My Science School

How can one become an archaeologist without being on the site? Yes, there are archaeologists who in their capacity as lecturer/professor spend a larger part of the year in colleges or university departments, but even they have to continuously upgrade their knowledge, do research work and visit various sites as part of excavations. Even people associated with various museums are on field visits as part of conservation and restoration projects. So, if you are looking for a career in archaeology, forget the comforts and cosiness of your home.

 

Picture Credit : Google

If your daughter is good in all other aspects related to academics, she just needs practice to write neatly. As for drawing or colouring, as long as she is able to do these tasks as required for science, drawing etc., don’t worry. However, if there is any special difficulty, you may have to consult the school psychologist or the counsellor.

 

Picture Credit : Google

Can you provide us tips for higher retention of what we study for exams? Can a student remember what he/she learnt in November/ December, in the month of March? Is there a way by which he would not forget the formulae?

Definitely a person can remember in the month of March, what he or she learnt in Nov/Dec (that is three or four months earlier). It depends on how well one has understood the concept and the text.

To remember what one has learnt, the only way is to understand clearly what one has studied.

As for remembering a formula etc., apart from understanding the ‘whys’ and ‘hows’ of it , one must also do the following:

• Learn the formula first. Look for some cue numbers, signs or words that you can easily associate it with.


• Then try to recall it without seeing the text.


• Check for any errors in recalling. Try to correct the errors and once again recall the formula.


• Write the formula without seeing the text, after a gap.


• Repeat this exercise again and again.


• Thus, whatever you have memorized will remain intact in your memory.

Picture Credit : Google

I am doing my BE in electronics and power (electrical) from Nagpur. I want to join the merchant navy right after the completion of my course. Please tell me how to join the merchant navy. Are government companies included? When and where should one apply? What is the criterion? Would i have to undergo special training after BE?

Since you are doing electronics and electrical engineering, you could apply for merchant navy straight after your degree. The shipping company that recruits you will then send you for training. In fact, there are special courses at government institutes like T S Chanakya that are specially meant for cadets sponsored by shipping companies. Meanwhile, you must start looking for newspaper advertisements for vacancies in these companies. Also, do an Internet search to assess job prospects in these companies. 

 

Picture Credit : Google

 

I am student of class XI, studying English, economics, maths, psychological, geography and computers. Earlier, I had opted for the sciences but since I was weak in chemistry I changed my mind. I have come to know that if one has studied physics and maths at the +2 level, one could take the examination for entry to the Air Force Academy. So, if I take up physics as an additional subject instead of psychology, would it help? Can I do a BSc in physics after that? I am really keen to join the Indian Air Force or the Navy. My parents are very supportive and want me to join the defence forces. Will physics and maths help me become a pilot?

First things first. You could have continued in the science stream. If you are good in maths and physics, you could have managed to do fairly well in chemistry with some extra effort. The PCM combination would have enabled you to join a science-based course (barring life sciences) in a university of repute. Most universities demand PCM/PCB for their science courses. For BSc physics, you do need PCM.

As regards the qualifications for entry to the Indian Air Force, yes, you are right. For the graduate entry scheme to the flying branch of the Indian Air Force, only maths and physics are required at 10+2 level. Not only that, you could be a graduate in any stream.

While graduate males could be given permanent commission, graduate women are inducted only on short service commission. They cannot be fighter pilots – they can fly transport aircraft and helicopters.

Besides the flying wing, there are two other wings – technical branch and ground duty branches. Technical branches recruit engineering graduates. But you can again apply for the administrative functions, as for most functions (barring accounts, for which a B.com. is required), a degree in any stream is accepted.

 

Picture Credit : Google

 

I am a student of class XII. Could you tell me about the career opportunities available for students interested in biochemistry. Can you also mention some good colleges in India that offer courses in biochemistry?

I am a class XII student with PCB. I want to become a biochemist. Please describe the following aspects in detail: courses, scope of work, opportunities, salary etc. I would like to take admission in MAHE. Please tell me about the admission procedure and the courses on offer.

Biochemistry is a branch of science concerned with the chemical processes that occur within living organisms. The subject provides the link between chemistry and living organisms. Numerous processes in medicine, agriculture and forensics require a firm grounding in biochemistry in both development and application.

To pursue a graduate degree in biochemistry, one should have studied physics, chemistry, biology and maths in class XII.

Most universities and certain institutes that offer specialisation courses such as agricultural biochemistry in Indian Agriculture Research Institute New Delhi, agro-chemical in Delhi University etc offer biochemistry.

Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE) offers biochemistry through two routes: after MBBS you could take up biochemistry at the MD level, or else you can study biochemistry in MSc.

MAHE was primarily a health sciences university but now has diversified into communication/ journalism, information technology, ryral studies and distance education. After class XII, you are eligible for the following courses in MAHE: MBBS, BDS, B.Pharm, B.Sc. Biotechnology, BPT (Bachelor in Physiotherapy), and BOT (Bachelor in Occupational Therapy)

You can also take admission to any of these courses after qualifying the entrance examination.

An expert in biochemistry can find employment in the following fields:

• Medicine and health


• Drug manufacture and design


• Agriculture and related industries


• Forensic science (crime lab science)


• Professional schools.

Hot careers in biochemistry include proteomics and bioinformatics. One vcan find good jobs in pharmaceutical and biotechnological companies in India and abroad, such as Ciphergen Biosystems, Protometrix, etc.

 

Picture Credit : Google

 

As my board exams are approaching I am becoming paranoid about them. My mind is clogged because of anxiety and I can’t concentrate on studies. Please help me tackle this problem.

It is natural to be anxious about the forthcoming board examinations. The anxiety is mainly due to the fear of not coming up to a certain standard that you and/or your parents have set for you. If you are anxious you will find that your efficiency is not as high as it ought to be because anxiety itself drains out your energy. Also, anxiety confuses you and reduces your concentration level.

The first thing that you have to do is to reduce the anxiety. This you can do by relaxation exercises. Close your eyes and take a comfortable sitting or lying position. Loosen anything that you feel is tight. Stretch yourself into a relaxed state. Keep your body loose and light, and relax all your limbs from head to toes. Take a long deep breath. Inhale and exhale slowly and completely and feel the oxygen going into your brain. Concentrate on breathing, as you breathe in and breathe out. Do this correct breathing in and breathing out technique about five times a day. This won’t take you more than five to 10 minutes. This will relax you considerably.

Remember, your mind is yours and you alone can have control over it. It is entirely in your hands, whether you concentrate or not. If you remember this and do the relaxation exercises as well as deep breathing, I am sure you will be able to concentrate and your anxiety will reduce considerably.

 

Picture Credit : Google

 

This is an age in which rebellion is common, especially against authoritative figures. Also try to understand the pressure your daughter must be facing, which might perhaps be ten times more than what you might be facing.

At this time, she needs your understanding, support and encouragement. When children don’t get encouragement they generally resort to rebellion. The best way to handle this problem is not to pressurize her to study all this time, depriving her of watching TV or talking on the phone with her friend. Do not keep a tab on her – whether she is studying or doing something else. Make the atmosphere at home as pleasant as you can, so that she also feel relaxed. Find out from her what are her problems with regard to her studies, coaching classes etc. Listen to her problems with an open mind, without criticizing her. Try to genuinely understand and solve her difficulties.

Remember she is also going through a lot of tension and needs a lot of understanding and support from you.

 

Picture Credit : Google

 

How can I go in journalism right after school?

On an average most newspapers and electronic media companies do not give a job merely on the basis of a journalism degree. Journalists are recruited from as diverse a background as Hindi literature, English literature, economics, political science, sciences, law and even sports, after they have cleared the written test and interview. Therefore, it is better to enhance your knowledge of a variety of subjects. Most of the skills of journalism - reporting, interviewing, writing and editing – are learnt on the job.

At the under-graduate level, journalism programmes are offered by universities like Delhi University, BHU, University of Mumbai, Marathwada University, Aurangabad, Goa University-Bambolin, Ahilyabai Vishwavidyalaya, Indore, Pune University, Punjab University, Chandigarh, Punjabi University, Patiala and Berhampur University.

At the post-graduate level, Makhanlal Chaturvedi National University of Journalism is reputed for its programmes. Jamia Millia Islamia, Delhi, offers an MA in mass communication. Ranchi University offers both MA and diploma programmes in journalism. Indian Institute of Mass Communication, New Delhi, and St Xavier’s Institute of Communications (XIC), Mumbai, are known for their PG diploma courses.

 

Picture Credit : Google

                                  

 

How to pursue career in film direction?

Film direction is not an easy job. Even if you do get selected to the Film Institute in Pune and do well there, your struggle would have, in fact, just begun. For the initial years of your career you would be making ends meet by doing ad films. Even a few years down the line, you probably would still not have worked under a famous banner. Small time work and big time uncertainty may be your way of life for several of your initial years.

The Film and Television Institute of India (FTII) IN Pune runs a three-year diploma course in film direction. Admission forms have to be submitted in the month of March. The address is:

Film and Television Institute of India, Law College Road, Pune- 411004.

 

Picture Credit : Google

 

I am not presentable in my looks. How can I go in electronic Media?

Looks do matter on TV, to a certain extent these days. You don’t have to be a beauty queen, but how you present yourself in front of the camera spells your success. Maybe, you are photogenic and work wonders in front of the camera. The best way to start is to give an audition tst for a TV channel. If you clear the audition, you will be called for voiceovers for TV programmes of that particular channel. In these voiceovers, you don’t appear onscreen, but record for a given news item or a documentary. Having stepped into an organization, you can prove your mettle and show an inclination for the area of your interest.

 

Each assignment, however small, is your chance to prove yourself as a conscientious worker and quick learner. Don’t miss any opportunity, even if it is in the form of a tiny news coverage. Face the camera with confidence. There are also openings in the research department and at the desk, where you can excel and gradually take on news reading assignments.

 

Picture Credit : Google

 

 

I am in standard XII, studying commerce and maths. I have a keen interest in marine engineering. I would like to know whether I could join this branch straight after the 10+2 level? Please mention some reputed institutes in the fields of marine engineering.

You should have opted for the science stream after class X to study marine engineering. Marine engineering is about building and designing technically sound ships. Training for marine engineering is imparted at the Marine Engineering Research Institute (MERI), which has its head office in Kolkata and branch in Mumbai. MERI offers a four-year course in marine engineering for which the eligibility is a 10+2 with physics, chemistry and mathematics. Admission on the basis of performance in the all India Joint Institute of Technology (IIT-JEE). Mechanical engineering graduates can do a six-month course from MERI- Mumbai, provided their degree is recognised by the AICTE. If you are still keen to go to sea, use your commerce background and join the shipping industry where you can join job duties like port administration and cargo handling. Narottam Morarji Institute of Shipping, Nariman Point, Mumbai, runs post-graduate diploma courses in shipping management and in associateship. The two different courses tackle the various commercial and management aspects of shipping.

 

Picture Credit : Google

 

How should I tell my parents that he is the one I wish to share my life with?

You have rightly said that there is a lot of time before you can decide on settling down and spending a lifetime with this young man. There is no urgency now to broach this subject. Two years is a sufficient time.

Use that time constructively. Concentrate on your work and job and at the end of two years, think the matter over and come to a decision. Right now there is nothing much to do except concentrate on your studies and get a good job and become independent.

 

Picture Credit : Google

 

I have been wondering about the kind of trauma and problems being faced by a large number of people, especially the youngsters. Could you enlighten me?

It is indeed nice of you to show such care and concern for the quake victims, especially youngsters like you. It is traumatic for children and adults alike. It is agonising because over the years people have toiled and saved money to build up their homes and businesses as well as bring up their children. Young children, teenagers and youth who have been planning to study further or appear for certain examinations, etc., suddenly find that all their efforts and toils have been destroyed in  few seconds. They are shocked, frustrated, angry and totally devastated by these sudden happenings. They don’t believe that this has happened to them. There is total dismay and helplessness at this natural calamity where humans could do nothing.

Initial shock over, most people try to get over their grief at the loss of their near ones and try to look after those who are alive for which they gratefully thank the Almighty. Many suffer from what is called Post Traumatic Stress Syndrome. The essence of this is a delayed distress response to a very atypical and significantly traumatic event. They may show both anxiety and depression. Some need very specific psychological help as they have lost not only all their belongings but their nears and dears and thus feel totally lost, helpless and highly distressed.

However most people try to come out of their grief and work towards normalising themselves as they were before the tragic event occurred. What is perhaps most important is to draw oneself out of the tragedy, start organising one’s daily activities and learn to think and behave positively.

 

Picture Credit : Google

For every Harvard, there will be 10 universities with doubtful credentials. Students desperate for a foreign tag bare easy preys for them. Before investing your family fortune in a foreign education, ascertain the merit of that university in terms of faculty, facilities and its standing. Although ascertaining this is difficult, this is one exercise that you will have to undertake.

Contact the representative organisations like USEFI (for USA), IDP Australia or DAAD (for Germany) to inquire about the institution that you want to join. In fact, most of the reputed universities and institutes of higher learning are represented by representative organisations.