Welcome To Our Department
There has never been a more exciting time to study the universe beyond the confines of the earth. A new generation of advanced ground-based and space-borne telescopes and enormous increases in computing power are enabling a golden age of astrophysics. St. Albert’s College (Autonomous)’s masters course in Space Science and Technology focuses on the underlying physics of phenomena beyond the earth, which will enable the next major strides in the field. This is an interdisciplinary program which gives emphasis to basic Physics subjects as well as Astronomy, Meteorology and Atmospheric Science subjects as part of the curriculum. The multidisciplinary emphasis of this program sets it apart from conventional graduate programs at traditional institutes.
Vision
Grooming students for India’s Atmospheric Science Studies and Space Research.
Mission
- Moulding the students to work under interdisciplinary domains.
- Enable them to gain work experience from premier national research institutions.
- Help them to develop theoretical knowledge in the field of atmospheric and astronomical disciplines.
- Enable them to use modern computational methods for scientific analysis along with handling elaborate experimental set up.
Milestones
- 2011 – Commencement of the Programme M.Sc. Space Science & Technology (Under Department of Physics)
- 2014 – First batch passed out
- 2017 – Establishment of Department of Space Science
- 2019 – First Curriculum restructuring
- 2022 – Second Curriculum restructuring
Programmes Offered
- M Sc. Space Science and Technology
- Certificate Course on Introduction to Observational Astronomy
Department at a glance
The department of Space Science and Technology was established in the academic year 2011-12. The course was designed under the guidance of ISRO and approved by UGC as an Innovative program and is affiliated to Mahatma Gandhi University, Kottayam.
In addition to the coursework we conduct various programmes that compliment the academic growth of the students. The students are required to conduct their final semester project work in a national research institute of their choosing. Some of the institutions where our students do their project includes Indian Institute of Science, Indian Institute of Astrophysics, National Centre for Remote Sensing, National Atmospheric Research Laboratory, Indian Institute of Space Science and Technology etc. Beyond the curricular activities, the students get the opportunity to operate and collect data and conduct experiments using equipments in the department such as the Telescope, Photometer etc. Academic seminars, workshops and extension activities like Space week, Sky watch programmes are conducted at regular intervals to keep the students in touch with current advancements in the fields of their study.
The department boasts an array of state of the art equipment which gives the students a unique experience to familiarize and work with high quality while they pursue their studies in the college. The department has its own observatory which enables the students of the department as well as other departments to study the sky with the help of state of the art equipment. The observatory is equipped with:
- Celestron CGE Pro Telescope with Observatory Dome
- Holmarc 4’ Reflective Telsecope (Manually operated)
- CCD Cameras
- Photometer
- Radio Telescope
Message from the Head of the Department
Established in 2011, the Department of Space Science at St. Albert’s College (Autonomous) Ernakulam is preparing motivated students to pursue higher studies and a career in the field of Space Science which incorporates Atmospheric Sciences, Astronomy, Astrophysics, and significantly more.
In 2016 as the College was allowed scholastic independence by the University Grant’s Commission, the department has additionally vested with the force of outlining the educational program to take special care of the necessities of students. The Board of Studies has effectively revised and restructured the curriculum that empower the students to be able when they face future scholastic obstacles.
Advancing the methodology of student-centered teaching, the department is keen about giving the students an invigorating learning climate to sharpen their insight in areas of their interest. Through research-oriented learning exercises like internships/student projects at top-class research institutes across the country, Institutional visits, talks and workshops on the most recent trends in the field of study by eminent personalities, etc., the department aims to boost the capability of the students. The number of students being placed at premier research institutes for higher studies and a rising number of candidates for the master’s program in Space Science and Technology is proof that the endeavors of the department are on the right track.
My earnest appreciation to the administration, the present and past members of the faculty, and the students for their vivacious commitment to the progress of the department up to this point.I’m certain that the department will scale even higher pinnacles of greatness in the days to come.
Mr. Abinash John Peter
Head of the Department In-Charge