Comprehensive Course Structure
The Physics program at Ahmedabad University Ahmedabad spans four years and is divided into eight semesters. Each semester includes core courses, departmental electives, science electives, and laboratory sessions designed to build a strong foundation in physics while enabling specialization.
| Semester | Course Code | Full Course Title | Credit Structure (L-T-P-C) | Prerequisites |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | PHYS101 | Mathematics for Physics I | 3-1-0-4 | None |
| 1 | PHYS102 | Introduction to Mechanics | 3-1-0-4 | None |
| 1 | PHYS103 | Basic Electronics | 3-1-0-4 | None |
| 1 | PHYS104 | Physics Laboratory I | 0-0-3-1 | None |
| 2 | PHYS201 | Thermodynamics and Statistical Mechanics | 3-1-0-4 | PHYS102 |
| 2 | PHYS202 | Electromagnetic Fields | 3-1-0-4 | PHYS102 |
| 2 | PHYS203 | Quantum Mechanics I | 3-1-0-4 | PHYS102 |
| 2 | PHYS204 | Physics Laboratory II | 0-0-3-1 | PHYS104 |
| 3 | PHYS301 | Solid State Physics | 3-1-0-4 | PHYS201, PHYS202, PHYS203 |
| 3 | PHYS302 | Nuclear Physics | 3-1-0-4 | PHYS203 |
| 3 | PHYS303 | Optics and Lasers | 3-1-0-4 | PHYS202 |
| 3 | PHYS304 | Computational Physics | 3-1-0-4 | PHYS201 |
| 3 | PHYS305 | Physics Laboratory III | 0-0-3-1 | PHYS204 |
| 4 | PHYS401 | Advanced Quantum Mechanics | 3-1-0-4 | PHYS203, PHYS301 |
| 4 | PHYS402 | Biophysics and Medical Physics | 3-1-0-4 | PHYS203 |
| 4 | PHYS403 | Space Physics and Astrophysics | 3-1-0-4 | PHYS201, PHYS202 |
| 4 | PHYS404 | Physics Laboratory IV | 0-0-3-1 | PHYS305 |
| 5 | PHYS501 | Quantum Computing and Information Science | 3-1-0-4 | PHYS203, PHYS401 |
| 5 | PHYS502 | Materials Science and Nanotechnology | 3-1-0-4 | PHYS301 |
| 5 | PHYS503 | Advanced Optics and Photonics | 3-1-0-4 | PHYS303 |
| 5 | PHYS504 | Elective Course 1 | 3-1-0-4 | PHYS301 or PHYS302 or PHYS303 |
| 6 | PHYS601 | Advanced Computational Methods | 3-1-0-4 | PHYS304, PHYS401 |
| 6 | PHYS602 | Energy Systems and Sustainability | 3-1-0-4 | PHYS201, PHYS202 |
| 6 | PHYS603 | Elective Course 2 | 3-1-0-4 | PHYS301 or PHYS302 or PHYS303 |
| 6 | PHYS604 | Physics Laboratory V | 0-0-3-1 | PHYS404 |
| 7 | PHYS701 | Mini-Project I | 0-0-6-2 | PHYS404, PHYS504 |
| 7 | PHYS702 | Elective Course 3 | 3-1-0-4 | PHYS301 or PHYS302 or PHYS303 |
| 7 | PHYS703 | Elective Course 4 | 3-1-0-4 | PHYS301 or PHYS302 or PHYS303 |
| 8 | PHYS801 | Final Year Thesis/Capstone Project | 0-0-12-6 | PHYS701, PHYS702, PHYS703 |
| 8 | PHYS802 | Elective Course 5 | 3-1-0-4 | PHYS301 or PHYS302 or PHYS303 |
| 8 | PHYS803 | Elective Course 6 | 3-1-0-4 | PHYS301 or PHYS302 or PHYS303 |
Detailed Elective Course Descriptions
Quantum Computing and Information Science: This course delves into the principles of quantum mechanics as applied to computation, including qubit manipulation, quantum gates, and error correction. Students will implement quantum algorithms using platforms like IBM Quantum Experience and Microsoft Azure Quantum.
Materials Science and Nanotechnology: Focuses on the structure-property relationships in materials at the nanoscale, covering synthesis methods, characterization techniques, and applications in electronics and energy storage systems.
Biophysics and Medical Physics: Explores how physical principles apply to biological processes, including protein folding dynamics, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and radiation therapy planning.
Computational Physics: Introduces numerical methods for solving complex physics problems using programming languages like Python and MATLAB. Topics include Monte Carlo simulations, finite element analysis, and differential equation solvers.
Advanced Optics and Photonics: Covers wave propagation, interference, diffraction, and polarization in optical systems. Practical applications include fiber optics communication, laser technology, and photonic crystals.
Energy Systems and Sustainability: Analyzes renewable energy sources, solar cells, wind turbines, and energy storage technologies from a physics perspective, emphasizing efficiency and environmental impact.
Space Physics and Astrophysics: Investigates the behavior of celestial bodies, cosmic radiation, and stellar evolution using observational data and theoretical models derived from fundamental physics laws.
Particle Physics and Nuclear Engineering: Studies subatomic particles, nuclear reactions, and their applications in energy production and medical isotopes. Includes laboratory experiments on particle detection and analysis.
Project-Based Learning Philosophy
The department emphasizes project-based learning as a cornerstone of the educational experience. Students engage in mini-projects during the 7th semester and complete a final-year thesis or capstone project during the 8th semester.
Mini-Projects:
- Duration: 6 weeks
- Scope: Real-world problem solving using physics principles
- Evaluation Criteria: Technical presentation, peer review, mentor feedback
- Guidance: Supervised by faculty mentors with industry experience
Final-Year Thesis/Capstone Project:
- Duration: 12 weeks
- Scope: Independent research or applied development project
- Evaluation Criteria: Written thesis, oral defense, impact assessment
- Guidance: Faculty mentorship with industry collaboration where applicable
Students select projects based on their interests and career aspirations, guided by faculty advisors. The selection process involves proposal submission, preliminary research, and alignment with current research trends or industry needs.