The General Sciences Department offers a number of courses in the field of Physics, Chemistry and  Mathematics. We also offer interdisciplinary and elective courses in emerging areas.

Core Courses Offered

Math I (MATH F111)

Calculus is needed in every branch of science & engineering, as all dynamics is modeled through differential & integral equations. Functions of several variables appear more frequently in science than functions of single variable. Their derivatives are more interesting because of the different ways in which the variables can interact. Their integral occurs in several places in probability, fluid dynamics, electrical sciences, just to name a few. All lead in a natural way to functions of several variables. Mathematics of these functions is finest achievements.

Math II  (MATH F112)

This course provides an introduction to linear algebra, and an introduction to theory of Complex Variables, functions and its applications. 

Math III ( MATH F211)

This Course reviews and continues the study of differential equations with the objective of introducing classical methods for solving boundary value problems.  This course serves   as a basis for the applications for differential equations, Fourier series and Laplace transform in various branches   of engineering and sciences. This course emphasizes the role of orthogonal polynomials in dealing with Sturm Liouville problems. 

Probability and Statistics (MATH F113)

Probability theory deals with chance phenomena and has clearly links with the real world. Interpretation of much of the research in the engineering and computing sciences increasingly depends on concept of probability and statistics that familiarize the student with the computational aspects of probability and the handling of data sets to one of a more theoretical nature. 

Discrete Structures For Computer Science (MATH F222)

To develop logical and mathematical concepts necessary to appreciate computational systems and study of concepts, techniques, and skills necessary to comprehend the structure of problems encountered in design and analysis of algorithms. To provide mathematical foundations for courses in computer science those rely upon the comprehension of formal abstract concepts. To study recursion and to write recursive definitions for certain sequences and collections of objects. Graphs, directed graphs, planar graphs & their relevance to circuit design & map coloring problems. Basic concepts of group theory.

Environmental Studies (BITS F225) 

Global environmental issues are gaining importance which are caused by the rapid industrialization and diversified ranges of human activities in pursuit of their day-to-day needs which makes this course very relevant. The natural resources and the impact of man – made activities on them will be discussed. The pollution problems with respect to water quality, air quality, solid waste, & other related aspects including social aspects and the effect on human population will be conveyed through this course which will create awareness. 

General Chemistry  (CHEM F111)

This course provides a comprehensive survey of various topics in electronic structure of atoms and molecules, spectroscopy, chemical thermodynamics, kinetics. Applications of these in understanding the structure and properties of organic compounds and transition metal complexes  will be studied in detail.

Chemistry Laboratory(CHEM F110)

Chemistry laboratory course imparts practical knowledge of the branches of chemistry to the first year students to guide and motivate the students to be expertise in various experiments and related theories in chemistry. The objective of this course is to train the students and develop the skills in handling and operating scientific instruments with confidence and in systematic acquisition and analysis of the data and their quantitative interpretations

Mechanics, Oscillations and Waves (PHY F111)

The objective of this course is to serve as a prelude to core level physics to be taught to all science and engineering students. It deals with topics on Mechanics, Oscillations and Waves paving a strong platform for the basic understanding of concepts and origins of Mechanics, Oscillations and waves and to relate to engineering subjects . It also aims to acquire a confidence building knowledge base of solved problems in various topics of Physics that acts as a springboard for more advanced work related to their specialization in Engineering courses.

 Elective Courses offered

Introduction to Nano Science (EA C416)

This is a course for the science and engineering students to introduce the concept of Nanoscience at a basic level. It shows that nanomaterials are there in nature in abundance. Proper appreciation and unfolding them can lead to various fruitful application in  Sciences, as well as in Engineering and Biomedical fields. The various techniques (conventional and ultra-modern) to synthesize and study nanomaterials are covered. The course ends with the direction towards which the field of Nanoscience  is growing at the moment.

 Modern Physics ( PHY F221)

Course description:Special theory of relativity; quantum mechanics and applications; atomic and molecular physics; statistical

physics; nuclear physics.

Nanotechnology for Renewable Energy and Environment (BITS F429)

Basics of nano physics, macro vs. nano. Solar cells: Organic solar cell, quantum dot solar cell, dye sensitized solar cell. Self cleaning in solar panel. Fuel cell: Nano electrode and catalysts. Batteries: Nano electrode based batteries. Catalysts: H₂ production and H₂ storage. Carbon nano tube for energy. wind energy: Nanocomposites, nanocoating, and nanolubricants. Nanotechnology as tool for sustainability. Environmental fate & transport of nanomaterials. Nanomaterials for ground water remediation. Nanomaterials as adsorbents. Toxicity of nanomaterials, Ecotoxicological impacts of nanomaterials, Societal implications of nanotechnology.

Numerical Analysis (MATH F313)

This course deals with the numerical procedures to solve algebraic and transcendental equations, differential equations etc. Also enables one to devise algorithms for the numerical solutions of many mathematical problems which arise in the field of many engineering fields. Many problems in numerical differentiation and integration are discussed, along with the error analysis of different algorithms.

Number Theory  (MATH F231)

Number theory is one of the oldest branches of mathematics .Those who are familiar with the work of Indian Mathematician Ramanujam would know his work was on Number Theory.With the advent of computers, however, number theory has been finding an increasing number of applications in practical settings .It has again gained importance as there are many surprising connections between the theory of numbers, computing and information theory. It is also being used in many branches of Engineering. 

Operations Research  (MATH F242)

Besides conventional topics of Operations Research the course deals with some of the statistical techniques of decision making, Test of hypotheses, both parametric and non parametric methods, comparison of two treatments and of several treatments using analysis of variance will be dealt with. Added to this control charts for quality control, Life models, system reliability statistical determination of life models, simple queuing models, Simulation for estimating solutions to  problems which are not amenable to exact solutions will be used. 

Optimization (MATH F212)/Core

An optimization problem in its simple form is one in which some entity with or without being subjected to certain constraints is minimized or maximized. The entity to be optimized may be profit, cost, time, product efficiency, consumer utility, etc. The constraints may involve manpower, availability   of space, raw materials, funds, machine capabilities, governmental controls, etc. There are also optimization problems with more than one objective but such problems will not be normally considered in this course. The subject of optimization is multidisciplinary in nature. Optimization Problems are encountered in physical sciences, engineering, economics, industry, planning, and many other areas   of human   activity. Background   needed     for undertaking this course is acquaintance with Calculus, Set Theory and Linear Algebra. Objective of the Course is to familiarize the student with standard methods of solving optimization problems.

Introduction to Financial Mathematics(FIN F242)

The objective of the course is to provide the knowledge about preliminary understanding of mathematical tools and techniques to enable students to appreciate financial instruments, financial markets and also prepare them for financial analysis. The course includes understanding of interest rate, term structure, time value of money, annuities, discounting and accumulations, bond pricing and interest rate risk calculation. The course discusses derivatives and its use in risk management. The course on financial mathematics would enables students to prepare for higher level courses on finance like financial engineering, structured finance and actuaries etc.

Environment, Development and Climate Change (GS F212)   

The course focuses on the concepts of environment, development, and climate change in the contemporary world. Focus is on the nature and causes of environmental problems in developing countries. Attention is given to both the causes and solutions of environmental problems and the role of state and non state actors interacting at local, national and global scales.The objective of the course is to develop a better understanding and ability to think critically about the issues relating to environment, development and climate change. 

Science Technology & Modernity (BITS F214)

The course is aimed at exploring the interrelationship between science, technology, modernity and modern society. More specifically, it seeks to interrogate the relationship in terms of analyzing emergence of modern science in the western world and its implication and contribution to the idea of a modern society. It covers to an extent, the impact of such development in India and the broad contemporary debate over the role of technology within modernity and globalization. This course introduces diversity, cross-cultural skills which is extremely essential in the Global world.

 Quantum Mechanics  I  (PHY F242)

Origin of the quantum theory - black body radiation, photoelectric effect, Compton scattering, electron diffraction, Bohr model of hydrogen atom, Frank-Hertz experiment, Bohr-Sommerfeld quantization condition; notion of wave function, statistical interpretation of the wave function, issues of normalization, the Heisenberg uncertainty relation; Schrodinger equation, one-dimensional problems – potential wells,  potential barriers,  the  harmonic oscillator; Hilbert space formalism – state vectors, Dirac’s bra-ket notation, observables as Hermitian operators, the measurement postulate, Three dimensional problems-, Angular momentum and spherical harmonics, The hydrogen atom., quantum mechanics for nanostructures.