The Physics department of Salesian College (Siliguri Campus) had its humble beginning in the year 2015 under the guidance of Dr Satyen Chandra Das by offering B.Sc Physics (general) course and by providing assistance in teaching BCA Physics module. Currently, the department offers B.Sc. Physics (Honours) programme under CBCS curriculum of the University North Bengal, apart from offering B.Sc. generic elective (GE) papers to students from other sister science departments. The faculty members are highly dedicated to quality physics education with innovative methods of teaching – both theoretical and experimental. The departmental laboratory is well equipped with sufficient instruments and devices related to general physics, mechanics, wave-optics, electricity and magnetism, electronics, modern physics, thermal physics, computational physics, and other courses – as prescribed under the B.Sc. (Physics) Honours CBCS curriculum of the University of North Bengal.
The vision of the Department of Physics is to build the rudiments for excellence and motivate the students to discover their latent talents through theoretical and practical physics and apply them to contribute to the betterment of self and the society and nation at large.
The mission of the Department of Physics is to strive to attain high standards of excellence in generating and propagating knowledge in physics. The faculty members are committed to providing education that combines rigorous academics with the joy of discovery through nurturing a vibrant academic ambience conducive to study, creation, and dissemination of knowledge.
The objective of the department of physics is to create graduates in physics who will be
a) Knowledgeable and Technically Capable:
Ability to apply the knowledge of basic science principles in solution of complex problems of scientific and technical interests
b) Problem Solver:
Ability to identify, formulate and analyse complex scientific problems reaching substantiated conclusions using first principles of mathematical, computational and natural sciences
c) Innovative Thinker:
Ability to create, select and apply suitable techniques, resources and modern analytical and scientific tools to identify, formulate and solve problems pertaining to applied science
d) Modern Tools Oriented:
Ability to apply appropriate techniques, resources of modern technology and IT tools for prediction and modeling of science problems.
e) Scientifically Tempered:
Ability to develop scientific temper and inquisitiveness for further studies, research and promotion of scientific thinking
f) Effective Communicator:
Ability to communicate scientific and technical information in oral, written and graphical form to both science and non-science audience
g) Group Worker:
An ability to work as a member and leader in a team, to manage projects and in multidisciplinary environment
h) Global Citizen:
An understanding of professional, social and ethicalresponsibility for a better society
i) Life-Long Learner:
An ability to recognize the need and an ability to engage in life-long learning
Mathematical Physics I
Course Objective
1. To acquire knowledge and understanding of the fundamental concepts of basic integral and differential calculus
2. To gain preliminary knowledge and understand the fundamental concepts of vector calculus, orthogonal co-ordinate system, and vector operations
3. To apply the acquired mathematical skills, vector properties and co-ordinate transformation in suitable physics problems
4. To acquire preliminary knowledge of probability, statistics, and Dirac-delta function.
5. To acquire computational skill (using PYTHON, C, C++) to model physical system and solve numerical problems
6. To gain sufficient mathematical skills required for higher level physics
Learning Outcome
After the completion of the course, the student will be able to
1. Describe the concepts of integral and differential calculus in relation to the varied physical context.
2. Solve first, second order differential equations, and partial differential equation
3. Apply integral, differential calculus, and various theorems to solve numerical problems of physical interests.
4. Analyse the different orthogonal co-ordinate systems, and perform their mutual and operator transformation
5. Apply the concepts of Dirac delta function in numerical and real-life problems
6. Apply the concepts of probability in solving numerical problems
Teaching Methodology
1. Lecture method
2. Flipped Classroom
3. Lecture-cum-demonstration method
4. Computational method
5. Assignment method
6. ICT method
Mechanics
Course Objective
1. To demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the fundamental concepts of dynamics of system of rigid bodies
2. To represent motion of physical systems by equations
3. To bolster mathematical skills applied to physics
4. To describe the general properties of matter viz. Elasticity, Viscosity, Surface Tension and gravitation
5. To analyse oscillations in relation to the physical systems
6. To acquire a basic knowledge of Special Theory of Relativity
7. To determine physical constants in laboratory using suitable methods
Learning Outcome
After the completion of the course, the student will be able to
1. Define the fundamental concepts of dynamics
2. Describe the different laws and principles in own words
3. Analyse the state of motion of a particle or system(rigid body)
4. Distinguish between inertial and non-inertial frames of reference
5. Apply the concepts of mechanics to solve numerical and real-life problems
6. Analyse the general properties of matter and handle instruments/setups to calculate various physical constants
7. Compare between translational and rotational motion
8. Justify the necessity of Theory of Relativity and hence the limitations of Newtonian Mechanics
Teaching Methodology
1. Lecture method
2. Flipped Classroom
3. Lecture-cum-demonstration method
4. Laboratory method
5. Assignment method
6. ICT method
Electricity & Magnetism
Course Objective
1. To acquire preliminary knowledge and understand the fundamental concepts of electrostatics for visualizing the space modified by the static charges
2. To acquire preliminary knowledge and understand the fundamental concepts of electrostatics for visualizing the space modified by the steady current carrying element.
3. To demonstrate knowledge and understanding of electrostatics and magneto-statics as the basic foundation of electrodynamics
4. To understand and appreciate the underlying unity of electrical andmagnetic forces
5. To acquire basic knowledge and skills to understand electrical circuits, solve complex AC and DC circuits applying suitable network theorems.
Learning Outcome
After the completion of the course, the student will be able to
1. Describe the concepts of electrostatics in relation to various aspects of electrical charge
2. Calculate electric field, potential and energy stored for discrete and continuous charge systems using suitable methods.
3. Apply vector methods, phasor algebra to solve various electrical problems.
4. Calculate magnetic field, potential, and energy stored for various steady current carrying systems using various methods.
5, Solve and simplify complex AC and DC circuit using appropriate methods
6. Determine electrical properties using various circuits, power sources, equipment and instruments
Teaching Methodology
1. Lecture method
2. Flipped Classroom
3. Lecture-cum-demonstration method
4. Laboratory method
5. Assignment method
6. ICT method
Waves and OpticsÂ
Course Objective
1. To acquire and demonstrate preliminary knowledge and understand the fundamental concepts of wave properties
2. To acquire mathematical skills to understand the physics of superposition and apply in mechanical, acoustic and electromagnetic waves.
3. To demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the fundamental concepts of physical optics
4. To understand and demonstrate the various phenomena that establishes the wave nature of light
5. To acquire knowledge to understand the physics of light in terms of wavefronts
Learning Outcome
After the completion of the course, the student will be able to
1. Apply the superposition principle in finding resultant displacement in various kinds of physical situations
2. Describe the wave of various kinds and their properties in terms of differential equations and their solutions
3. Define holography, interference and diffraction of light
4. Differentiate between interference and diffraction
5. Describe different phenomena of wave optics using Huygen’s Principle
6. Handle standard light sources, spectrometer, grating, slits, prisms and other various optical instruments to calculate various optical properties
Teaching Methodology
1. Lecture method
2. Flipped Classroom
3. Lecture-cum-demonstration method
4. Laboratory method
5. Assignment method
6. ICT method
Mathematical Physics IIÂ
Course Objective
1. To introduce and impart knowledge about standard mathematical and computational tools employed to study physics problems.
2. To acquire knowledge and properties of special functions such as Fourier series, Bessel functions, Legendre functions: generating function, Hermite functions, Laguerre functions.
3. To understand the various properties of Fourier and special functions applicable in various physical problems
4. To acquire knowledge and understanding of partial differential equation and variational calculus in relation to classical mechanics and other branches of physics
Learning Outcome
After the completion of the course, the student will be able to
1. Find Fourier series of a given function in suitable range using Fourier expansion properties.
2. Describe importance of special function and state their generating functions, recurrence relations and other properties
3. Solve complex integral using beta and gamma function
4. Apply variational calculus in handling simple systems like harmonics oscillators, simple pendulum, spherical pendulum, coupled oscillators in relation to conservation and symmetry.
5. Solve PDE of physics interests like Laplace’s, Poisson’s equation in waves and electrodynamics.
6. Solve numerical problems using standard computer language like python and/or c++
Teaching Methodology
1. Lecture method
2. Flipped Classroom
3. Lecture-cum-demonstration method
4. Laboratory method
5. Assignment method
6. ICT method
Thermal PhysicsÂ
Course Objective
1. To introduce and impart knowledge of the laws of thermodynamics, concepts of heat, work, entropy, and their relation
2. To acquire knowledge and understanding of thermodynamic potential as variable to describe the evolution of physical systems
3. To acquire knowledge and properties of Maxwell relations in solving thermodynamics problems
4. To determine the thermal properties of various substances using suitable practical methods
5. To acquire knowledge and understanding of the kinetic theory of gases as the foundation of thermodynamics
Learning Outcome
After the completion of the course, the student will be able to
1. State and explain the laws of thermodynamics and elaborate on the concept of heat, work, and entropy
2. Solve various physical problems with given conditions using suitable thermodynamic relations
3. Explain and illustrate the physical significance of thermodynamic potentials
4. Apply Maxwell relation to solve and simplify thermodynamics problem in relation to transition and evolution of physical systems.
5. Differentiate the ideal and real gases, write their equations of states and solve numerical problems to calculate thermodynamic variables
6. Handle instruments and setup meant for determining thermal properties in laboratory
Teaching Methodology
1. Lecture method
2. Flipped Classroom
3. Lecture-cum-demonstration method
4. Laboratory method
5. Assignment method
6. ICT method
Digital Systems & ApplicationsÂ
Course Objective
1. To demonstrate the knowledge and understanding the rudiments of digital electronics
2. To apply Boolean algebra, K-maps, POS and SOP methods to simplifyproblems
3. To study data processing circuits
4. To describe the working of basic elements of digital systems (flip-flops, gates, registers, counters, etc.)
5. To construct and digital Circuits using ICs and study their performances
6. To build a basic idea of Computer organization
Learning Outcome
After the completion of the course, the student will be able to
1. Differentiate between digital and analog electronics
2. Explain the computer organization in own words
3. Apply Boolean algebra and different numerical systems
4. Draw timing diagrams
5. Use ICs, bread boards, discrete component, etc. efficiently
6. Construct digital circuits using discrete components
7. Convince herself/himself the advantage of digital systems over analog ones
Teaching Methodology
1. Lecture method
2. Flipped Classroom
3. Lecture-cum-demonstration method
4. Laboratory method
5. Assignment method
6. ICT method
Mathematical Methods IIIÂ
Course Objective
1. To acquire knowledge and understanding of complex number in relation to the application in various branches of physics
2. To gain understanding and learn mathematical transformation of space using Laplace and Fourier transformation
3. To understand the properties of matrices, their transformation and find application in solving various numerical problems
4. To acquire knowledge and understanding of the eigen value and eigen vectors as foundation of classical and quantum mechanics
Learning Outcome
After the completion of the course, the student will be able to
1. State and explain various properties of complex variables and solve numerical problems mapped onto complex space
2. Explain and illustrate the physical significance of Laplace’s and Fourier transformation, and perform the same.
3. State and explain various matrix properties, transformation and theirutility in physics
4. Write computer programs to solve complex problems in field of complex analysis, differential equations and data analysis
Teaching Methodology
1. Lecture method
2. Flipped Classroom
3. Lecture-cum-demonstration method
4. Laboratory method
5. Assignment method
6. ICT method
Elements of Modern PhysicsÂ
Course Objective
1. To acquire knowledge and understanding of paradigm shift from classical to quantum physics in the background of historical development
2. To gain understanding of the wave-matter duality in the framework of phenomena that the birth to the modern physics
3. To understand the postulates and mathematical foundation of wave formulation in quantum mechanics
4. To gain understanding the physics of atomic nucleus in terms of empirical properties and insight to the strong nuclear force
5. To understand the basic physics of Lasers in terms of optical pumping and population inversion
6. To calculate various physical constants related to modern physics in laboratory using suitable methods
Learning Outcome
After the completion of the course, the student will be able to
1. State and explain various experimental observation that led to the birth of quantum mechanics
2. Explain wave particle duality and illustrate the mathematical framework of wave formulation of quantum mechanics
3. State and explain various nuclear properties, radioactive transformation in relation to stellar burning and energy production
4. Explain the working principle, types and applications of Laser
5. Handle modern physics equipment and instruments to calculate physical constants relevant to quantum mechanics
Teaching Methodology
1. Lecture method
2. Flipped Classroom
3. Lecture-cum-demonstration method
4. Laboratory method
5. Assignment method
6. ICT method
Analog Systems and ApplicationsÂ
Course Objective
1. To demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the fundamental concepts of analog systems
2. To understand physics behind the working of semiconductor devices
3. To study the diode, BJT, FET
4. To analyse different analog circuits
5. To bolster mathematical skills applied to physics
6. To study the performance of different electronic circuits in the laboratory
Learning Outcome
After the completion of the course, the student will be able to
1. Describe the mechanism of current flow in different semiconductor devices
2. Explain the behaviour of amplifiers using their characteristics curve
3. Use OPAMP for basic mathematical operations and other purposes (comparator, detector, etc.)
4. Analyse an oscillator using Barkhausen criterion
5. Draw circuit diagrams with proper conventions and symbols
6. Appreciate the necessity of unconventional representation of amplifier gain
7. Acquire basic skill and attitude for experimentation
Teaching Methodology
1. Lecture method
2. Flipped Classroom
3. Lecture-cum-demonstration method
4. Laboratory method
5. Assignment method
6. ICT method
