PH.D IN ATOMIC/MOLECULAR/CHEMICAL PHYSICS

A Ph.D. in Atomic, Molecular, and Chemical Physics is an advanced academic degree that focuses on the in-depth study of the fundamental principles governing the behavior of atoms and molecules. This interdisciplinary field lies at the intersection of physics and chemistry, exploring the intricacies of the microscopic world and the interactions that govern molecular and atomic structures.

Doctoral programs in Atomic, Molecular, and Chemical Physics are designed to equip students with advanced theoretical and experimental skills. These programs typically involve a combination of coursework, original research, and the completion of a doctoral dissertation. Students delve into topics such as quantum mechanics, spectroscopy, molecular dynamics, and computational methods, gaining a profound understanding of the theoretical frameworks and experimental techniques that underpin this branch of physics.

Research in Atomic, Molecular, and Chemical Physics often contributes to a deeper understanding of the physical and chemical properties of matter. This knowledge has wide-ranging applications, from advancing our comprehension of basic scientific principles to contributing to technological innovations in areas such as materials science, medicine, and environmental science.

Ph.D. candidates in this field work closely with faculty advisors and research teams, conducting experiments, developing theoretical models, and analyzing data. The goal is to make original contributions to the field's body of knowledge, expanding our understanding of the fundamental forces and behaviors that govern atomic and molecular systems.

Graduates with a Ph.D. in Atomic, Molecular, and Chemical Physics often pursue careers in academia, research institutions, and industries where a deep understanding of molecular and atomic processes is essential. Additionally, their expertise is sought after in areas such as quantum computing, materials design, and the development of advanced technologies.

In summary, a Ph.D. in Atomic, Molecular, and Chemical Physics represents a significant commitment to the pursuit of knowledge at the frontier of scientific understanding, with the potential to impact diverse scientific and technological domains.

PhD (Doctor of Philosophy) is the highest degree or a doctorate awarded for research in a particular subject. PhD course duration is 3 – 5 years. PhD degree requirements is to have a master’s degree or an MPhil with a minimum aggregate score of 55%. 

PhD admission is based on PhD entrance exams. CSIR UGC NET, UGC NET, IIT JAM, NPAT are the top PhD entrance exams. If a candidate wishes to pursue PhD in Engineering and Technology then they must possess a valid GATE score. CSIR UGC NET is the national level PhD entrance exam conducted twice a year. The registration process for CSIR UGC NET exam 2022 will begin soon and the exam is scheduled for the month of September.

Syllabus and Subjects for PhD

The course and subjects for a PhD degree depend on the specialization aspirants decide to pursue. There are over 1000 courses in which students can choose to specialize, and therefore, for understanding the course subjects, aspiring students should search for PhD course details online.

PhD Subjects

Listed below are some common PhD subjects that students, regardless of their chosen stream, will get a chance to study: 

• Research Methodology
• Ethics of Interviewing for a research course
• How to write a research proposal
• Introduction to social media as a research tool

PhD Full Form

PhD full form is Doctor of Philosophy. PhD abbreviation is from a Latin term which is Philosophiae Doctor. The term philosophy has little relation to the philosophy subject. In PhD the term philosophy comes from the Greek word which means ‘lover of wisdom’.

PhD Full Form – Doctor of Philosophy

PhD Admission Process

Ph.D. admission is based on enrollment to several universities. Universities accept the results of either national level or university level entrance exams. Top Ph.D. entrance exams are CSIR UGC NET, UGC NET, IIT JAM, and NPAT. If a candidate wishes to pursue PhD in Engineering and Technology then they must possess a valid GATE score. As per the recent directives of the UGC, students who complete a four-year UG degree would be able to directly apply for pursuing a PhD degree in their desired choice of course.

PhD Eligibility

• Master's degree holders are eligible for admission to doctoral programs. For some subjects, Masters in Philosophy is needed for pursuing PhD.
• The students should have at least 50-55% of marks post graduation.
• In some universities admission is offered on the basis of interviews. It may be supplemented with a written exam.
• More preference is given to candidates who have work experience in the field of research.

PhD Programs

There are 3 basic types of PhD Programmes in India. They include full time PhD, Part time PhD and Online PhD. 

Full-Time PhD

• Full-Time PhD is a normal Doctor of Philosophy program. The duration of these programs ranges between 4 – 6 years.
• The cost of a full time Doctor of Philosophy program is the highest compared to other modes of PhD degrees.
• Government/ Semi-Government Fellowship Recipients, Institute Research Scholars with Teaching Assistance and Self-financed Candidates generally prefer to pursue full-time PhD program. 

Part Time PhD

• PhD Programs can sometimes be done on a part-time basis. Candidates, who are working in reputed research organizations, academic Institutes and industries, situated preferably in the close vicinity to the campus are majorly granted Part-Time PhD. 
• Part-time PhD takes 7-8 years to complete since Part-time doctoral students must complete the same number of academic credits and other requirements as full-time students.
• Students doing part-time PhD will have to attend a limited number of classes.
• Doctor of Philosophy students doing part-time PhD must have at least 1 year of work experience and must have NOC from the employer.
• Part-time PhD is mainly focused on research for the development of the company rather than individual research work.

Popular Entrance Exams for PhD

PhD is a competitive course that many students apply for. Since a PhD qualification is a very valued qualification not provided by many colleges, there is a lot of competition amongst students to get admission there. To make the decision-making process fair, colleges introduce an entrance exam as a screening process. Some of the most popular PhD entrance exams are listed below:

• CSIR NET
• UGC NET
• GATE
• BARC PhD Admission Test
• ICMR Junior Research Fellowships
• DBT Biotechnology Eligibility Test
• AIIMS PhD Entrance Exam
• BINC Examination
• BITS PhD Entrance Examination

PhD Courses

PhD is a postdoctoral degree that lasts between 3 - 6 years, depending on the specialization and college students decide to pursue and if the education is full-time or part-time. Doing them has also opened up multiple avenues and job profiles. In India, the PhD courses provide excellent exposure to multiple opportunities and qualify them to work in their respective research areas either in India or abroad.

Listed below are some of the top specializations of a PhD course:

• PhD in Economics
• PhD in Computer Science
• PhD in Philosophy
• PhD in Psychology
• PhD in English

FAQs

Ques. What does a PhD degree stand for?

Ans. A PhD degree stands for Doctor of Philosophy, which is regarded as the highest academic course level.

Ques. How many years is a PhD?

Ans. A doctorate or PhD degree generally lasts for 3 years. Candidates pursuing the program are given a maximum time of 5 to 6 years to complete their research. However, the duration of the PhD courses varies institute wise.

Ques. What can you get a PhD degree in?

Ans. There are multiple fields on which you can specialize in a PhD program. Some of the popular doctorate level courses are - 

• Chemistry
• Clinical Psychology
• Education
• Physics
• Electronics and Communications Engineering
• Educational Leadership and Administration, etc,

Ques. Is a PhD after a Masters?

Ans. Yes. Candidates aspiring to pursue a PhD program, need to complete their masters, and then apply for it.

Ques. What is the salary of a PhD?

Ans. PhD is the highest educational qualification one can acquire. A candidate having a PhD degree can earn a minimum of INR 6 to INR 12 lakhs per annum.

Ques. What is the easiest PhD to get?

Ans. Among numerous PhD courses, some of the easiest PhD courses are humanities, social sciences, education, etc.

Ques. Can I skip my Masters and do a PhD?

Ans. Yes. Sometimes it is possible to skip your masters program, and go for the doctorate courses.By finishing your bachelor's degree, you can opt to bypass your PG degree by enrolling in a research program. 

Ques. Is a PhD a Dr?

Ans. Yes. Anyone who completes a PhD degree holds a Doctorate (Dr) degree. 

Ques. Can I complete my PhD in 2 years?

Ans. A definite group of students can complete their PhD in two years. However, nothing can be specified as such. 

Ques. Which PhD has the highest salary?

Ans. Recent study reveals, a PhD degree in Chemical Engineering is noted to be the most recognized. A candidate holding this degree can earn upto INR 8 to 12 lakhs per annum.

Ques. Is it free to get a PhD?

Ans. Pursuing a completely funded PhD program is a good method to get the degree for free. Within the program, the candidate’s tuition and a percentage of their living costs are paid for without using the student loans.

Ques. What qualities characterize a great PhD student?

Ans. An ideal PhD candidate has excellent communication skills, supreme academic ability, brilliant time management expertise and staunch passion towards the subject. 

Ques. Is it OK to start a PhD at age 40?

Ans. Yes. Pursuing a PhD degree doesn’t have any age boundaries. 

Ques. What are the right reasons for anyone to pursue a PhD?

Ans. Pursuing a PhD comes with long-term career goals and helps the aspirant make a significant contribution towards his selected field. 

Conclusion:

Embarking on a Ph.D. journey in Atomic, Molecular, and Chemical Physics is a challenging yet rewarding endeavor. As you navigate the intricacies of quantum mechanics and contribute to groundbreaking research, remember that every obstacle is an opportunity for growth. Your dedication to unraveling the mysteries of the universe will shape the future of science. Congratulations on choosing this path, and may your pursuit of knowledge be as limitless as the atomic and molecular worlds you explore.