Course Structure Overview
The curriculum for the Welding program at Government Polytechnic Tanakpur is meticulously designed to provide students with a robust foundation in both theoretical and practical aspects of welding technology. The program spans eight semesters, with each semester consisting of core courses, departmental electives, science electives, and laboratory sessions that progressively build upon prior knowledge.
| SEMESTER | COURSE CODE | COURSE TITLE | CREDIT STRUCTURE (L-T-P-C) | PREREQUISITES |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| I | WEL-101 | Engineering Drawing & Graphics | 3-1-0-4 | - |
| I | WEL-102 | Applied Physics | 3-1-0-4 | - |
| I | WEL-103 | Mathematics I | 3-1-0-4 | - |
| I | WEL-104 | Basic Metallurgy | 3-1-0-4 | - |
| I | WEL-105 | Workshop Practice I | 2-0-6-8 | - |
| I | WEL-106 | Chemistry | 3-1-0-4 | - |
| II | WEL-201 | Engineering Mechanics | 3-1-0-4 | WEL-101 |
| II | WEL-202 | Mathematics II | 3-1-0-4 | WEL-103 |
| II | WEL-203 | Applied Thermodynamics | 3-1-0-4 | WEL-201 |
| II | WEL-204 | Materials Science | 3-1-0-4 | WEL-104 |
| II | WEL-205 | Workshop Practice II | 2-0-6-8 | WEL-105 |
| III | WEL-301 | Heat Transfer | 3-1-0-4 | WEL-203 |
| III | WEL-302 | Welding Processes I | 3-1-0-4 | WEL-204 |
| III | WEL-303 | Computer-Aided Design (CAD) | 2-0-6-8 | WEL-101 |
| III | WEL-304 | Metallurgical Testing | 2-0-6-8 | WEL-204 |
| III | WEL-305 | Electrical Machines | 3-1-0-4 | WEL-201 |
| IV | WEL-401 | Welding Processes II | 3-1-0-4 | WEL-302 |
| IV | WEL-402 | Advanced Materials | 3-1-0-4 | WEL-204 |
| IV | WEL-403 | Non-Destructive Testing | 2-0-6-8 | WEL-304 |
| IV | WEL-404 | Quality Control & Assurance | 3-1-0-4 | WEL-302 |
| IV | WEL-405 | Workshop Practice III | 2-0-6-8 | WEL-205 |
| V | WEL-501 | Automation in Welding | 3-1-0-4 | WEL-401 |
| V | WEL-502 | Robotics & Control Systems | 3-1-0-4 | WEL-305 |
| V | WEL-503 | Industrial Management | 3-1-0-4 | - |
| V | WEL-504 | Project Planning & Design | 2-0-6-8 | WEL-401 |
| V | WEL-505 | Welding Inspection Techniques | 3-1-0-4 | WEL-404 |
| VI | WEL-601 | Advanced Welding Technologies | 3-1-0-4 | WEL-501 |
| VI | WEL-602 | Specialized Welding Processes | 3-1-0-4 | WEL-501 |
| VI | WEL-603 | Environmental Impact Assessment | 3-1-0-4 | - |
| VI | WEL-604 | Entrepreneurship Development | 2-0-6-8 | - |
| VI | WEL-605 | Workshop Practice IV | 2-0-6-8 | WEL-405 |
| VII | WEL-701 | Mini Project I | 2-0-12-16 | - |
| VII | WEL-702 | Research Methodology | 3-1-0-4 | - |
| VII | WEL-703 | Welding Simulation Software | 2-0-6-8 | WEL-303 |
| VIII | WEL-801 | Final Year Project/Thesis | 2-0-12-16 | WEL-701 |
| VIII | WEL-802 | Internship & Industry Exposure | 2-0-6-8 | - |
Advanced Departmental Electives
The department offers several advanced departmental electives that allow students to explore specialized areas of interest. These courses are designed to provide in-depth knowledge and practical skills necessary for success in various sectors of the welding industry.
- Laser Welding Technology: This course explores the principles, applications, and advantages of laser welding techniques. Students learn about different types of lasers used in industrial settings, beam focusing mechanisms, power control systems, and automation processes. The course includes lab sessions where students practice setting up and operating laser welding equipment.
- Friction Stir Welding: Friction stir welding (FSW) is a modern solid-state joining technique that has revolutionized the aerospace and automotive industries. This elective delves into the science behind FSW, including tool design, process parameters, material compatibility, and quality control methods. Students gain hands-on experience in operating FSW machines and analyzing welds.
- Welding Automation & Control Systems: In this course, students study how automation technologies are integrated into welding processes to improve efficiency and consistency. Topics include programmable logic controllers (PLCs), sensor integration, robotic welding systems, and machine vision in quality control. Practical sessions involve designing and testing automated welding setups.
- Underwater Welding Techniques: Underwater welding presents unique challenges due to pressure, visibility issues, and environmental conditions. This course covers underwater welding processes, safety protocols, equipment design, and applications in offshore oil platforms and marine structures. Students participate in simulated underwater welding experiments using specialized tanks.
- Welding Metallurgy: This course focuses on the metallurgical aspects of welding, including phase transformations, microstructure evolution, and mechanical properties of welds. Students examine how different welding parameters affect material behavior and learn techniques for predicting and controlling weld quality through metallurgical analysis.
- Non-Destructive Testing in Welding: NDT plays a crucial role in ensuring weld integrity. This elective introduces students to various NDT methods such as ultrasonic testing, radiographic testing, magnetic particle inspection, and liquid penetrant testing. Practical sessions include hands-on use of NDT equipment and interpretation of test results.
- Welding Quality Assurance & Standards: This course teaches students how to implement quality assurance systems in welding environments. It covers international standards like ISO 9606, AWS D1.1, and ASME codes, along with quality control procedures, documentation practices, and auditing techniques.
- Welding Economics & Cost Analysis: Understanding the economic factors behind welding decisions is vital for industrial success. This course explores cost estimation methods, return on investment (ROI) analysis, equipment selection criteria, and budgeting strategies for welding projects.
- Sustainable Welding Practices: As sustainability becomes a priority in manufacturing, this elective examines eco-friendly approaches to welding, including energy efficiency improvements, waste reduction, recycling of materials, and environmental impact assessments.
- Welding in Nuclear Applications: Nuclear welding requires strict adherence to safety and quality standards. This course covers specialized welding techniques used in nuclear power plants, including material selection, process validation, and regulatory compliance requirements.
Project-Based Learning Philosophy
Project-based learning is central to the educational philosophy of Government Polytechnic Tanakpur's Welding program. It encourages students to apply theoretical knowledge in real-world scenarios, fostering critical thinking, creativity, and collaboration.
The structure of project-based learning includes:
- Mini Projects: During the seventh semester, students undertake mini-projects that typically last 4-6 weeks. These projects are designed to reinforce concepts learned in core courses and introduce students to research methodologies. Each project is supervised by a faculty member and must be completed within a specified timeframe.
- Final Year Thesis/Capstone Project: In the final semester, students engage in a comprehensive capstone project that spans 12 weeks. This project involves extensive literature review, experimental design, data collection, analysis, and presentation of findings. Students often collaborate with industry partners or research institutions to address real-world problems.
Project selection follows a guided process where students propose ideas based on their interests and career goals. Faculty mentors are assigned based on expertise alignment, ensuring that projects receive appropriate guidance and support throughout the duration.
Evaluation criteria for projects include:
- Technical depth and accuracy of content
- Originality and innovation in approach
- Clarity of presentation and documentation
- Problem-solving skills demonstrated
- Teamwork and communication abilities
This approach not only enhances technical competencies but also develops soft skills essential for professional success. Many projects result in publications, patents, or industry-ready innovations that contribute to the advancement of welding technology.