. Please suggest some courses in which I can study both subjects. Which reputed universities offer such courses?

You can combine your interest in science and journalism by doing a course in Science Communication. These courses are very well-designed with the theoretical and practical aspects of science communication, and train students to become successful communicators in Science and Technology. Students also learn development communication, advertising, public relations, publication of science newsletters and media management in the light of science communication.

But these courses are available only at the Master's level. The National Council of Science & Technology Communication (NCSTC) (iscos.org) requires graduation with three years' work experience in science journalism. The Institute of Mass Communication, Lucknow, (http:// Ikouniv.ac.in/oldsite/imcst.htm) offers a two-year M.Sc. (Tech.) for which the eligibility is science post-graduation or graduation in medical and engineering fields. Other institutes include: Department of Media Sciences, College of Engineering, Guindy, Anna University, Chennai (annauniv.edu); Centre for Science Communication, School of Future Studies and Planning, Devi Ahilya University, Indore (csc.dauniv.ac.in). But before joining these you need graduation, so go for B.Sc. or B.Tech. Also, you should have a flair for writing and speaking.

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I am a second year Architecture student with an interest in design. I currently fancy the animation and gaming industries, but I would like to know more about further specializations after architecture. What scope does Architecture have other than designing buildings?

Video games are for entertainment and architecture relates to real life. Still, game design and architectural design have some crossover, because a game's ability in its countless visuals affects a person's thoughts and actions. By balancing and contrasting different types of spaces, architecture can unfold, and choreograph the player experience to produce a much more powerful emotional impact and reaction to gameplay.

Architects are increasingly moving into virtual realms to construct their designs, for there, anything is possible. The architecture students of today are equipped with many of the game designer's tools: 3D modelling, rendering, and the like.

Still the specialization available at Master's level is all related to architecture only, like urban design, industrial design, environmental planning, transport planning, etc. But if you're keen on the gaming industry, do some short term course in that and experiment with the two fields.

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I am a student of Std X. I have a great affinity for the Indian Defence Forces. What are the requirements needed to join the defence forces? What pay package does one get in the defence academy? Is there also any possibility to enter the Indian Army through the commerce stream?

At this stage, you may think of entering the armed forces through the National Defence Academy (NDA). Eligibility is 10+2 (all streams) for army, with Mathematics and Physics for air force and navy. Selection is through a written examination, interview, outdoor physical tests, psychological assessment and group tests.

The course of training is for three years. Sixty-eight per cent of the training curriculum at the NDA is devoted to academics. The aim is to achieve excellence in academic pursuits without compromising on outdoor activities. Every cadet has to play some game, pass compulsory outdoor training tests, participate in competitive sports, including rifle firing, handball and yachting. On successful completion of the degree course, the cadets are awarded a Bachelor's degree in Arts, Science or Computer Science by the Jawaharlal Nehru University. During the entire course, you're provided with free accommodation and food.

After completion of the course at the NDA/ Naval Academy, army cadets join the Indian Military Academy in Dehradun; navy cadets join a training ship, and air force cadets move on to the Air Force Training Academy in Hyderabad. Here you will get a monthly salary of Rs 21,000. After completing the training, you will be commissioned as an officer in the Indian Armed Forces with starting salary around Rs 45,000 and many other facilities like transport, medical, student welfare, etc.

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I am confused regarding my love life. I loved a guy and he loved me, too, but due to some reason we lost contact. After a few months another guy came into my life and he really loves me. He says he wants to be serious but somehow I don't want him to get serious because we don't know where the future will lead us. But he doesn't understand this. I am scared that if I tell him that I no more believe in relationships he might misunderstand me. I don't want to break his heart. Moreover, the first guy is back again in my life. We had a talk online and he now says that he loves me. I don't know whether I still love him or not but the second guy really loves me. I am stuck between the two of them. What should I do?

You are utterly confused about your feelings, emotions and relationships. This is common at the age of 15 when life experience is limited. You are "stuck" between two guys whom you hardly know. With one of them you only talk online and with the other you have lost contact for a long time. What you should do is to stop dreaming of boys loving you and rather start focusing on building good friendly relationships with young people of your age. This is not the time to be dreaming about a life partner.

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