Welcome To Our Department
Physics, which means ‘knowledge of nature’, is a branch of natural science that is based on experiments, observations, measurements, and mathematical modelling. With these tools, we are searching for the quantitative physical laws that govern everything in our Universe ranging from the nanoworld of the microcosmos to the planets, solar systems, and galaxies. Many of our daily life technologies and inventions that we take for granted are the results of discoveries in Physics. The basic laws of physics are universal, but in this current era, Physics covers such a vast area of research that many of its subfields have emerged as fields of study themselves.
“The study of physics is also an adventure. You will find it challenging, sometimes frustrating, occasionally painful, and often richly rewarding.”
Hugh D. Young.
Vision
Leadership in Quality Science Education, Research & Innovation, through Teamwork, with a focus on basic scientific research and development.
Mission
Taking inspiration from the Eternal Teacher, Jesus Christ, we are dedicated to promote and foster a culture of high quality teaching, learning and serving societal needs by encouraging, generating and promoting excellence in research and extension activities.
Milestones
- Established on 1946
- Started Under Graduate Programme on 1947
- Started Post Graduate Programme on 1997
- Started M.Sc Space Science on 2011
Programmes offered
- B.Sc. Physics.
- M.Sc. Physics.
Department at a Glance
The Department of Physics in St. Albert’s College (Autonomous) was established in 1947 with the inclusion of a Bachelor’s degree program. The Department of Physics became a Postgraduate department in 1997 with the implementation of the M.Sc Physics programme. In 2016 the University Grants Commission granted us academic autonomy. As a result, we were started to design our own curriculum and syllabi that nourish young minds to excel in the field and life.
We conduct various programmes for the academic enrichment of students. Several innovative teaching-learning methods, such as classroom seminars, group discussions, quiz programmes, thought experiments, project work, etc. are implemented that complement the conventional lecture method. The department also conducts a certified course in LaTex which is the standard typesetting tool for research papers across the world. Remedial classes for the poorly performing and enrichment programmes for advanced students are also conducted as per schedule. Tutorial assistance for every student and counselling for the needy are done regularly. Under the guidance of a faculty member students carry out a project based on the curriculum, thus promoting research culture. The Department organises regular extension programmes, that promote the moral standard of students. The Department regularly organises seminars by experts on different advanced and relevant topics in Physics, career guidance and Personality Development.
The Department has a library of its own, that has a collection of books on various topics relevant to the curriculum. Students are also encouraged to participate in seminars, workshops and conferences both within and outside the College. They are also encouraged to do projects at different research institutes.
Presently, there are eight faculty members in the Department of which seven are doctorate holders and one is pursuing his Ph.D. Members of the Department are carrying out research in diverse areas of physics from nanoscale to galactic range. The major research areas are :
- AstroParticle Physics
- Astrostatistics.
- Cosmology
- Galaxy clusters
- High-Energy Astrophysics
- Luminescence
- Material Science
- Nanophotonics
- Nanomaterials
- Opto-electronics
- Photovoltaics
- Upconversion
- Solar Physics
- Space weather
Message from head of the department
Hearty welcome to the Department of Physics, St. Albert’s College (Autonomous) , Ernakulam. Located in the heart of the city, St. Albert’s College, Ernakulam was established in 1946 to impart higher education to the young men of the locality. In 1947, a three-year degree course in Physics was started along with degree courses in many other disciplines. The Department of Physics was converted to a postgraduate department in the year 1997. At present we offer a three-year undergraduate programme in Physics with Chemistry and Mathematics as complementary subjects, a two-year postgraduate programme in Physics with specialization in Electronics and a certificate course in Latex.
The department undertakes various strategic activities to groom and mould students into responsible citizens including conducting various programmes for the academic enrichment of the students. Several teaching-learning methods such as classroom seminars, group discussions, quiz programmes, project work are used to supplement the conventional lecture method. Remedial Classes for the weak and Enrichment programmes for the gifted are conducted regularly. We have well equipped labs with facilities to perform all experiments listed in both undergraduate and post-graduate level. The department regularly organizes seminars by experts on different advanced and relevant topics of Physics. Students are also encouraged to participate in seminars, workshops and conferences both within as well as outside the college. We also offer an open course for students of other departments. Extension programmes are regularly conducted to promote the moral standards of the students and to make them aware about their social responsibilities. All these activities provide a holistic development of students with the ability, enthusiasm and zeal to pursue higher education and to become a successful entrepreneur which ultimately ensures their career security.
The department employs a well qualified and dedicated faculty all of whom strive to impart knowledge and training of the highest standard. Most of the teachers in the department have doctoral degree and post-doctoral experience in various fields of physics, such as nanomaterials, optics, astrophysics and thin-films. The Department not only offers the students to explore fundamental Physics but promotes applied and interdisciplinary research. The teachers also take care to impart the lessons of research to the children through various project works. The Department houses sophisticated instruments like thin-film coating units, crystal growth set up, source meters etc. for research studies. The objective of the department is to prepare students for a successful career in Industry, Research or Academics to meet the needs of a developing society.
Our graduates are currently employed in several Multinational Companies, Defence Services, and Academic Institutions in India and abroad.
By training them in this way, we hope to inculcate in them an appreciation of the scientific method and mould them into good human beings prepared to face any challenges in life
Dr. Louie Frobel P G