Mumbai, India
Departmental Information - Physics
FACULTY :
Senior College : Dr.(Mrs.) Meeta Saxena M.Sc. Ph.D.
Junior College : Mr. Vernon Barretto M.Sc. B.Ed.
Ms. Susan Tharian M.Sc. B.Ed.
Ms. Jayati Mandal M.Sc. B.Ed.
 
ABOUT THE SUBJECT :

Physics is said to be the originator of all sciences, initially labeled as natural philosophy. The classification of sciences into physical, chemical and biological suggested Physical Sciences or Physics to be the science of inanimate matter and the various laws and processes prevalent in the Universe. Mathematics forms an integral part of the subject while technology is the immediate application of the subject. A working knowledge of Physics up to Std XII is mandatory for entrance examinations not only for undergraduate professional courses, but also for post graduate courses in institutions like the I.I.T.

The applications of Physics in Electronics, Computer technology, Communication, LASERs, Energy systems, Nuclear Technology, Space mission etc are well know and the current need of promoting interdisciplinary research sees its importance in emerging areas of Nanotechnology, Biotechnology, Nano-biotechnology etc. Fundamental physics helps us understand how universe was formed & how it is evolving.
 
ABOUT THE DEPARTMENT :

Physics was introduced as a subject for the intermediate science examination and a lot of electrical instruments came in. With the introduction of the 10+2+3 system, the junior college was started with student strength of around 500.

In the degree college, Physics is only offered at the first year B.Sc. along with Chemistry & Microbiology or Chemistry & Life Sciences. The maximum intake of students is around 40. The main laboratory is shared between the undergraduate and junior college students while a small 100 sqft room called the Physics Dark Room used for some optical experiments houses the departmental computer and has been developed into a research laboratory for Nanoscience (Magnetic nanoparticle synthesis and characterization) under the Women Scientist Research Grant awarded to our former degree college professor Dr. Radha S by the Dept of Science and Technology, New Delhi in 2005.
 
ABOUT THE FACULTY :
 
  Dr. (Mrs.) Meeta Saxena : :
  • B.Sc from Amravati University in 1998 with a first class
  • M.Sc from Amravati University in 2000 with a first class
  • Ph.D. from Amravati University in 2009
  • Research Interest: Polymer blends & composites


COURSES : (Click on papers to view Syllabus)

F.Y.B.Sc.

 
PAPER I Mechanics, Heat, Sound and Optics
PAPER II Electricity and Magnetism, Electronics, Atomic and Nuclear Physics and Modern Physics
PRACTICALS of about 20 experiments based on the syllabus along with some skill based & demonstration experiments The internal assessment scheme of the college is implemented in the form of regular objective tests, practical tests and assignments thus offering constant evaluation of the students throughout the year.
 
RESEARCH :
Faculty :
  • Various experimental projects are planned as part of the EXSP activity in current academic year:-
    • Preparation of polymer blend
    • PowerPoint presentation on Higgs Boson
    • Preparation of Nano particles
    • Characterization of thin films
    • Synthesis of Composites

  • • Staff Research in Nanotechnology involving interdepartmental participation: DrYasmin Khan, Dr A Surti and MsSuparnaDugal (faculty) with the post graduate students MsQudsiya Khan, MsDeepa Jose, MsDeepali. The project also has participation from undergraduate students MsDishaSharan and Ms Neeta Shashi in the synthesis of magnetic nanoparticles. This is the first instance of undergraduate participation in the current research area of Nanotechnology in Mumbai (and probably in India).

  • Continued collaborative work in the area of Nanoscience and interdisciplinary area of Nano-Bioscience with our former degree college professor DrRadha, Physics Dept , University of Mumbai and Prof Kothari, Centre of Nanoscience and Nanotechnology.
 

Unique features of the department:

 
  • Interaction amongst the Junior and Degree College Staff and students in many of the programs like Municipal School Outreach of the NSS, Ananya, organizing quiz programs and lectures, Star gazing events etc
  • Interdepartmental interaction in most of the college activities like the Sophia Nobel Oration, Ananya, Nature Club treks, Cultural activities etc and also interdisciplinary research
  • The students continue their interaction with the department even after their first year seeking resources for science quiz and debates and requirements of electrical equipment, guidance for various activities of the college
  • Designed and conducted a short term course on “Repair and Maintenance of Domestic Electrical Appliances” for high school drop outs in conjunction with Sophia Women’s Centre.
 

Departmental Achievements

 
  • Presentation of interdisciplinary research with Life Sciences by MsVerima Pereira and MsYasmin Khan at the Symposium of the Indian Academy of Neurosciencs in November 2008

  • Poster presentation on “Silver Nanoparticles for Antibacterial Activity” by MsSwetlanaGer and SuparnaDugal (Microbiology Dept), MrGarud (Chemistry Dept) and DrRadha S (Physics Dept) at the DAE Symposium at BARC, Mumbai on 20th  December 2008. This received the Best Poster Presentation Award in this category
JUNIOR COLLEGE

ABOUT THE SUBJECT

 

The junior college syllabus in physics includes a variety of topics in;

  1. Mechanics and properties of matter e.g. Rotatioal Motion, Oscillation, surface Tension.
  2. Sound  e.g. Wave Motion, Stationery Waves.
  3. Heat e.g. Kinetic Theory of Gases, Radiation.
  4. Light  e.g. Polarisation, Diffraction.
  5. Electicity and Magnetism

To get the syllabus on par with the current trends in physics, it also includes topics in Modern Physics like;   Semiconductors (Logic Gates, Solar cell) and Communication systems (cable communications & optical communication)

 
Mr. Vernon Barretto
  • Teaching at Sophia Junior College since 1986
  • M.Sc. in 1986 specializing in Electronics from University of Mumbai
  • B.Ed. in1992
  • Interests: Music, dance, Movies
 
Ms Susan Tharian
  • Teaching at Sophia Junior College since 1992
  • M.Sc. in 1990 specializing in Nuclear Physics from University of Mumbai
  • B.Ed. in1991
  • Interests: Reading, music
 
Ms Jayati Mandal
  • Teaching at Sophia College since 1993 (has prior teaching experience in other institutions)
  • M.S. in 1978 from Purdue University, U.S.A.
  • B.Ed. in1992
  • Interests: Reading science fiction, music, theatre, good films
 
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