Prospectus

Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER)

Kolkata & Pune

Background The Government of India, through the Ministry of Human

Resource Development (MHRD), and based on the
recommendation of Scientific Advisory Council to the Prime
Minister, has decided to create two Science Institutes.
Located at Kolkata and Pune, these two institutes are named
Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER).
Patterned after the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bangalore, in
terms of high quality research in basic sciences and Indian
Institute of Technologies (IIT) in terms of teaching and education
Degrees/Courses • Integrated 5-year Masters curriculum following class XII of
our school system (or its equivalent)
• Post B.Sc. integrated Ph.D. curricula (PBIR)
• Ph.D programme after M.Sc or equivalent degree

Vision of IISER Integrate education with research so that undergraduate and

postgraduate teaching as well as doctoral and postdoctoral
research work are carried out in symbiosis

Modalities Financial outlay around Rs. 500.00 crores for each of the two
institutes in Kolkata and Pune for a period of five years
Exceptional teaching and research talents bolstered by state of
the art research laboratories, library and computational facilities.
Integrated campus with housing for faculty, hostel for students,
guesthouse for visiting teachers and scientists and well as sports
facilities.
The projected strength of each IISER in the next five years will be
about 2000 students and 200 faculty members.
The Curricula Modeled as science universities with a borderless and flexible
education programme
Teacher to student ratio of 1:10 conducive to individual attention.
Provide comprehensive core courses in the first two years of the
programme in all areas of basic sciences, viz., chemical, physical,
mathematical and biological sciences; following which, students
branch out to contemporary areas of interdisciplinary research.
Additional courses in the interdisciplinary areas of earth, planetary
and environmental sciences, computer and system sciences and
engineering sciences. Along with courses in Humanities/Social
Sciences. Computational Science with modern numerical
methods is an integral part of the programme.
Firm foundation in the basic sciences and mathematics in the first
two years followed by mentored choice of subject to major
 two years, followed by mentored choice of subject to major
including interdisciplinary areas.
Full time research, technical project or specialized training during
final one and half years of the integrated Masters programme
leading to a dissertation.
Courses based on a semester system with rigorous teachers-
student contact seminars, colloquia, journal clubs and research
projects with rigorous laboratory work
Emphasis on imparting problem solving capabilities

Financial Adequate financial support in the form of freeships and

support scholarships provided to students

Integrated Early exposure to research through summer training in other

learning and laboratories and institutions including industrial organizations
research Lowering the average age for securing Ph. D. degree via the
integrated Masters programme with major research component in
final year to pursue a doctoral programme
Provisions for accelerated development for truly deserving
individuals
Maintain a high standard of education, training, research and
scholarship, comparable to the best Indian Institutes and
international universities in basic and interdisciplinary sciences.

Career Counseling schemes for major R & D career opportunities

development Opportunities for job placement through campus interviews,
liaison with research laboratories of Departments of Atomic
Energy, Space, Science and Technology and Biotechnology, as
well as Council of Scientific & Industrial Research

PBIR and Ph.D In addition to integrated Masters programme, IISER will offer a
programmes post B.Sc. integrated Ph.D. programme (PBIR, similar to
equivalent programmes in S.N. Bose National Centre for Basic
Sciences, IISc, and IIT’s)
Ph.D programmes (post M.Sc.) for UGC-CSIR-NET qualified
candidates
Mentored remedial courses for PBIR and Ph.D students

Admission Admission to 5-year integrated Masters will be based on

nationally conducted examinations

IISER Pune and Modular syllabus allows exchangeable courses credited at IISERs
Kolkata: Synergy Kolkata and Pune
and networking Synergetic network with local and regional institutions (colleges,
universities and research institutes) in terms of sharing laboratory,
 human resources as well as adjunct faculty appointments.
Each IISER will be an autonomous institution and award its own
degrees
Faculty Equal emphasis on teaching and research abilities
Faculty specialised in selected and futuristic interdisciplinary
areas of science
Strong core faculty through attractive startup research grants for
young talented scientists with attractive opportunities for those
wishing to return to India from abroad for teaching and research
careers

Course content First two years of the Masters programme following Class XII
and structure devoted to common core courses in the basic sciences and
mathematics taken by every student
Ensure a broad foundation to enable the student to make a
rational choice of majoring subject commensurate with his/her
abilities and ambitions.
20 courses span 4 semesters, with 5 theory courses per semester
(each 3 credits, i.e. 3 contact hours of teaching per week) with 15
hours of theory teaching per week.
The theory courses spread over the first 4 semesters will
comprise the following: Advanced Calculus & Ordinary Differential
Equations, Complex Variables, Matrices, Vectors & Tensors,
Probability and Statistics, Computer Languages and Basic
Numerical Methods, Thermodynamics, Classical Mechanics,
Elementary Quantum Mechanics, Waves and Optics, Symmetry
and Structure, Bonding, Valence and the Periodic Table,
Chemical Reactions and Dynamics, Cell Biology, Genetics,
Evolutionary Biology, System Biology, Chrono Biology,
Philosophy and History of Science, Earth and Planetary System,
Language and Communication Skills etc.
Beginning from the third year, students specialize or major in their
chosen areas, e.g. Biological Sciences, Physical Sciences,
Chemical Sciences, Mathematics and/or some combinations
directed towards cross disciplinary areas.

Evaluation The courses are offered in credit and semester formats. The
evaluation of students will be done on a continuous basis,
depending on their performance throughout the semester in
periodic tests, practical experiments, internal seminars and
quizzes which carry due weightages, in addition to their
performance in the final semester examinations.

Hostel Facilities A modern hostel is under plan on campus for students, which will
have internet, gym, recreational and entertainment outlets,
excellent food facilities etc. However this will take about 2-3
years. Meanwhile the students will be accommodated in NCL
 student hostel next to the existing NCL guesthouse and additional
rooms may be sought in nearby housing societies. A canteen will
be available in the IISER academic building

Laboratory Three afternoons in a week devoted to laboratory work.

experiments Lab curricula designed to follow theory classes in each subject,
with open, innovative and integrated experiments.
The Labs will be in various areas of Physics, Chemistry and
Biology, and will include for example Basic Electronics, Optics,
Basic Chemistry, Elementary Spectroscopy e.g. EPR, Dielectric
and NMR, Nonlinear Dynamics, Observational Astronomy,
Microscopy, Basic Biology etc.

Degrees Students will receive an M. S. degree at the end of five years.

Those who are desirous of leaving the programme at the end of
four years can do so with a terminal B.S. (Honours) degree, if all
other requirements are fulfilled.
M. S. students can continue for a Ph. D. programme if they
possess the required aptitude, evidenced by an aptitude test.

Colloqia, One Institute Colloquium per week will be given by a

seminars and distinguished scientist/educationist and mandatory for every
educational student to attend. Before the colloquia, there may be a
visits preparatory meet with the students in which the background of the
subsequent talk may be discussed.
Students will have adequate free time for discussion sessions
with teachers and fellow students (outside classrooms), seminars
and journal clubs.
Students will also be taken for visits to reputed national and
industrial laboratories to see for themselves the excitement and
importance of science in national development
 Syllabus
Preamble IISER at Pune and Kolkata are a new and unique initiative in science
education in India to provide a world-class education and learning
closely integrated with research during the five year M.Sc. degree
program and promotes highest level of scholarship.
Special attention will be given to enhance the spirit of questioning,
creativity and innovation in students by their close interaction with
renowned and experienced faculty through class room instructions,
problem solving, tutorial sessions, laboratory experiments, seminars
and colloquium.
IISER will provide adequate research opportunities to students by
creating outstanding research facilities and also collaborations with
leading research institutes/organizations, thus effecting symbiotic
relationship between Teaching and Research.
In order to push the frontiers of knowledge, IISER will strive to attract
and retain the best faculty to play the dual role as teachers and
scientists.
Modern Science and its applications are increasingly becoming
interdisciplinary. The gap between discoveries and their applications
is less than a decade today. India is progressing rapidly in many
scientific fields with emerging new career opportunities in science
and industry. Recognizing these trends, the syllabus for IISER has
been specially developed by a committee of about 40 experts drawn
from the Indian Institute of Science, IITs, Universities and several
major research institutes of scientific agencies.

5-Year During the first two years, every student is required to take courses
integrated in all the four areas of basic sciences, viz. Mathematics, Physics,
Masters Chemistry and Biology. Those who may not have taken courses in
the secondary schools in any of the above subjects will be given
extra lessons.
In addition, they are required to take courses on topics such as,
Computational Sciences, Electronics & Instrumentation, Earth &
Space Sciences and Humanities & Social Sciences.
Other interdisciplinary courses will be introduced in emerging areas
in 4th and 5th year to provide students with good career opportunities.
The coursework will be supplemented by innovative laboratory work
in well-equipped laboratories and hands on experience in
Workshops.
During the third and fourth years, students will choose a major
subject in one of the four disciplines: Biology, Chemistry,
Mathematics or Physics and may take optional interdisciplinary
courses in consultation with their Academic Advisors. During the 5th
year students will devote a major part of their time in a research
and/or training project supplemented by suitable coursework.
 Summer Students will be given research orientation throughout their course
projects and and laboratory work. Students will be required to spend part of their
training summer vacations in leading research groups in either IISER or
other national research institutes or R&D labs in industry. A key
aspect of the charter and vision of IISER is to foster close
collaboration with various Research Institutes, Universities and
Industry so as to take advantage of the available talent and facilities
therein and also to provide multiple career options to students. The
syllabus of IISER will evolve dynamically so as to be flexible, credit
based, and offer students a broad platform. It will take note of new
developments in the field of science and its applications. IISER will
provide well rounded as well as specialized training to students
 COURSE CONTENT

Five Year Integrated M.S Programme

PART I: Course titles and credits for first two years

First Year: Semester – I

Code Subject Contact Hours/wk Credits

Theory–Practicals
B101 Cell Biology 3-0 3
B101P Biology Lab I 0-3 2
C101 Chemistry of Elements 3-0 3
C101P Chemistry Lab I 0-3 2
P101 Mechanics 3-0 3
P101P Physics Lab I 0-3 2
M101 Symmetry and infinitesimal 3-0 3
symmetry
IDC101 Introduction to computation 3-1 4
IDC103P Workshop Practice 0-3 2

First Year: Semester – II

Code Subject Contact Hours/wk Credits

Theory–Practicals
B102 Genetics 3-0 3
B102P Biology Lab II 0-3 2
C102 Bonding, structure and symmetry 3-0 3
C102P Chemistry Lab II 0-3 2
P102 Electromagnetism and optics 3-0 3
P102P Physics Lab II 0-3 2
M102 Single-variable analysis 3-0 3
IDC102 Thermodynamics & Statistical 3-0 3
Mechanics
IDC104P Basic Electronics and instrumentation 2-2 3
Second Year: Semester – III

Code Subject Contact Hrs/wk Credits

Theory-Practicals
B201 System Biology 3-0 3
B201P Biology Lab III 0-3 2
C201 Spectroscopic and other physical methods 3-0 3
of molecules and solids
C201P Chemistry Lab III 0-3 2
P201 Quantum Physics and relativity 3-0 3
P201P Physics Lab III 0-3 2
M201 Multi-variable analysis 3-0 3
IDC 201 Chemical biology 3-0 3
HSS201 Indian heritage in science/ literature and 2-0 2
art / History and philosophy of science

Second Year: Semester – IV

Code Subject Contact Hrs/wk Credits

Theory-Practicals
B202 Evolutionary Biology 3-0 3
B202P Biology Lab IV 0-4 3
C202 Chemical Reactions: Energetic and 3-0 3
Dynamics
C202LP Chemistry Lab IV 0-4 3
P202LP Physics Lab IV 0-4 3
M202 Probability and statistics 3-0 3
HSS202 Communication & Documentation skills 3-0 3
IDC202 Earth, Environment and Atmospheric 3-0 3
Science or other options, such as Earth &
Space Science, Electronics &
Communication Science etc.
PART II. Details of Courses for the First 4 Semesters
BIOLOGY
The following are meant as guidelines. The instructor is free to re-interpret and re-order
the material.
B101: CELL BIOLOGY (3 Credits, 36 hrs)
No of Lectures
1
1. Reductionism vs. holistic view of living system Debate on the
definition of Life:- Molecular view : Koshland’s concept – PICERAS
1
Living vs. Non-living biological entities: virus, viroids and prions
2
2. Cell as the unit of life. Development of cell theory: Cell types :
prokaryotes vs. eukaryotes; from single cell to multi-cellular
organism; Prokaryotic cells: Structure, cell-walls and related
molecules, outer membrane, flagella, motivity, cell inclusion
endospores, gas vesicles, capsules, slime layers
1
Plant cell wall, Animal cell membrane, Structure of the cell
membrane, Fluid mosaic model, Function of plasma membrane,
diffusion, osmosis, membrane transport, ion channels and electrical
properties
1
Cell architecture, cyto-skeletal components, microtubules and
microfilaments, motility and motor motions, actomyosin complex
2
Extra-cellular matrix: Cell nucleus: Chromatin structure, nucleolus,
nucleoplasm
2
Endomembrane system: endoplasmic reticulum, Golgi complex,
endosomes, lysosomes
2
Cell signaling :- messengers and receptors
18
3. Molecules of life: Water, function of sugars in biosystem: mono-, di-
, polysaccharides, storage function of lipids fatty acids, phospho-
lipids, steroids, alkoids, liposomes, micelles, planar bilayer,
spherical bilayer, vesicles, functions of proteins – amino acids,
peptide bonds, Ramachandran plot. Glycoproteins, Glycolipids
Primary, secondary, tertiary, quaternary structure: Hb as model,
Enzymes: Classification, kinetics, Nucleic acids: Structure of DNA &
RNA, DNA replication, Transcription, Translation, Hormones,
Antibodies Metalloenzyme, multi-enzyme complex
3
4. Energy Transduction and Bioenergetics: Mitochondria, ATP,
Chemiosomes, ATPase, Gap junctions Chloroplast – photosynthetic
electron transport, Calvin cycle
3
5. Anti-reductionism: Cell division: Mitosis, meiosis and cytokinetics,
animal and yeast cell division, cell cycle control, programmed cell
death
B102: GENETICS (3 Credits, 36 hrs)
No of. Lectures
1. Principles, Model system and Nomenclature Mendel’s laws, 3
chromosomal basis of inheritance, Definition of genes, alleles,
mutants, Sex linkages; Haploid vs. diploid genetics , Tetrad
analysis
2. Genetic linkage Building genetic map based on recombination 3
frequency, ordering genes by three factor crosses,deletion
mapping
3. Complementation: Complementation tests, allelism, verification of 2
linkage mapping, genetic interactions of n-linked loci, penetrance,
expressivity
4. Molecular basis of phenotype Genetics as a study of how proteins 2
interact, fold, function, Nonsense suppression of null alleles, loss
of functional alleles, conditional alleles
5. Mutagenesis: Mutagen, Chemical basis 3
6. Microbial genetics: Transformation, conjugation, genetic mapping, 10
recombination, Plasmids, transposable elements in prokaryotes
and eukaryotes, Phage lambda : lysis vs. lysogeny, Campbell’s
model of integration, Site specific recombination, specialized
transduction, induction, Pi-transduction, Lac-operon, Ara-operon.
7. Recombinant, DNA Technology : Restriction 4
Endonucleases, Genetic cloning, techniques, Sequencing, PCR,
DNA finger-printing
8. Human genetics: Non-mendelian inheritance, Diseases loci and
pedigrees, Mapping with PNA markers, simple vs. complex traits,
Dynamic / imprinting, modes for specific mechanism of imprinting
9. Genomics 9
36

B201: SYSTEMS BIOLOGY (3 Credits, 36 hrs)

No of Lectures
1. Comparative organization : various model systems from simple to 1
complex organization, Examples : E. Coli, yeasts, Dictyostelium,
C. elegans, Drosophila, Zebra fish, Xenopus laevis, mouse and
Arabidopsis
2. Developmental Biology : Gametes, fertilization, early 8
development, cell-cell interaction, cell communication, embryonic
induction, cell differentiation, abnormal differentiation and
neoplasia and late development including organogenesis.
3. Ageing: classical theories and modern concepts including 2
 telomeres, shortening hypothesis
4. Defense system: Innate vs acquired immune response, 4
components and immune development and function
5. Chronobiology: Definition, circadian rhythms and organization, 2
circadian clocks, functional aspects
6. Social organization: Species interaction, community structure and 4
function with reference to ants and honey bees
7. Gene expression network 4
8 Chaos 2

B202: EVOLUTIONARY BIOLOGY (3 Credits, 36 hrs of contact)

No. of Lectures
1. History & Development of Evolutionary thought 2
2. Neodarwinism: Spontaneous mutation debate, natural selection – 2
types of selection, levels of selection, mutations and rates of
mutations
3. Population genetics: Mutation selection balance Hardy-Weinberg 6
equilibrium, selection on dominant and recessive traits,
heterozygous advantage; Polymorphism and genetic diversity;
Genetic drift and allelic fixation; Linkage dis-equilibrium
4. Kin selection, sociobiology, evolution of cooperation 4
5. Evolution and stability of sex and sexual selection 3
6. Speciation, mechanisms of speciation, origins and stability of 3
biological diversity
7. Co-evolution and red queen effect, host parasite and predator 3
prey co-evolution
8. Neutral evolution and molecular clocks, molecular distances and 13
phylogeny, Molecular evolution synonymous and non-
synonymous substutions, Ka / Ks measurements, protein
polymorphism, protein gene duplication, horizontal transfer,
genomic evolutions (hemoglobin, cytochrome oxidase) (nuclear
vs. mitochondrial)
CHEMISTRY
C101: CHEMISTRY OF ELEMENTS (3 credits, 36 hrs)
No. of Lectures
1. Periodicity 2
2. Main group chemistry 10
3. Transition metal chemistry 8
4. Stereochemistry 2
5. Functional groups and transformation 8
6. Natural products 2
7. Drugs 2
8. Polymers 2

C102: BONDING, STRUCTURE AND SYMMETRY (3 credits, 36 hrs)

No of Lectures
1. Types of chemical bonds, strong and weak 4
2. Hydrogen atom and the concept of orbitals 4
3. Many-electron atoms, shell structure and periodicity 2
4. Chemical bonding: MO and VB theories of diatomic molecules: 8
Ground and excited electronic states
5. Polyatomic molecules 8
6. Qualitative aspects of symmetry in structure, spectra and 10
reactivity

IDC201: CHEMICAL BIOLOGY (3 credits, 36 hrs)

No. of Lectures
1. Molecules of life: amino acids and proteins, carbohydrates, 4
polysaccharides, lipids, steroids, cell-membranes, nucleic acids
and oligonucleotides Bio- and chemical synthesis
2. Techniques for structure determination of biomolecules 4
3. Chirality of biomolecules: biosynthesis of polypeptides, 4
polyketides, polynucleotides
4. Structure and function: protein structure, Ramachandran : plot – 6
protein folding : DNA/RNA structures, various forms (a,b,c,z) of
DNA, t-RNA structure
5. Enzyme kinetics, inhibition, drug action (selected examples) 5
6. Ligand – receptor interactions 2
7. Carbohydrates and cell surface, glycoproteins 3
8. Lipids, membranes, liposomes, drug delivery 3
9. Vitamins/coenzymes, hormones (proteins, steroids, fatty acids) 3

C201: SPECTROSCOPIC AND OTHER PHYSICAL METHODS FOR MOLECULES

AND SOLIDS (3 credits, 36 hrs)
No of Lectures
1. Interaction of radiation and matter 1
2. Rotational spectroscopy 4
3. Vibrational spectroscopy - interaction of rotation and vibration 6
4. Raman spectroscopy 2
5. Electronic spectroscopy 7
6. Photoelectron spectroscopy and ESCA 1
7. Magnetic resonance spectroscopy 6
8. Diffraction methods 4
9. Microscopy 3

C202: CHEMICAL REACTIONS: ENERGETICS AND DYNAMICS (3 credits, 36 hrs)

No of Lectures
1. Enthalpy, entropy, free energy and chemical potential. Equilibrium 6
constant and its dependence on temperature and pressure
2. Rates of reactions – rate laws for reactions of various orders – 8
experimental determination of rate – temperature dependence of
rate. Concept of transition state
3. Theories of reaction rate: Collision theory activated complex 5
theory. Thermodynamical aspects of rates
4. Types of reactions: Photochemical, chain and oscillatory reactions 6
5. Electron transfer processes 3
6. Catalysis: Homogeneous and Heterogeneous. Enzyme Catalysis 6
7. Electrochemical processes 2
MATHEMATICS
CORE LEVEL MATHEMATICS
1. The Courses are meant to teach basic concepts of mathematics that are
encountered in all areas of science. The courses are also meant to convey some of
the exciting ideas that are relevant to mathematics today.
2. The courses should have enough of interest to those who may want to major in
Mathematics

M101: SYMMETRY & INFINITESIMAL SYMMETRY (3 credits 36 hrs)

No. of Lectures
Vectors & matrices; linear equations; groups of matrices, rotations & 36
translations; Vector fields and matrices with function entries; 1st or 2nd
order O.D.Es; Algebraic techniques for their solution; gradient
divergence and curl.

NOTES
This course is in pre-Dedekind, Cauchy, Weierstrass style calculus. Attention is restricted
to functions that are “elementary.” The material is meant to be challenging but not
intimidating. It should draw students toward mathematics. Emphasis must be on concrete
examples. Where possible the instructor should bring out the need for “more general
functions” (as are in M102/M103).

IDC101: INTRODUCTION TO COMPUTATION (4 credits, 48 hrs)

No. of Lectures
36
(Permutation) Finite groups. Counting principles Induction, proofs,
propositional and quantified logic, Algorithms, non-numerical
algorithms, semi-numerical algorithms, numerical methods.
NOTES
1. This course accompanies a lab session as an integral part.
2. The need to analyze algorithms for correctness and complexity
should be brought out.
3. The numerical methods should bring out the need for “a priori”
analytic proof of convergence.

M102: ANALYSIS IN ONE VARIABLE (REAL & COMPLEX) ( 3 credits 36 hrs)

No. of lectures
Sequences, series, limits, differentiation, integration, fundamental 36
theorem of calculus, Taylor series, power series, Fourier series.

M201: MULTIVARIABLE CALCULUS (3 credits, 36 hrs)

No. of Lectures
Partial differentiation, maxima and minima, multiple integrals, path 36
integrals, surface integrals, Gaussian curvature, Cauchy – Riemann
equations, Cauchy integral formula, Green, Gauss & Stokes’
theorems, Laurent Series.
Notes on M102 & M201:
1. The material is “standard” calculus and meant to be introductory.
2. Emphasis must be on examples to show why careful definitions
are required.
3. Refer to numerical algorithm where possible.

M202: PROBABILITY, MEASUREMENT, STATISTICS (3 credits, 36 hrs)

No. of Lectures
The Laws of probability and their similarity to measure, Randomness 36
and entropy. Random walks and Markov processes. Law of large
numbers, statistical estimation, various common distributions.
PHYSICS
P101: MECHANICS (3 credits, 36 hrs)
No. of Lectures
1 Vectors, Kinematics in 2d and 3d Polar co-ordinates 6
2 Newton’s laws, conservation of momentum and energy, Angular 8
momentum conservation
3 Rigid-body motion 5
4 Small oscillations 6
5 Mechanics of deformable bodies, elasticity, Hydrostatics, 7
hydrodynamics

IDC102: THERMODYNAMICS & STATISTICAL MECHANICS (3 credits, 36 hrs)

No of Lectures

1 Kinetic theory:- pressure, energy, entropy, transport 4

2 Laws of thermodynamics, Thermodynamic potentials 8
3 Thermodynamics of phase transitions 5
4 Energy conversion 4
5 Elementary classical statistical mechanics with numerical 10
examples/exercises
6 Thermodynamics of black bodies 2

P102: ELECTROMAGNETISM AND OPTICS (3 credits, 36 hrs)

No. of Lectures

1 Sound Waves and optics 10

2 Review of Electrostatics, Magnetostatics 12
3 Displacement Current, Maxwell’s Equations, Plane waves; Waves in 14
a Medium

P201: QUANTUM PHYSICS AND RELATIVITY (3 credits, 36 hrs)

No. of Lectures

Quantum Mechanics 5
Need for Quantum Mechanics; Heisenberg’s Uncertainty Principle;
Build-up to Schrodinger equation
Simple applications of Schrodinger Equation: Steps and wells, 15
tunneling, particle in a box, Harmonic oscillator, Hydrogen atom
(without spherical Harmonies)
 Stern-Gerlach expt., electron spin, filling of shells, simple 4
perturbation theory (The idea of approximate solutions), Zeeman
effect
Two-level systems, lasers etc. 6
Relativity 6

EARTH AND PLANETARY SCIENCES

IDC-202: EARTH AND PLANETARY SCIENCES (3 credits, 36 hrs)
Part - I The planet today
1 Introduction about our Solar neighborhood. Introduction to
orders of magnitude and scales of time and space and how
they are measured at the extremes. Particularly,
measurement of cosmic distances - ended with red shift, age
of the Universe. Time - absolute and relative and cosmic time
scales. Other extreme - time and spatial scale of atomic
vibrations, how they help us do spectroscopy and obtain the
composition of the Sun, and hence the solar system. Kinds of
forces and their magnitudes in the Earth. Time scales of
processes - days to millions of years.
2 Planet Earth - The structure - from core to the upper levels of
magnetosphere. The interior structure, distribution of pressure
and temperature (with heat inside the earth). Basic chemistry
(in terms of abundance of elements) physics (magnetic field,
gravity field, mechanical properties – rheology).
3 The Surface we live on - Geomorphologic features and
processes. Sediments and sedimentary processes. The
Oceans. The Atmosphere, The Biosphere
4 Building Blocks of Earth - Minerals, rocks, water, melts and
the atmosphere
5 Some tools – Basics of geological maps and their
interpretation
6 Plate tectonics today and its consequences - Earthquake,
Volcanoes, Mountain Building, Tsunami, Mineral Deposits
Part - II The formation and evolution of the planet – the
story of how we got here

1 From Stars, to Supernova to solar systems. Nebular

condensation and planet formation. Meteorites - what they tell.
2 Hadean Earth (>3800 Myrs): Core formation, Isotopes, Hf-W
Isotopes and how these lead on to moon formation
3 Archean (3800 - 2500 Myrs) - Archean tectonics, origin of first
crust, differentiation. Crustal Growth - how to measure, what
are the evidences.
4 Archean to Proterozoic transition, ca. 2500 Myrs - Origin and
evolution of life, how various geological factors contributed,
role of water etc.
5 Origin of Atmosphere and the oxygen revolution.
6 Archean to Proterozoic (2500 - 500 Myrs) – Earth in
Transition, Differentiation into Mantle, Crust, Continental Crust
etc. and stabilization of the plate tectonic regime we saw
under (6) above
7 Origin of Life - development of the genetic components.
8 Dynamics of the Earth’s Atmosphere
9 Sustenance of Life and resources – Environment today;
problems and future perspectives
Part III: Topics for the third to fifth year

BIOLOGY
Biology: Third year course titles

Semester – V Semester – VI
1.Microbiology & Virology 8. Infectious diseases and Epidemiology
2. Immunology 9. Genetic Engineering
3.Metabolism and Regulation 10.Endocrinology
4.Molecular Biology 11.Biodiversity and Biological systematics
5.Biometry 12.Chronobiology
6.Human Physiology 13. Environment and Toxicology
7. Laboratory 14. Laboratory
(TOTAL 24 credits) (TOTAL 24 credits)

Biology: Fourth year course titles

Semester – VII Semester – VIII
1. Developmental Biology 1. Bioengineering
2. Neurobiology 2. Drug development
3. Animal behavior 3.Plant Biotechnology
4. Structural Biology 4. Secondary Metabolites and Natural
Product Chemistry
5. Entomology
5. Bioinformatics and MolecularModeling
6. Biochemical Regulation
6. Nano-biotechnology
7. Laboratory
(TOTAL 24 credits)
7. Modeling Biological systems
8. Laboratory.
(TOTAL 24 credits)

Biology: Fifth year program

Research/ training Project work for both semesters of the 5th year with two
supplementary and/or optional courses each semester. Students will be required to write
a Project Thesis. Total No. of Credits in the 5th Year is 48.

For selected students, the program in the fifth year may initiate research work towards a
subsequent Ph D degree.
CHEMISTRY
Chemistry: Third year course titles

Semester-V Semester-VI
Subject Credits Subject Credits
Quantum Chemistry 3 Symmetry in Chemistry 3
Physical Organic Chemistry 3 Organic Synthesis 3
Main Group Chemistry 3 Transition Metal Chemistry 3
Deptt. Elective.I 3 Deptt. Elective. II 3
Non-Deptt. Elective. I 3 Non-Deptt. Elective. II 3
Chemistry Lab. I 6 Chemistry Lab. II 6
Total Credits 24 Total Credits 24

Chemistry: Fourth year course titles

Semester-VII Semester-VIII
Subject Credits Subject Credits
Molecular Spectroscopy 3 Chemistry of Materials 3
Equilibrium and 3 Analytical Chemistry 3
Non-Equilibrium (Instrumental Methods)
Statistical Mechanics
Deptt. Elective III 3 Deptt. Elective –V 3
Deptt. Elective IV 3 Deptt/Non-Deptt. Elective-IV 3
Non-Deptt. Elective III 3 Non-Deptt. Elective –V 3
Research Project 4 Research Project 6
Seminar 2
Total Credits 24 Total Credits 24

Chemistry: Fifth year program

Research/ training Project work for both semesters of the 5th year with two
supplementary and/or optional courses each semester. Students will be required to write
a Project Thesis. Total No. of Credits in the 5th Year is 48.

For selected students, the program in the fifth year may initiate research work towards a
subsequent Ph D degree.
MATHEMATICS
Mathematics: Third year course titles
Semester-V Semester-VI
Subject Credits Subject Credits
n
Analysis in R 5 Complex Analysis 5
Groups, Fields and Number Theory 5 Manifolds & Topology 5
Differential Equations 5 Probability & Measure 5
Elective (non Math) 3 Elective 3
Elective (non Math) 3 Elective (non Math) 3
Seminar 2 Seminar 2
Mathematics: Fourth year course titles
Semester-V Semester-VI
Subject Credits Subject Credits
Ring Modules 5 A Elective (Math) 5 B
Functional Analysis 5 A Elective (Math) 5 B
Elective (Math) 5 B Elective (Math) 5 B
Free Elective 3 C Elective 3 C
Elective (non-math) 3 D Elective (non-math) 3 D
Seminar/project 3 Seminar/Project 3
Titles of possible Electives:
1. Unitary Representation of linear Groups.
2. Spectral Theory.
3. Differential Geometry
4. Algebraic Geometry
5. Stochastic process
6. Number Theory
+ other Courses based on Core (A)
MATHEMATICS : NOTES
A = Math Core (8)
B = Math Elective (4)
C = Free Elective (4)
D = Non-Math (4)

Semester-V - 3A + 2D, Semester-VI - 3A + 1D + 1C

Semester-VII - 2A + 1B + 1C + 1D Semester- VIII - 3B + 2C
Fifth year program

Research/ training Project work for both semesters of the 5th year with two
supplementary and/or optional courses each semester. Students will be required to write
a Project Thesis. Total No. of Credits in the 5th Year is 48. For selected students, the
program in the fifth year may initiate research work towards a subsequent Ph D degree

PHYSICS
PHYSICS - Third year course titles
Semester-V Semester-VI
Subject Credits Subject Credits
Classical Mechanics 3 Statistical Mechanics and 3
Thermodynamics
Electricity and Magnetism 3 Condensed Matter Physics I 3
Quantum Mechanics I 3 Quantum Mechanics II 3
Math Methods in physics 3 Nuclear and Particle Physics 3
Elective 3 Elective 3
Advanced Laboratory I 6 Advanced Laboratory 6
PHYSICS - Fourth Year Course titles
Semester-V Semester-VI
Subject Credits Subject Credits
Classical Mechanics II 3 Advanced Electromagnetic theory 3
Condensed Matter Physics II 3 Advanced Statistical Mechanics 3
Elective 3 Elective 3
Elective 3 Elective 3
Elective 3 Elective 3
Project I 6 Project II 6

Fifth year program

Research/ training Project work for both semesters of the 5th year with two
supplementary and/or optional courses each semester. Students will be required to write
a Project Thesis. Total No. of Credits in the 5th Year is 48.

For selected students, the program in the fifth year may initiate research work towards a
subsequent Ph D degree

In addition to the four major disciplines, IISER envisages a rich supplementary set
of courses that may have strong influence in Sciences in the near and distant
future. Disciplines, such as Planetary and Earth Sciences, Nano and Femto
Sciences, Space Sciences, Astrophysics, Humanities and Social Sciences,
Engineering Sciences, (with strong Science interface) etc. may be represented
through such courses during the fourth semester and subsequent years.

OPTIONAL COURSES: Earth Sciences

1. Physical behavior of the Earth- Rheology and Mantle Dynamics
2. Chemistry of the Earth: Global Geochemical Cycle
3. Comparative Planetology
4. Physics of the Earth: Seismology and Palaeomagnetism
5. Fossils and Evolution of life
 Part IV: Practicals
Biology - Semester 1
B101P: Cell Biology
S.No Experiments Time
1 (a) Aquaintance of different cells, organisms and virus 3P, 9 hrs
morphology: Use of microscopy and electron microscope with
ready-made slides and live preparation of samples.
(b) Study of Cell structure and measurement
Reference to Theory topics (1, 2.1), Physics input: Optics
2 (a) Study of Diffusion of small molecules (pigments, stains and 2P, 6 hrs
salts): Cell uptake and Phagocytosis, RBC lysis (osmotic
measurements) Refer to Theory topic 2.2
(b) EM observation of cell structures and organelles
3 Estimation of lipids (iodine method), carbohydrates (DNSA), 4P, 12 hrs
proteins (Bradford method) and enzyme assay (Amylase)
Ref: Theory topic 2.5, Chemistry input
4. (a) Sub-cellular fractionation 3P, 9 hrs
(b) and (c) Identification of blood cell types (Giemsa staining and
microscopy)
5 (a) and (b) Mitosis (onion root tip preparation), readymade slides 2P, 6 hrs
and preparation of samples
(c) Cell viability by Trypan blue staining

Biology: Semester 2

B102P: Genetics

S.No Experiments Time

1 Drosophila chromosome preparation (salivary gland) 1P, 3 hrs
2 Drosophila development, sexing and crosses 3P, 9 hrs
3 (a) Bacterial culture and liquid and plates, 4P, 12 hrs
(b) mutation studies (UV)
4 Plasmid preparation (Gm +, Gm -) and transformation: Agarose gel 3P, 9 hrs
electrophoresis, UV spectroscopy
5 Lambda lysis 1P, 3 hrs
Biology- 3 Semester
B201P: Biochemistry
S.No Experiments Time
1 Protein extraction, purification and analysis: Ion exchange, gel 8P, 24 hrs
filtration, affinity, SDS-PAGE, Enzyme activity
2 Liposome preparation and analysis, TLC 4P, 12 hrs
3 Nucleic acid extraction and analysis: genomic DNA ( plant and 4P, 12 hrs
animal)
4 Enzyme kinetics 3P, 9 hrs

Biology- Semester 4
B202P: Systems Biology
S.No Experiments Time
1 Yeast culture: Dimorphism, C. elegans, Arabidopsis, Frog and 4P, 12 hrs
Chick: Isolation and cultures
2 Developmental studies: Chick, Frog, Drosophila, germination and 4P, 12 hrs
root development
3 Immunology: Blood group typing 2P, 6 hrs

Chemistry- Semester I – 15 turns

C101P: Analytical Chemistry

1 Standardization of pipette, burette, graduated flask, thermometers, use 2

of balance, SI units, concepts of accuracy, precision and standard
deviation
2 Preparation of solutions and standardization - succinic acid, NaOH 1
3 Semimicro Inorganic Qualitative Analysis (2 anions + 2 cations) 7
4. a. Purification of organic compounds (distillation and crystallization) 4
b. Organic analysis – functional groups with mp/bp - aldehydes,
acetones, acids, phenols, alcohols, amines, hydrocarbons
5. Molecular weights of polymers using viscosity measurements 1
6. Gravimetric analysis; Ba (II) as BaSO4 1
Chemistry- Semester 2 – 15 turns
C102P: Estimations and computational chemistry

1. Volumetric Analysis
a) acid/base titrations 2
b) redox – KMnO4 / K2Cr207 2
c) iodometric – Cu(II) 1
2. Organic Estimation (a) aniline (b) phenol (c) acetone (d) acid 2
3 Thermochemistry a) Heat of solution of benzoic acid/salicylic acid b) 2
Heat of neutralization of acid/base
4. Computational Chemistry Lab - 6
Atomic orbitals and charge density
Hydrogen atom and concepts of hybridized orbitals
Handling of chemical models
MO calculations of diatomic and polyatomic
Molecules – visualization of MO and electron
Densities, Huckel’s theory and Walsh diagram

Chemistry- Semester 3 - 15 turns

C201P: Spectroscopy and chemical biology – 15 turns

(a) Spectroscopy
1
Verification of Beer-Lambert’s Law 1
2
Photometric titrations –(i) One ion (ii) two ions together 2
3
Polarimetry – (i) Optical activity of sucrose/glucose,mutarotation (ii) 2
Kinetics of inversion of sucrose
4
Spectrophotometer (i) pK value of indicator (ii) pH of given buffer 2
5
Visits to advanced instrumental facilities 2
(b) Chemical Biology
6
Enzyme kinetics 1
7
Computational Chemistry Lab – protein structure 1
8
Analysis of food stuffs (i) glucose content (ii) oils – acid, saponification 3
and iodine values
9
Non-aqueous titrations – (i) glycine (ii) drug like m-bendazole/ 1
diazepam
Chemistry-Semester 4– 15 turns
C202P: Kinetics and electrochemistry

1 Order of reaction (determination of rate, order, graphs using computer 3

(a) First order – acidic hydrolysis of methyl acetate
(b) Second order – equal conc. and unequal conc K2S2O2 + KI
/H2O2 + KI/KBro3 + KI (any one)
(c) Zero order
2 Thermodynamic activation parameters for two reactions given above 2
3 Conductometer (i) acid/base titrations, (ii) Kinetics of saponification of 2
ethyl acetate
4 pH meter: (i) acid/base titrations, (ii) acidic and basic dissociation 2
constants of glycine and its isoelectric point
5 Potentiometer (i) acid/base titrations, (ii) mixture of halides vs. AgNO3 2
6 Polarograph (i) Zn (II) / Cd (II) conc.(ii) E1/2 of Zn (II) / Cd (II) 2
7 Demonstration of oscillatory, electron transfer homogeneous and 2
heterogeneous catalysis

Physics – Semester 1
P101P: Mechanics and optics

1 Physical Pendulum
2 Young’s modulus/modulus of rigidity
3 Viscosity
4 Image formation by convex lens and image defects
5 Spectrometer
6 Interference
7 Jaeger’s method of surface tension
8 Plane diffraction gratings
9 Study of friction using Record Player/Optics bench and its usage
10 Reflection, Refraction and Dispersion
11 Geometrical Optics Experiments
12 Diffraction, single slit and double slit experiments
13 Concept of polarization and experiments on polarization by
14 Absorption, reflection refraction and scattering
15 Gyroscopes – precision, nutation experiments
16 Air track experiments: estimating the friction

Physics Semester 2
P 102P: Electronics

1 DC/AC bridge using universal bridge

2 LR and CR circuits
3 Charging and Discharging of capacitors
4 Use of CRO
5 Study of transistor and basics of TTL gates
6 Opamp: inverting, noninverting, summing and difference amplifiers
7 Characterization of an electromagnetic relay
8 Kundt’s Tube experiments
9 Usage of Analog Multimeter as a demo – error analysis, mean square deviation
etc
10 Study of a solar cell
11 Study of series parallel combination of dry cells
12 Doppler shift in sound; audibility experiments
13 Surface Tenson – limiting ST
14 Coupled pendulum set-up
15 Elastic collision by two hanging spheres
TIME TABLE

8.30- 9.30- 10.30- 11.00- 12.00- 13.00- 14.00-

9.30 10.30 11.00 12.00 13.00 14.00 17.00
Mon P101 P101 Tea/Coffee C101 M101 Lunch C101P
Tue B101 B101 break M101 C101 Break P101P
Wed C101 C101 P101 M101 Seminars
Thu M101 M101 Computer B101P
Fri B101 P101 Computer Tutorials
Sat Tutorials

• Each subject is provided with 4 hrs of theory before lunch period

• Post lunch period is for practicals (3 hrs) in physics, chemistry and biology
• Wednesday afternoons reserved for seminars, invited lectures and
interaction with visitors, meeting etc
• Alternative Saturdays are for educational visits