Curriculum Overview
The Welding program at Government Polytechnic Kaladhungi follows a structured curriculum designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of welding processes, materials science, automation, and industry applications. The program spans eight semesters over four years, integrating foundational courses with specialized electives and practical training.
| Semester | Course Code | Course Title | Credit Structure (L-T-P-C) | Prerequisites |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | WEL-101 | Introduction to Engineering Drawing | 3-0-2-4 | - |
| 1 | WEL-102 | Basic Mathematics | 4-0-0-4 | - |
| 1 | WEL-103 | Physics for Engineers | 3-0-0-3 | - |
| 1 | WEL-104 | Chemistry for Engineers | 3-0-0-3 | - |
| 1 | WEL-105 | Basic Computer Skills | 2-0-2-3 | - |
| 1 | WEL-106 | Introduction to Welding | 2-0-2-3 | - |
| 1 | WEL-107 | Lab: Introduction to Tools & Equipment | 0-0-4-2 | - |
| 2 | WEL-201 | Engineering Mechanics | 3-0-0-3 | WEL-102 |
| 2 | WEL-202 | Material Science | 3-0-0-3 | WEL-104 |
| 2 | WEL-203 | Thermodynamics | 3-0-0-3 | WEL-103 |
| 2 | WEL-204 | Electrical Circuits and Machines | 3-0-0-3 | WEL-103 |
| 2 | WEL-205 | Welding Processes I | 2-0-2-3 | WEL-106 |
| 2 | WEL-206 | Lab: Welding Processes I | 0-0-4-2 | WEL-107 |
| 3 | WEL-301 | Heat Treatment and Metallurgy | 3-0-0-3 | WEL-202 |
| 3 | WEL-302 | Welding Inspection and Quality Control | 3-0-0-3 | WEL-205 |
| 3 | WEL-303 | Non-Destructive Testing | 3-0-0-3 | WEL-202 |
| 3 | WEL-304 | Welding Processes II | 2-0-2-3 | WEL-205 |
| 3 | WEL-305 | Lab: Welding Processes II | 0-0-4-2 | WEL-206 |
| 3 | WEL-306 | Project Workshop I | 0-0-4-2 | - |
| 4 | WEL-401 | Automation in Welding | 3-0-0-3 | WEL-304 |
| 4 | WEL-402 | Advanced Welding Techniques | 2-0-2-3 | WEL-304 |
| 4 | WEL-403 | Robotic Welding Systems | 3-0-0-3 | WEL-401 |
| 4 | WEL-404 | Structural Welding | 2-0-2-3 | WEL-302 |
| 4 | WEL-405 | Lab: Robotic Systems | 0-0-4-2 | WEL-403 |
| 4 | WEL-406 | Project Workshop II | 0-0-4-2 | WEL-306 |
| 5 | WEL-501 | Welding in Aerospace & Defense | 3-0-0-3 | WEL-404 |
| 5 | WEL-502 | Underwater Welding | 3-0-0-3 | WEL-404 |
| 5 | WEL-503 | Sustainable Manufacturing Practices | 2-0-2-3 | - |
| 5 | WEL-504 | Industrial Safety and Health | 2-0-2-3 | - |
| 5 | WEL-505 | Lab: Advanced Welding Processes | 0-0-4-2 | WEL-405 |
| 5 | WEL-506 | Mini Project | 0-0-8-4 | WEL-406 |
| 6 | WEL-601 | Welding Economics and Cost Analysis | 2-0-2-3 | - |
| 6 | WEL-602 | Advanced Materials for Welding | 3-0-0-3 | WEL-501 |
| 6 | WEL-603 | Project Management | 2-0-2-3 | - |
| 6 | WEL-604 | Research Methodology | 2-0-2-3 | - |
| 6 | WEL-605 | Lab: Research and Development | 0-0-4-2 | WEL-505 |
| 6 | WEL-606 | Final Year Thesis/Capstone Project | 0-0-12-6 | WEL-604 |
Advanced Departmental Electives
Students in the final two years of the program can choose from a variety of advanced departmental electives that align with their interests and career goals:
Welding in Aerospace & Defense
This elective focuses on the unique requirements of welding in aerospace and defense applications. Students explore the challenges associated with high-strength alloys, fatigue resistance, and compliance with stringent quality standards. The course includes case studies from companies like Boeing, Airbus, and Lockheed Martin.
Underwater Welding
Designed for students interested in marine engineering and offshore operations, this course covers underwater welding techniques, safety protocols, and specialized equipment. Students gain hands-on experience with diving and underwater welding systems.
Sustainable Manufacturing Practices
This elective addresses the growing need for environmentally responsible manufacturing practices. Topics include green welding technologies, waste reduction strategies, recycling processes, and carbon footprint analysis in welding operations.
Industrial Safety and Health
Focused on safety protocols and regulatory compliance, this course ensures students understand the importance of workplace safety in welding environments. It includes modules on hazard identification, risk assessment, and emergency response procedures.
Advanced Materials for Welding
This course delves into the properties and applications of advanced materials used in modern welding processes. Students study exotic alloys, composites, and nanostructured materials that are increasingly being used in high-performance applications.
Welding Economics and Cost Analysis
Understanding the economic aspects of welding is crucial for decision-making in industry. This elective teaches students how to perform cost-benefit analyses, evaluate process efficiency, and optimize resource allocation in welding projects.
Project Management
This course equips students with project management skills essential for leading complex welding projects. It covers planning, execution, monitoring, and closure of projects, including the use of software tools and methodologies.
Research Methodology
Designed to prepare students for research-oriented roles, this elective provides a foundation in scientific inquiry, data collection, hypothesis testing, and report writing. Students learn how to conduct independent research and contribute to knowledge advancement.
Project-Based Learning Philosophy
The department places significant emphasis on project-based learning as a core component of the curriculum. This pedagogical approach encourages students to apply theoretical concepts to real-world scenarios, fostering critical thinking and innovation.
Mini Projects (Semesters 5 & 6)
During semesters five and six, students engage in mini projects under the guidance of faculty mentors. These projects are typically interdisciplinary and focus on solving practical problems within the welding domain. Students select projects based on their interests and available resources, with faculty providing support throughout the process.
Final Year Thesis/Capstone Project
The final year project is a significant milestone in the program. Students work closely with faculty advisors to develop an original research project or innovation that contributes to the field of welding. The project involves extensive literature review, experimental design, data analysis, and presentation skills development.
Students are encouraged to collaborate with industry partners during their thesis projects, ensuring that the outcomes have practical relevance and potential for implementation in real-world settings.