The Madura College, Madurai

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD Botany)

Department Of Botany

Objectives & Mission:

To design and update the curriculum, bearing in mind the relevance to regional and national requirements and expectations.
To equip the students with the basic skills in identifying and labeling different plants.
To impart quality education in the field of Botany, enabling our students to confidently face the job market.
To inculcate the spirit of scientific temper in the minds of the students.
To develop in the minds of students a concern for the need to conserve natural resources and to inspire them to spread this message to the society. To make the students understand the importance of forests in the prevention of soil erosion.
To sensitize the students the need for keeping the environment clean.

Courses offered:

The UG Dept of Botany was established in the year 1953. It started imparting PG education from 1984 onwards. It was recognized as a Research Centre in the year 2003.

Course Highlights:

The Department is a source of reference for practitioner groups in this region. With the advent of autonomy in 1978, the Department carefully adopted new approaches in curriculum planning. Periodic revision of syllabus incorporating relevant aspects in the context of scientific progress without violating the basic framework is the hallmark of the Department. Biodiversity, Environmental studies, Ethno-botany are some of the papers in UG curriculum, to focus on both the traditional values and the value of the intellectual property rights. The paper on "Forestry" is another land mark paper that caters to the requirements of competitive examinations. Students are also exposed to the applied aspects of Botany on Medicine plants, Bioproducts, Horticulture Practices. The PG programme has Microbiology in two parts (i) General Microbiology and (ii) Applied Microbiology. An excellent backup on Immunology, Biochemistry Biotechnology and Research Methodology is also provided.

Laboratory:

The Laboratory of the department is well equipped with multiple instruments for regular class work and many research facilities. The department is highly engaged in active research. Two staff members are MKU recognized guides. Other staff members are awaiting such recognition.

Students Club:

The students are motivated to participate in various competitions to bring out their talents.

Other Activities:

To cater the present day needs of the students, a CONSORTIUM of Botanists is launched.
All the PG centers of Botany are members of this consortium.
Regular meetings are held to bring awareness among the students on the recent developments in the field of Botany.
Guidance is also given to students preparing for SLET/ NET / CSIR / UGC examination.
The Department maintains a small herbal garden.

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD Zoology)

Department Of Zoology

Objectives & Mission:

To design and update the curriculum, bearing in mind the relevance to regional and national requirements and expectations.
To impart quality education in the field of Zoology, enabling our students to confidently face the job market.
To inculcate the spirit of scientific temper in the minds of the students.
To develop in the minds of students a concern for the need to conserve natural resources and to inspire them to spread this message to the society.
To sensitize the students the need for keeping the environment clean.

Courses Offered:

The Department of Zoology was carved out of the then existing “Natural Science Department” in the year 1966 when B.Sc., Zoology Major Course was started. From the year 1991 M.Sc., Zoology is offered under the self-financing stream. The crowning glory came in 1994 when the Department was recognized as a Centre for Research in Zoology by the MADURAI KAMARAJ UNIVERSITY.

Course Highlights:

The course is designed in such a way that students are taught the basics as well as specialized papers such as Bio-diversity& Conservation Biology, Bio-physics, Bio-statistics & Bio-informatics

Laboratory:

The department has a well-equipped laboratory.

Library:

The departmental library is equipped with latest books on regular topics as well as special topics.

Research & Extension:

The department has successfully carried out 8 major research projects funded by agencies (UGC / CSIR / DoEn / DST / CES / IISc / DBT) amounting to Rs.30 lakhs. Evolved a user friendly key for the identification of aquatic macro invertebrates for the benefit of students and field workers.
The Research Centre was awarded the status of a nodal centre by the department of Ecological Sciences of the premier Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore under WGBN project of Pew foundation, USA for the inventorying of the biodiversity of the Western ghats and the Eastern ghats from 1994.

Further it is a Referral centre for identification of aquatic insects.

As on April 2009, 6 research scholars have been awarded Ph.D .

The Department, having already been recognized as a leading centre for studies on Aquatic Entomology aims to further its expertise by continuing exhaustive investigations on aspects of inventorying and monitoring the diversity of aquatic insects of southern Tamilnadu with a view to prioritize the conservation of lotic and lentic habitats of Montane and non - montane areas and to contribute to the consolidation of National Biodiversity Register (NBR). Further, certificate courses in Clinical Lab Technology and Bioinformatics (in collaboration with Computer Science Department) are proposed

Students’ Club “SYMBIONTS”:

The students of the department are encouraged to participate in competition like paper presentation, quiz to develop their skills.

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD Physics)

Department Of Physics

Objectives & Mission:

To inculcate in the minds of the students a strong fascination for learning science, physics in particular
To motivate them to take up a scientific career, either academic or Research and Development, and groom them worthy citizens of India.
to provide knowledge about the recent developments in physics
To create required skills for doing experimental physics
To have a better understanding of physics through problem solving

Courses offered:

The department was offering physics education with a two year B.Sc Degree course 1956, which was converted to a three year B.Sc Degree course in 1957. It became a Post-Graduate department in 1958. It was the first to have the PG physics course in Madurai. The department now also offers the B.Sc , M.Sc and M.Phil courses under the Self-finance scheme.

Course highlights:

In addition to the basic core papers, papers on Energy Physics, Microprocessors and microcontrollers, programming in C++, and numerical methods are also offered at the B.Sc Level. Students are also trained on computers.
In M.Sc., elective papers on advanced microprocessors, Instrumentational methods of analysis, advanced solid state physics are offered. In the fourth semester students have to do a project.

Research Activities:

The Department became a recognized Research center in 2004 with two staff as research guides. The Research activities are carried out in the fields of Crystallography, Non-Conventional energy sources, Environmental studies and thin films. More than 75 papers have been published in National & International journals by the staff & students of the department.
The department has successfully carried out one major research projects funded by CSIR. One UGC minor project, one CSIR project and one DST project are under progress.
As on April 2009, One student has been awarded Ph.D . Now one full time student and 15 part time students are pursuing their Ph.D program.
Besides, many number of M.Phil students of MKU, BDU, and MSU are guided by our staff.

DST –FIST program:

The PG Department received a sum of Rs 21.6 lakhs under the DST-FIST program during the year 2008. This fund is for the restructuring of PG education & Research in Physics. Some of the instruments bought under FIST are: High vacuum unit, High Temperature Furnace, Glass Fusing furnace, Ultrasonic interferometer for solids, Microwave bench, spin coating thin film unit, solar water heating system, Keithley multimeter.

Department library:

The Department has an excellent library with over 7000 books; the collection includes many classic works written by famous scientists and Nobel laureates. These are sources of inspiration for both students and teachers, and motivate them to gain a scientific temper. Some of the books are now out of print but are frequently referred to by teachers and research scholars.

Laboratory:

The Department has a well-equipped laboratory. Besides the usual instruments and apparatus, it has a LAN with 10 nodes , a Thin Film Setup. Students are regularly trained on C++ Programming and numerical methods.
Students go to various research institutes to carry out their Project work. These include, the Indian Institute of Astrophysics (Kodaikanal), Indian Institute of Geomagnetism (Tirunelveli), IGCAR (Kalpakkam), CECRI (Karaikudi), IUCAA (Pune) , Nuclear Science Center (New Delhi) and The Madurai Kamaraj University, to name a few.
Physics Club:
Interesting articles and recent development in physics are given as topics for paper presentation and students are encouraged to present Power point presentations of their chosen topic.

In addition, quiz, model display competitions are also conducted to bring out their talents.

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD Economics)

Department of Economics

Objectives & Mission:

To cultivate a sharp and analytical mind for understanding of the different topics in economics
To impart knowledge and develop skills to analyze the economics related to rural, market and global economies
To promote right perspective to contribute effectively to the building of the nation.
To prepare students to compete successfully in academic and professional fields.

Courses offered:

The Department of Economics was started in the year 1946-47. It offered the UG course in Economics upto 1988. In the academic year 1988-89 the department was upgraded as PG department offering M.A., in Economics

Course Highlights:

In addition to offering core papers, the dept. offers specialized papers such as Economics of Women Studies, Human Resource Development, Demography in tune with requirements of changing time and to enrich and enlarge the knowledge of students.

Research programs:

From the academic year 2010-11, the department offers M.Phil program in Economics under the self-financing stream.

The Department is a recognized Research Centre leading to Ph.D degree of the Madurai Kamaraj University from the academic year 2010-11.

Club Activities:

Maganomics, the economics club of the department every year organizes intercollegiate competitions in quiz, paper presentation & cultural activities to bring out the talents of students.

PLANNING FORUM

The Planning forum has been functioning under the Headship of the Department of Economics. It has been disseminating knowledge on the concept, economics plans through periodical organization of lectures and seminars. It has been arranging field visits and field studies in the form of surveys to enable its members to gain first hand exposure to plan efforts in the country and implementation on the ground level. The forum has been holding competitions in the form of quiz, elocution contests and essay writing for the members to associate them deeply with plan process and award prizes.

Extension activities

As an exclusive achievement, the Department has helped to promote a woman Self-Help-Group in Pappapatti village, Madurai district. The Department has to its credit projects sanctioned by NABARD, New Delhi.

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD Philosophy)

Department Of Philosophy

Objectives & MISSION:

To build up contemporary culture on solid foundations, students are imparted the knowledge of the philosophical wisdom and insights of great thinkers
To enable the students to get an insight into the meaning and purpose of life based on philosophical reflection on the ultimate issues of life and existence.
To cultivate right relationship, not only between individuals but also between the individual and the society.
To provide overall personality development for the students to meet the challenges of the modern era.
To develop intellectual inquisitiveness, personal efficiency and global awareness.
To increase the reasoning power of the students.
To inculcate the awareness of morality, social commitment, social justice and good citizenship.

Courses offered:

The Department of Philosophy was created with the U.G. Course in Philosophy in the year 1979 and was upgraded into a PG Dept in 1989.The Department has gained the status of the Research Centre in the Year 2003.

Course Highlights:

Apart from core papers in Philosophy, Important papers offered by the department:

Personality Dynamics: Dealing with Psychological theories.

Personality Development: Practical training for the development of various skills.

Industrial Psychology: Deals with the management aspects of industries.

Tourism and Management: Deals with the management of Tourism and Development.

Film and Philosophy involved in film making: Deals with various philosophical theories and issues.

Professional Ethics: Deals with ethical aspects of various professions.

Symbolic Logic
Cotemporary Western and Indian Philosophy
Metaphysics and Epistemology
Besides the classroom participation, students are being sent to various agencies for in-house training for two weeks per year to gain knowledge in fields relating to Tourism, Cinema Production, Personnel Management, Counseling, Journalism, Human Rights Activities and Yoga education.

Research Programme:
Two teachers are recognized guides of the Madurai Kamaraj University and they are at present guiding 12 students. The year 2007 witnessed the award of the first Ph.D from this centre.
Weekly Research Colloquium makes the students and scholars to enrich their knowledge. Workshops, interactive seminars, library consultations and field visits make the teaching- learning process more effective.
Reader’s forum:

YOGA RESEARCH CENTRE:

The Department has a Yoga Research Centre which conducts regular yogaasana training programmes to public. Besides, it conducts two certificate programmes on Yoga. It has released an audio CD named "Yoga Nidra" and a book on "Yoga Therapy". Research on the effectiveness of Yoga has been carried out in consultation with medical experts. Mr. V.Saravanan, a Yoga therapist is in charge of the Yoga classes.

Media Research Centre:

The department organizes courses, workshops and seminars on 1) film appreciation, 2) Film festivals of International women directors and 3) Documentary and short film festivals regularly.

Online Magazine:
The department anchors the online magazine “Madura Matrix”
Certificate and Diploma COURSES:

DIPLOMA IN PERSONALITY DEV ELOPMENT
CERTIFICATE COURSE IN YOGA EDUCATION
CERTIFICATE COURSE IN YOGA THERAPY
CERTIFICATE COURSE IN COUNSELLING

Seminars and Workshops:

Lectures by eminent teachers from University and other colleges, arranged with sponsorship and assistance of the University Grants Commission, provide students exposure to philosophies of great thinkers.
The Department has been conducting various seminars, workshops at State and National Level with support of various national agencies.
It has organized the 79th Session of the Indian Philosophical Congress during December 2004.
Organized International Philosophy programmers with the support of ICPR in the year ------
Quite a good number of Foreign Scholars have visited the Department for academic deliberations.

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD Tamil)

Department Of Tamil

Objectives & Mission:

To understand the nuances of Tamil Civilization and Tamil Culture through literature.
To understand the role of Tamil in the field of administration
To bring out the creativity inherent in the students and helping them to nurture them
To develop social awareness and social outlook in the minds of students
To foster human values and enrichment of the mind
To help students to develop research aptitude and to create confidence in participation of competitive examinations.
To train students to use their education to create self-confidence and self- employment opportunities.

Courses offered:

The Department of Tamil was started in the year 1889 itself. Tamil at Part I level was offered initially. The Department offers Part I Tamil in the I and II years to all the undergraduate courses. The Postgraduate Course in Tamil was started in the year 1989. The department is a recognized Research centre offering M.Phil and Ph.D programs.

Course Highlights:

Syllabus for the M.A Tamil was framed with the aim of providing employment opportunities by including topics such as Tourism and Mass Communication, Administrative Tamil and Public Administration, Printing Technology and Advertisement, Translation, Temple Art and Temple Administration, Comparative Literature and Dramatics.

Research Programme:

The Department was recognized as a Research Center leading to Ph.D in the year 2001-02. At present there are 9 research scholars with 2 of them receiving scholarship of ICHR, New Delhi Upto March 2009, 5 Scholars of the Department have been awarded with Ph.D degrees.

Facilities:

The Language Laboratory of the College is put into use by the Department to offer phonetic drills and other such language skills. Besides, the Department has gadgets like TV, CD player etc to improve the methodology of teaching.

Certificate Courses:

Certificate Courses in
Journalism,
Ethics & Bakthi Literature and
Tamilnadu & its culture

Are being conducted from the year 2001 onwards

Other activities:
Lectures by eminent teachers of literature from University and other colleges, arranged with sponsorship and assistance of the University Grants Commission, provide students exposure to different aspects of Tamil literature and Culture.
Every year Study tour and Temple visits are arranged by the Department. These programs give the students a first hand and exciting experience to learn temple art.
Under the banner of Arul Neri Mandram and Spiritual Study Center, lectures and competitions are conducted to develop self-control, spirituality, humanism and unity among students.
Every year endowment lectures on the works of Parithimar kalaignar and U.V.Saminathaiyer are conducted.

Awards and rewards:

Students are bringing laurels to the Department of Tamil by participating in various competitions conducted by other Colleges & Universities.

Master of Philosophy (MPhil English)

Department of English

Objectives & Mission:

To equip the students with the basic skills in listening, speaking, reading and writing in English.
To help the students to learn the language in such a way that they can handle it practically, with ease and enjoyment.
To help the students to gain mastery over the language and its literature so that their learning would be an influence on their personal life and on the subjects of their professional undertakings.
To sensitize the students to the use of language for realizing the finer values of life.

Courses Offered:

This Department, which is as old as the college itself has held its own throughout the history of the Institution. Since the advent of autonomy in 1978, it has made experiments with the curriculum at all levels. It offers instruction in English under part II for the Undergraduate classes, and also runs a Post-graduate course in English Literature ; in addition , the M.Phil., Course in English Literature is offered from the academic year 1989-90.

Course Highlights:

The instruction in part II for the UG courses pays attention to Grammar, formal writing, and creative writing in an effort to give the students practical competence in the use of all language skills and also something to engage and widen their sympathies. It is a course designed to help students face the competitive examinations for careers and also to provide them with a system of values.
At the Post-graduate level, there are papers of high literary content and literary training and also papers of professional interest. Papers such a Research Methodology, Journalism, English Language Teaching, and Commonwealth Literature and Advanced Literary Criticism, Regional Indian Literatures in Translation, Women's Writing, etc, give students an introduction to subjects that they would have to tackle in higher courses. These also help them to face successfully competitive tests like NET and SLET. The project work helps the students to put to use the knowledge of Research Methodology they have gathered in the Methodology paper.

Research Programme:

The M.Phil. Course in English Literature offers papers on recent literature and literary criticism, both theory and practice. The project work can be on any author/aspect of British, American, Commonwealth or Indian writing, or any aspect of ELT or Linguistics.

Facilities:

There is a Language Laboratory which helps students of the Post-graduate and M.Phil. Students and also under-graduate students to hone their skills in phonetics and other such aspects of English.

Certificate Courses:

Certificate Courses in

Spoken English
Written Communication: Formal, Informal Correspondence, Essay Writing, Project Report
Business English are being conducted from the year 2001 onwards.
“Centre for Promotion of Ethics and Human Values”
The UGC has sanctioned a sum of Rs 1.4 lakhs in March 2008 for the establishment of a “Centre for Promotion of Ethics and Human Values” for the College and the Centre is run by the Department of English. The department has started conducting a Certificate Course in Ethics and Values from September

Other Activities:

Lectures by eminent teachers of literature from University and other colleges, arranged with sponsorship and assistance of the University Grants Commission, provide students exposure to different aspects of English literature and English language teaching.
It has been helping schools in the city to train their teachers in Spoken English and in teaching English.It has also worked with subject teachers in order to help them improve their communication skills.
I t is also helping professional institutions offering Bridge Courses and Communication Courses in English.

Master of Arts (MA Philosophy)

Department Of Philosophy

Objectives & MISSION:

To build up contemporary culture on solid foundations, students are imparted the knowledge of the philosophical wisdom and insights of great thinkers
To enable the students to get an insight into the meaning and purpose of life based on philosophical reflection on the ultimate issues of life and existence.
To cultivate right relationship, not only between individuals but also between the individual and the society.
To provide overall personality development for the students to meet the challenges of the modern era.
To develop intellectual inquisitiveness, personal efficiency and global awareness.
To increase the reasoning power of the students.
To inculcate the awareness of morality, social commitment, social justice and good citizenship.

Courses offered:

The Department of Philosophy was created with the U.G. Course in Philosophy in the year 1979 and was upgraded into a PG Dept in 1989.The Department has gained the status of the Research Centre in the Year 2003.

Course Highlights:

Apart from core papers in Philosophy, Important papers offered by the department:

Personality Dynamics: Dealing with Psychological theories.

Personality Development: Practical training for the development of various skills.

Industrial Psychology: Deals with the management aspects of industries.

Tourism and Management: Deals with the management of Tourism and Development.

Film and Philosophy involved in film making: Deals with various philosophical theories and issues.

Professional Ethics: Deals with ethical aspects of various professions.

Symbolic Logic
Cotemporary Western and Indian Philosophy
Metaphysics and Epistemology
Besides the classroom participation, students are being sent to various agencies for in-house training for two weeks per year to gain knowledge in fields relating to Tourism, Cinema Production, Personnel Management, Counseling, Journalism, Human Rights Activities and Yoga education.

Research Programme:
Two teachers are recognized guides of the Madurai Kamaraj University and they are at present guiding 12 students. The year 2007 witnessed the award of the first Ph.D from this centre.
Weekly Research Colloquium makes the students and scholars to enrich their knowledge. Workshops, interactive seminars, library consultations and field visits make the teaching- learning process more effective.
Reader’s forum:

YOGA RESEARCH CENTRE:

The Department has a Yoga Research Centre which conducts regular yogaasana training programmes to public. Besides, it conducts two certificate programmes on Yoga. It has released an audio CD named "Yoga Nidra" and a book on "Yoga Therapy". Research on the effectiveness of Yoga has been carried out in consultation with medical experts. Mr. V.Saravanan, a Yoga therapist is in charge of the Yoga classes.

Media Research Centre:

The department organizes courses, workshops and seminars on 1) film appreciation, 2) Film festivals of International women directors and 3) Documentary and short film festivals regularly.

Online Magazine:
The department anchors the online magazine “Madura Matrix”
Certificate and Diploma COURSES:

DIPLOMA IN PERSONALITY DEV ELOPMENT
CERTIFICATE COURSE IN YOGA EDUCATION
CERTIFICATE COURSE IN YOGA THERAPY
CERTIFICATE COURSE IN COUNSELLING

Seminars and Workshops:

Lectures by eminent teachers from University and other colleges, arranged with sponsorship and assistance of the University Grants Commission, provide students exposure to philosophies of great thinkers.
The Department has been conducting various seminars, workshops at State and National Level with support of various national agencies.
It has organized the 79th Session of the Indian Philosophical Congress during December 2004.
Organized International Philosophy programmers with the support of ICPR in the year ------
Quite a good number of Foreign Scholars have visited the Department for academic deliberations.

Master of Arts (MA Sociology)

Department Of Sociology

Objectives & MISSION:

To provide students an opportunity to investigate, analyze and understand social problems and the existing social system.
To create awareness of the dynamic nature of society resulting from modernization, globalization and liberalization.
To expose students to the sociological theories that help to gather reliable facts for understanding the society.
To learn and appreciate the true sense and spirit of our cultural heritage.
To increase the reasoning power of the students.
To inculcate the awareness of morality, social commitment, social justice and good citizenship.
To help students to plan their future course of action keeping the needs of society in mind

Course Offered:

The Department started functioning from 1966, offering the Bachelor's degree in Social Sciences. In 1989, the Department was upgraded into a PG department.

Course Highlights:

The M.A. Sociology syllabus now covers the essential traditional materials like Foundations of Sociology, Sociological Theory, Social Research and Statistics, Indian Social Structure. It also offers specialized papers on Sociology of Mass Communication, Personnel Management and Industrial Relations, Social Demography, Rural Reconstruction and Development, Sociology of Environment, Sociology of Health and Action Sociology.
The Course is designed in such a way that our students will be suitable for many segments of the labor market and also for higher research work in many new branches of Sociology. It satisfies the requirements of UPSC, TNPSC, and NET Examinations. The Course provides scope of employment in departments dealing with Social Welfare, Rehabilitation, Public Health, Rural and Urban Planning, Pollution Control, Journalism and Communication besides Industrial Labor and Marketing

Club Activities:

Through the Departmental Club – AHEM – students undertake field visits to NGO s and industries/institutes to gain practical knowledge about the socio economic conditions of the work force. Students are also trained to speak on various sociological problems through paper presentations, group discussion, and for & against a given topic.

Extension activities:

The Department is involved in many extension activities in and around Madurai with financial assistance of U.G.C. Students of this Department take part in these activities and gain field experience. Field trips are organized for students to obtain practical knowledge and experience. The Department has done a project on "Samathuva puram" under U.G.C assistance.

Master of Arts (MA Economics)

Department of Economics

Objectives & Mission:

To cultivate a sharp and analytical mind for understanding of the different topics in economics
To impart knowledge and develop skills to analyze the economics related to rural, market and global economies
To promote right perspective to contribute effectively to the building of the nation.
To prepare students to compete successfully in academic and professional fields.

Courses offered:

The Department of Economics was started in the year 1946-47. It offered the UG course in Economics upto 1988. In the academic year 1988-89 the department was upgraded as PG department offering M.A., in Economics

Course Highlights:

In addition to offering core papers, the dept. offers specialized papers such as Economics of Women Studies, Human Resource Development, Demography in tune with requirements of changing time and to enrich and enlarge the knowledge of students.

Research programs:

From the academic year 2010-11, the department offers M.Phil program in Economics under the self-financing stream.

The Department is a recognized Research Centre leading to Ph.D degree of the Madurai Kamaraj University from the academic year 2010-11.

Club Activities:

Maganomics, the economics club of the department every year organizes intercollegiate competitions in quiz, paper presentation & cultural activities to bring out the talents of students.

PLANNING FORUM

The Planning forum has been functioning under the Headship of the Department of Economics. It has been disseminating knowledge on the concept, economics plans through periodical organization of lectures and seminars. It has been arranging field visits and field studies in the form of surveys to enable its members to gain first hand exposure to plan efforts in the country and implementation on the ground level. The forum has been holding competitions in the form of quiz, elocution contests and essay writing for the members to associate them deeply with plan process and award prizes.

Extension activities

As an exclusive achievement, the Department has helped to promote a woman Self-Help-Group in Pappapatti village, Madurai district. The Department has to its credit projects sanctioned by NABARD, New Delhi.

Master of Arts (MA Tamil)

Department Of Tamil

Objectives & Mission:

To understand the nuances of Tamil Civilization and Tamil Culture through literature.
To understand the role of Tamil in the field of administration
To bring out the creativity inherent in the students and helping them to nurture them
To develop social awareness and social outlook in the minds of students
To foster human values and enrichment of the mind
To help students to develop research aptitude and to create confidence in participation of competitive examinations.
To train students to use their education to create self-confidence and self- employment opportunities.

Courses offered:

The Department of Tamil was started in the year 1889 itself. Tamil at Part I level was offered initially. The Department offers Part I Tamil in the I and II years to all the undergraduate courses. The Postgraduate Course in Tamil was started in the year 1989. The department is a recognized Research centre offering M.Phil and Ph.D programs.

Course Highlights:

Syllabus for the M.A Tamil was framed with the aim of providing employment opportunities by including topics such as Tourism and Mass Communication, Administrative Tamil and Public Administration, Printing Technology and Advertisement, Translation, Temple Art and Temple Administration, Comparative Literature and Dramatics.

Research Programme:

The Department was recognized as a Research Center leading to Ph.D in the year 2001-02. At present there are 9 research scholars with 2 of them receiving scholarship of ICHR, New Delhi Upto March 2009, 5 Scholars of the Department have been awarded with Ph.D degrees.

Facilities:

The Language Laboratory of the College is put into use by the Department to offer phonetic drills and other such language skills. Besides, the Department has gadgets like TV, CD player etc to improve the methodology of teaching.

Certificate Courses:

Certificate Courses in
Journalism,
Ethics & Bakthi Literature and
Tamilnadu & its culture

Are being conducted from the year 2001 onwards

Other activities:
Lectures by eminent teachers of literature from University and other colleges, arranged with sponsorship and assistance of the University Grants Commission, provide students exposure to different aspects of Tamil literature and Culture.
Every year Study tour and Temple visits are arranged by the Department. These programs give the students a first hand and exciting experience to learn temple art.
Under the banner of Arul Neri Mandram and Spiritual Study Center, lectures and competitions are conducted to develop self-control, spirituality, humanism and unity among students.
Every year endowment lectures on the works of Parithimar kalaignar and U.V.Saminathaiyer are conducted.

Awards and rewards:

Students are bringing laurels to the Department of Tamil by participating in various competitions conducted by other Colleges & Universities.

Master of Arts (MA English)

Department of English

Objectives & Mission:

To equip the students with the basic skills in listening, speaking, reading and writing in English.
To help the students to learn the language in such a way that they can handle it practically, with ease and enjoyment.
To help the students to gain mastery over the language and its literature so that their learning would be an influence on their personal life and on the subjects of their professional undertakings.
To sensitize the students to the use of language for realizing the finer values of life.

Courses Offered:

This Department, which is as old as the college itself has held its own throughout the history of the Institution. Since the advent of autonomy in 1978, it has made experiments with the curriculum at all levels. It offers instruction in English under part II for the Undergraduate classes, and also runs a Post-graduate course in English Literature ; in addition , the M.Phil., Course in English Literature is offered from the academic year 1989-90.

Course Highlights:

The instruction in part II for the UG courses pays attention to Grammar, formal writing, and creative writing in an effort to give the students practical competence in the use of all language skills and also something to engage and widen their sympathies. It is a course designed to help students face the competitive examinations for careers and also to provide them with a system of values.
At the Post-graduate level, there are papers of high literary content and literary training and also papers of professional interest. Papers such a Research Methodology, Journalism, English Language Teaching, and Commonwealth Literature and Advanced Literary Criticism, Regional Indian Literatures in Translation, Women's Writing, etc, give students an introduction to subjects that they would have to tackle in higher courses. These also help them to face successfully competitive tests like NET and SLET. The project work helps the students to put to use the knowledge of Research Methodology they have gathered in the Methodology paper.

Research Programme:

The M.Phil. Course in English Literature offers papers on recent literature and literary criticism, both theory and practice. The project work can be on any author/aspect of British, American, Commonwealth or Indian writing, or any aspect of ELT or Linguistics.

Facilities:

There is a Language Laboratory which helps students of the Post-graduate and M.Phil. Students and also under-graduate students to hone their skills in phonetics and other such aspects of English.

Certificate Courses:

Certificate Courses in

Spoken English
Written Communication: Formal, Informal Correspondence, Essay Writing, Project Report

Business English are being conducted from the year 2001 onwards.
“Centre for Promotion of Ethics and Human Values”
The UGC has sanctioned a sum of Rs 1.4 lakhs in March 2008 for the establishment of a “Centre for Promotion of Ethics and Human Values” for the College and the Centre is run by the Department of English. The department has started conducting a Certificate Course in Ethics and Values from September

Other Activities:

Lectures by eminent teachers of literature from University and other colleges, arranged with sponsorship and assistance of the University Grants Commission, provide students exposure to different aspects of English literature and English language teaching.
It has been helping schools in the city to train their teachers in Spoken English and in teaching English.It has also worked with subject teachers in order to help them improve their communication skills.
I t is also helping professional institutions offering Bridge Courses and Communication Courses in English.

Master of Science (MSc Botany)

Department Of Botany

Objectives & Mission:

To design and update the curriculum, bearing in mind the relevance to regional and national requirements and expectations.
To equip the students with the basic skills in identifying and labeling different plants.
To impart quality education in the field of Botany, enabling our students to confidently face the job market.
To inculcate the spirit of scientific temper in the minds of the students.
To develop in the minds of students a concern for the need to conserve natural resources and to inspire them to spread this message to the society. To make the students understand the importance of forests in the prevention of soil erosion.
To sensitize the students the need for keeping the environment clean.

Courses offered:

The UG Dept of Botany was established in the year 1953. It started imparting PG education from 1984 onwards. It was recognized as a Research Centre in the year 2003.

Course Highlights:

The Department is a source of reference for practitioner groups in this region. With the advent of autonomy in 1978, the Department carefully adopted new approaches in curriculum planning. Periodic revision of syllabus incorporating relevant aspects in the context of scientific progress without violating the basic framework is the hallmark of the Department. Biodiversity, Environmental studies, Ethno-botany are some of the papers in UG curriculum, to focus on both the traditional values and the value of the intellectual property rights. The paper on "Forestry" is another land mark paper that caters to the requirements of competitive examinations. Students are also exposed to the applied aspects of Botany on Medicine plants, Bioproducts, Horticulture Practices. The PG programme has Microbiology in two parts (i) General Microbiology and (ii) Applied Microbiology. An excellent backup on Immunology, Biochemistry Biotechnology and Research Methodology is also provided.

Laboratory:

The Laboratory of the department is well equipped with multiple instruments for regular class work and many research facilities. The department is highly engaged in active research. Two staff members are MKU recognized guides. Other staff members are awaiting such recognition.

Students Club:

The students are motivated to participate in various competitions to bring out their talents.

Other Activities:

To cater the present day needs of the students, a CONSORTIUM of Botanists is launched.
All the PG centers of Botany are members of this consortium.
Regular meetings are held to bring awareness among the students on the recent developments in the field of Botany.
Guidance is also given to students preparing for SLET/ NET / CSIR / UGC examination.
The Department maintains a small herbal garden.

Master of Science (MSc Chemistry)

Department Of Chemistry

Objectives & Mission:

To bring out the best in a student in terms of analytical and theoretical understanding of the subject.
To provide a firm grasps of the rudiments of the subject
To infuse confidence in them and motivate them to take up a career in chemistry
To encourage and prepare to pursue higher studies

Courses Offered:

The Department has been offering chemistry as a major subject at the graduate level from 1950-51 under the University of Madras. Later in 1959, the department was upgraded as PG centre of the university

Course highlights:

In the UG course, besides the core papers, special and recent topics are included either as elective or part of a paper. Equal importance is given to practicals also.
In the PG course: Regular and periodic revision of syllabus is carried out to include advanced topics and developments in different areas of chemistry.
A paper on computer application in chemistry has also been introduced.
The updated syllabus enables the students to equip themselves in a better way and motivates them to appear for GATE and CSIR entrance examinations and other competitive examinations.

Research activities:

Staff of the department guide M.Phil students of Madurai kamaraj University, Bharathidasan University, and MSUniversity.

DIPLOMA / CERTIFICATE COURSES OFFERED:

The department introduced a diploma course in Industrial Water Analysis and Waste Treatment with specialization on saving rainwater and making it usable, from June 2002 onwards. Many students have joined in this course and after completion of the course; they got placements in various companies.

DEPARTMENT LIBRARY:

The department library is well equipped with textbooks and advanced books. We subscribe to "Resonance" published by the Indian academy of science Bangalore and to the "Indian Journal of chemistry"

DEPARTMENT EQUIPMENT:

The department has equipped itself gradually over the years with apparatus to cater to the needs of students for doing regular practical classes. The nature of our department work requires periodical replacements of apparatus which is fulfilled with grants from UGC funds and from management funds.

CHEMISTRY CLUB:

As a part of co-curricular activities, the "chemistry club" helps to identify the talents of students in different activities like Paper presentation, quiz, model display etc.,

Master of Science (MSc Physics)

Department Of Physics

Objectives & Mission:

To inculcate in the minds of the students a strong fascination for learning science, physics in particular
To motivate them to take up a scientific career, either academic or Research and Development, and groom them worthy citizens of India.
to provide knowledge about the recent developments in physics
To create required skills for doing experimental physics
To have a better understanding of physics through problem solving

Courses offered:

The department was offering physics education with a two year B.Sc Degree course 1956, which was converted to a three year B.Sc Degree course in 1957. It became a Post-Graduate department in 1958. It was the first to have the PG physics course in Madurai. The department now also offers the B.Sc , M.Sc and M.Phil courses under the Self-finance scheme.

Course highlights:

In addition to the basic core papers, papers on Energy Physics, Microprocessors and microcontrollers, programming in C++, and numerical methods are also offered at the B.Sc Level. Students are also trained on computers.
In M.Sc., elective papers on advanced microprocessors, Instrumentational methods of analysis, advanced solid state physics are offered. In the fourth semester students have to do a project.

Research Activities:

The Department became a recognized Research center in 2004 with two staff as research guides. The Research activities are carried out in the fields of Crystallography, Non-Conventional energy sources, Environmental studies and thin films. More than 75 papers have been published in National & International journals by the staff & students of the department.
The department has successfully carried out one major research projects funded by CSIR. One UGC minor project, one CSIR project and one DST project are under progress.
As on April 2009, One student has been awarded Ph.D . Now one full time student and 15 part time students are pursuing their Ph.D program.
Besides, many number of M.Phil students of MKU, BDU, and MSU are guided by our staff.

DST –FIST program:

The PG Department received a sum of Rs 21.6 lakhs under the DST-FIST program during the year 2008. This fund is for the restructuring of PG education & Research in Physics. Some of the instruments bought under FIST are: High vacuum unit, High Temperature Furnace, Glass Fusing furnace, Ultrasonic interferometer for solids, Microwave bench, spin coating thin film unit, solar water heating system, Keithley multimeter.

Department library:

The Department has an excellent library with over 7000 books; the collection includes many classic works written by famous scientists and Nobel laureates. These are sources of inspiration for both students and teachers, and motivate them to gain a scientific temper. Some of the books are now out of print but are frequently referred to by teachers and research scholars.

Laboratory:

The Department has a well-equipped laboratory. Besides the usual instruments and apparatus, it has a LAN with 10 nodes , a Thin Film Setup. Students are regularly trained on C++ Programming and numerical methods.
Students go to various research institutes to carry out their Project work. These include, the Indian Institute of Astrophysics (Kodaikanal), Indian Institute of Geomagnetism (Tirunelveli), IGCAR (Kalpakkam), CECRI (Karaikudi), IUCAA (Pune) , Nuclear Science Center (New Delhi) and The Madurai Kamaraj University, to name a few.
Physics Club:
Interesting articles and recent development in physics are given as topics for paper presentation and students are encouraged to present Power point presentations of their chosen topic.

In addition, quiz, model display competitions are also conducted to bring out their talents.

Master of Science (MSc Mathematics)

Department Of Mathematics

Objectives & Mission:

To inculcate in the minds of the students a strong fascination for learning mathematics
To motivate them to take up a scientific career, either academic or Research and Development, and groom them worthy citizens of India.
To design and update the curriculum to keep pace with the recent developments.
To impart quality education in maths, enabling our students to confidently face the job market.
To equip the students with the basic skills in statistical analysis of data

Courses Offered:

This Department was established in the year 1947 with Intermediate programme and BA Mathematics. These were replaced by PUC (1956) and B.Sc., mathematics (1957), respectively. It was accorded the status of Post Graduate Department by the University of Madras in 1958.

Course Highlights:

The department, taking note of the rapid growth in the application of mathematics in the fields of technology and research, has developed the syllabi accordingly without losing the charm and need of pure and basic mathematics. Subjects like Fractals and Space Mechanics have been introduced in the curriculum, way back in 1983 itself. Also topics like theoretical computer simulation, stochastic processes, microprocessors, Data processing, system analysis, and algebraic topology find place in the current syllabi. Periodic changes are effected in the syllabi to meet the requirements of CSIR, UGC competitive examinations. Artificial Intelligence, C++, Management Information System , Fuzzy sets have been introduced as demanded by the requirements of institutions of higher learning.
The Department has plans to introduce B.Sc students with specialization in Statistical Quality Control, Actuaries and Operation Research. And also plans to offer some certificate courses in some of the fascinating topics in Mathematics.

Research programs:

From the academic year 2010-11, the department offers M.Phil program in Mathematics under the self-financing stream

Other activities:

Eminent Professors from reputed institutes/Universities give Lectures under the “Invited lectures program” sponsored under autonomy grant.

Sruthi Maths Club:

Seminars by students of senior classes are regularly conducted under "Sruthi Maths Club" .Students are encouraged to participate in competitions in mathematical abilities, conducted by other sister institutions. The Department compiles the seminar topics and publishes them in "SRUTHI MATHS MAGAZINE" every year.

Department library:

The Department has an excellent library with over 6000 books. The collection includes many classic works written by famous mathematicians and Nobel laureates. These are sources of inspiration for both students and teachers, and motivate them to gain a good mathematical knowledge.

Bachelor of Commerce (BCom)

DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

Objectives & Mission:

To provide high quality education which will enable the students to become well qualified professionals such as chartered accountants, cost accountants, company secretaries & chartered financial analyst and make them self-skilled and/or entrepreneur.
To Bridge the gap between theory and reality in the global village and to take the students from books to practice.
To make the department a model business school.
To improve the students conceptual capabilities for understanding commerce subjects which will be suitable to fulfilling the latest needs and managerial problems.
To upgrade students skills and abilities to use appropriate techniques for solving managerial problems.
To develop the appropriate attitude for achieving excellence.
To motivate the students to adapt with the era of changing world.

Courses offered:

The Department of Commerce has been conducting 3 year under-graduate course in commerce since 1947-48.The Department started Master of Commerce (M.Com) in 1994-95 Master of Finance and Control (MFC) in 1997-98 and B.Com under self-financing course in 1984-85.Both PG Courses are offered in Self-financing Evening College.

Course highlights

The Syllabi of the department is being revised at regular intervals to give scope for introduction of the new subjects to suit the recent needs in the global environment. The department is a pioneer in introducing new subjects in the commerce curriculum among the various autonomous and university colleges.

Business Mathematics and Statistics in the year 1979-80
Business Economics in the year 1980-81
Operations Research in the year 1989-90
Foreign Trade Theory and Practice
Management Information System
Business Finance
Investment Management
Principles & Practice of Insurance

The department is fulfilling the current need of computer and information technology to the students without affecting commerce subjects. It has introduced a new paper “E-Commerce and Tally” spread over two semesters in addition to regular commerce papers from the academic year 2002-03 for the II year students.
CBCS pattern has been introduced since 2008-09.

Research Activities

All the Staff Members of Department have Research Experience and they act as Research Supervisors for M.Phil (Commerce), M.Phil (Management), MBA and Master of Finance and Control students.

EARL COM CLUB

The department has a club for students of commerce in the name of “earl com”. This club conducts competitions on quiz, paper presentation to bring out the talents of students in these activities

Professional Coaching

More than one-tenth of the professional students (ICA. ICWA., ICSI) in Madurai comes out of the Commerce Students of THE MADURA COLLEGE (Autonomous), Madurai.

Special Coaching to weaker section

The department is conducting special coaching for weaker students especially for SC/ST Students.

Question Bank

A question bank has been prepared and a circulated among the students enabling them to face the examination confidently.

Open House

Parents are invited at the beginning of every semester and the performances of their wards are periodically informed by organizing “OPEN HOUSE”. This enables them to take care of their wards and to know about their progress.

Study Group

To uplift the weaker section of the students the department formed 25 study groups comprising 5 students in a group through “earl com club”

Seminars and Guest Lecture Programme

The Department is organizing more number of UGC sponsored seminars and guest lecture programmes at regular intervals inviting experts from the various fields. The Department is regularly offering a Soft Skill Programme for our students to improve their communicative and soft skills.

Faculty Meeting

At the end of every semester, the department is convening a meeting to review the question papers and the performance of the students. Remedial measures are being taken to improve the standards.

Study Tour

The department is organizing study tours to impart more practical exposure on the commerce field.

Citizens’ Consumer Club

The department is heading the Citizens’ Consumer Club in the college and admitting the students of both commerce and non-commerce as members of the club. The objective of the club is to create awareness in the minds of the public through student participation about consumer rights.

Bachelor of Science (BSc Computer Science)

Department of Computer Science

Mission & Vision:

To design and update the curriculum, bearing in mind the relevance to regional and national requirements and expectations.
To impart quality education in the field of computer science, enabling our students to confidently face the job market.
To inculcate the spirit of scientific temper in the minds of the students.

Courses offered:

The Department of Computer Science was established in the year 1987 to impart the knowledge of Computer Science & Information Technology. It offers UG and PG Courses besides PG Diploma in Computer Applications.

Course Highlights:

The course curriculum is designed in a well structured manner by the Experts in the field of CS & IT to match the growing needs and includes the latest trends to meet the changing world.
During the final semester project work is compulsory. The students are encouraged to take up projects with leading organizations in IT sector.

Laboratory:

The department of computer science has a full fledged laboratory of having many IBM P IV machines with high configurations to help the students learn more technical details. The department library has a very good collection of more than 4000 standard books on all topic related to computer field. The Library functions on "open access" system.

Club Activities:

The "ADA CLUB" is an association formed for the students, by the Students and of the Students to encourage the students in Socio-educative aspects. The Club arranges Seminars and Guest Lectures by Eminent Professors/technocrats in the field of CS & IT to know the recent and emerging trends. An Annual Inter-Collegiate meet named “GENESIS" provides the students scope for team work and leadership qualities to arrange and to look after organizing such events.
The students add to the glory of the department by coming out in flying Colors in all their endowers. Most of the students have been placed in meritorious Positions in the IT Industry bringing laurels to the college

Research activities:

The staff of the Department guide M.Phil project work of students of MKU, BDU and MSU.

Other activities:

The Department runs the Bharathidasan University study centre for MCA, MS(IT) and M.Phil (CS).

Bachelor of Science (BSc Zoology)

Department Of Zoology

Objectives & Mission:

To design and update the curriculum, bearing in mind the relevance to regional and national requirements and expectations.
To impart quality education in the field of Zoology, enabling our students to confidently face the job market.
To inculcate the spirit of scientific temper in the minds of the students.
To develop in the minds of students a concern for the need to conserve natural resources and to inspire them to spread this message to the society.
To sensitize the students the need for keeping the environment clean.

Courses Offered:

The Department of Zoology was carved out of the then existing “Natural Science Department” in the year 1966 when B.Sc., Zoology Major Course was started. From the year 1991 M.Sc., Zoology is offered under the self-financing stream. The crowning glory came in 1994 when the Department was recognized as a Centre for Research in Zoology by the MADURAI KAMARAJ UNIVERSITY.

Course Highlights:

The course is designed in such a way that students are taught the basics as well as specialized papers such as Bio-diversity& Conservation Biology, Bio-physics, Bio-statistics & Bio-informatics

Laboratory:

The department has a well-equipped laboratory.

Library:

The departmental library is equipped with latest books on regular topics as well as special topics.

Research & Extension:

The department has successfully carried out 8 major research projects funded by agencies (UGC / CSIR / DoEn / DST / CES / IISc / DBT) amounting to Rs.30 lakhs. Evolved a user friendly key for the identification of aquatic macro invertebrates for the benefit of students and field workers.
The Research Centre was awarded the status of a nodal centre by the department of Ecological Sciences of the premier Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore under WGBN project of Pew foundation, USA for the inventorying of the biodiversity of the Western ghats and the Eastern ghats from 1994.

Further it is a Referral centre for identification of aquatic insects.

As on April 2009, 6 research scholars have been awarded Ph.D .

The Department, having already been recognized as a leading centre for studies on Aquatic Entomology aims to further its expertise by continuing exhaustive investigations on aspects of inventorying and monitoring the diversity of aquatic insects of southern Tamilnadu with a view to prioritize the conservation of lotic and lentic habitats of Montane and non - montane areas and to contribute to the consolidation of National Biodiversity Register (NBR). Further, certificate courses in Clinical Lab Technology and Bioinformatics (in collaboration with Computer Science Department) are proposed

Students’ Club “SYMBIONTS”:

The students of the department are encouraged to participate in competition like paper presentation, quiz to develop their skills.

Bachelor of Science (BSc Botany)

Department Of Botany

Objectives & Mission:

To design and update the curriculum, bearing in mind the relevance to regional and national requirements and expectations.
To equip the students with the basic skills in identifying and labeling different plants.
To impart quality education in the field of Botany, enabling our students to confidently face the job market.
To inculcate the spirit of scientific temper in the minds of the students.
To develop in the minds of students a concern for the need to conserve natural resources and to inspire them to spread this message to the society. To make the students understand the importance of forests in the prevention of soil erosion.
To sensitize the students the need for keeping the environment clean.

Courses offered:

The UG Dept of Botany was established in the year 1953. It started imparting PG education from 1984 onwards. It was recognized as a Research Centre in the year 2003.

Course Highlights:

The Department is a source of reference for practitioner groups in this region. With the advent of autonomy in 1978, the Department carefully adopted new approaches in curriculum planning. Periodic revision of syllabus incorporating relevant aspects in the context of scientific progress without violating the basic framework is the hallmark of the Department. Biodiversity, Environmental studies, Ethno-botany are some of the papers in UG curriculum, to focus on both the traditional values and the value of the intellectual property rights. The paper on "Forestry" is another land mark paper that caters to the requirements of competitive examinations. Students are also exposed to the applied aspects of Botany on Medicine plants, Bioproducts, Horticulture Practices. The PG programme has Microbiology in two parts (i) General Microbiology and (ii) Applied Microbiology. An excellent backup on Immunology, Biochemistry Biotechnology and Research Methodology is also provided.

Laboratory:

The Laboratory of the department is well equipped with multiple instruments for regular class work and many research facilities. The department is highly engaged in active research. Two staff members are MKU recognized guides. Other staff members are awaiting such recognition.

Students Club:

The students are motivated to participate in various competitions to bring out their talents.

Other Activities:

To cater the present day needs of the students, a CONSORTIUM of Botanists is launched.
All the PG centers of Botany are members of this consortium.
Regular meetings are held to bring awareness among the students on the recent developments in the field of Botany.
Guidance is also given to students preparing for SLET/ NET / CSIR / UGC examination.
The Department maintains a small herbal garden.

Bachelor of Science (BSc Chemistry)

Department Of Chemistry

Objectives & Mission:

To bring out the best in a student in terms of analytical and theoretical understanding of the subject.
To provide a firm grasps of the rudiments of the subject
To infuse confidence in them and motivate them to take up a career in chemistry
To encourage and prepare to pursue higher studies

Courses Offered:

The Department has been offering chemistry as a major subject at the graduate level from 1950-51 under the University of Madras. Later in 1959, the department was upgraded as PG centre of the university

Course highlights:

In the UG course, besides the core papers, special and recent topics are included either as elective or part of a paper. Equal importance is given to practicals also.
In the PG course: Regular and periodic revision of syllabus is carried out to include advanced topics and developments in different areas of chemistry.
A paper on computer application in chemistry has also been introduced.
The updated syllabus enables the students to equip themselves in a better way and motivates them to appear for GATE and CSIR entrance examinations and other competitive examinations.

Research activities:

Staff of the department guide M.Phil students of Madurai kamaraj University, Bharathidasan University, and MSUniversity.

DIPLOMA / CERTIFICATE COURSES OFFERED:

The department introduced a diploma course in Industrial Water Analysis and Waste Treatment with specialization on saving rainwater and making it usable, from June 2002 onwards. Many students have joined in this course and after completion of the course; they got placements in various companies.

DEPARTMENT LIBRARY:

The department library is well equipped with textbooks and advanced books. We subscribe to "Resonance" published by the Indian academy of science Bangalore and to the "Indian Journal of chemistry"

DEPARTMENT EQUIPMENT:

The department has equipped itself gradually over the years with apparatus to cater to the needs of students for doing regular practical classes. The nature of our department work requires periodical replacements of apparatus which is fulfilled with grants from UGC funds and from management funds.

CHEMISTRY CLUB:

As a part of co-curricular activities, the "chemistry club" helps to identify the talents of students in different activities like Paper presentation, quiz, model display etc.,

Bachelor of Science (BSc Physics)

Department Of Physics

Objectives & Mission:

To inculcate in the minds of the students a strong fascination for learning science, physics in particular
To motivate them to take up a scientific career, either academic or Research and Development, and groom them worthy citizens of India.
to provide knowledge about the recent developments in physics
To create required skills for doing experimental physics
To have a better understanding of physics through problem solving

Courses offered:

The department was offering physics education with a two year B.Sc Degree course 1956, which was converted to a three year B.Sc Degree course in 1957. It became a Post-Graduate department in 1958. It was the first to have the PG physics course in Madurai. The department now also offers the B.Sc , M.Sc and M.Phil courses under the Self-finance scheme.

Course highlights:

In addition to the basic core papers, papers on Energy Physics, Microprocessors and microcontrollers, programming in C++, and numerical methods are also offered at the B.Sc Level. Students are also trained on computers.
In M.Sc., elective papers on advanced microprocessors, Instrumentational methods of analysis, advanced solid state physics are offered. In the fourth semester students have to do a project.

Research Activities:

The Department became a recognized Research center in 2004 with two staff as research guides. The Research activities are carried out in the fields of Crystallography, Non-Conventional energy sources, Environmental studies and thin films. More than 75 papers have been published in National & International journals by the staff & students of the department.
The department has successfully carried out one major research projects funded by CSIR. One UGC minor project, one CSIR project and one DST project are under progress.
As on April 2009, One student has been awarded Ph.D . Now one full time student and 15 part time students are pursuing their Ph.D program.
Besides, many number of M.Phil students of MKU, BDU, and MSU are guided by our staff.

DST –FIST program:

The PG Department received a sum of Rs 21.6 lakhs under the DST-FIST program during the year 2008. This fund is for the restructuring of PG education & Research in Physics. Some of the instruments bought under FIST are: High vacuum unit, High Temperature Furnace, Glass Fusing furnace, Ultrasonic interferometer for solids, Microwave bench, spin coating thin film unit, solar water heating system, Keithley multimeter.

Department library:

The Department has an excellent library with over 7000 books; the collection includes many classic works written by famous scientists and Nobel laureates. These are sources of inspiration for both students and teachers, and motivate them to gain a scientific temper. Some of the books are now out of print but are frequently referred to by teachers and research scholars.

Laboratory:

The Department has a well-equipped laboratory. Besides the usual instruments and apparatus, it has a LAN with 10 nodes , a Thin Film Setup. Students are regularly trained on C++ Programming and numerical methods.
Students go to various research institutes to carry out their Project work. These include, the Indian Institute of Astrophysics (Kodaikanal), Indian Institute of Geomagnetism (Tirunelveli), IGCAR (Kalpakkam), CECRI (Karaikudi), IUCAA (Pune) , Nuclear Science Center (New Delhi) and The Madurai Kamaraj University, to name a few.
Physics Club:
Interesting articles and recent development in physics are given as topics for paper presentation and students are encouraged to present Power point presentations of their chosen topic.

In addition, quiz, model display competitions are also conducted to bring out their talents.

Bachelor of Science (BSc Mathematics)

Department Of Mathematics

Objectives & Mission:

To inculcate in the minds of the students a strong fascination for learning mathematics
To motivate them to take up a scientific career, either academic or Research and Development, and groom them worthy citizens of India.
To design and update the curriculum to keep pace with the recent developments.
To impart quality education in maths, enabling our students to confidently face the job market.
To equip the students with the basic skills in statistical analysis of data

Courses Offered:

This Department was established in the year 1947 with Intermediate programme and BA Mathematics. These were replaced by PUC (1956) and B.Sc., mathematics (1957), respectively. It was accorded the status of Post Graduate Department by the University of Madras in 1958.

Course Highlights:

The department, taking note of the rapid growth in the application of mathematics in the fields of technology and research, has developed the syllabi accordingly without losing the charm and need of pure and basic mathematics. Subjects like Fractals and Space Mechanics have been introduced in the curriculum, way back in 1983 itself. Also topics like theoretical computer simulation, stochastic processes, microprocessors, Data processing, system analysis, and algebraic topology find place in the current syllabi. Periodic changes are effected in the syllabi to meet the requirements of CSIR, UGC competitive examinations. Artificial Intelligence, C++, Management Information System , Fuzzy sets have been introduced as demanded by the requirements of institutions of higher learning.
The Department has plans to introduce B.Sc students with specialization in Statistical Quality Control, Actuaries and Operation Research. And also plans to offer some certificate courses in some of the fascinating topics in Mathematics.

Research programs:

From the academic year 2010-11, the department offers M.Phil program in Mathematics under the self-financing stream

Other activities:

Eminent Professors from reputed institutes/Universities give Lectures under the “Invited lectures program” sponsored under autonomy grant.

Sruthi Maths Club:

Seminars by students of senior classes are regularly conducted under "Sruthi Maths Club" .Students are encouraged to participate in competitions in mathematical abilities, conducted by other sister institutions. The Department compiles the seminar topics and publishes them in "SRUTHI MATHS MAGAZINE" every year.

Department library:

The Department has an excellent library with over 6000 books. The collection includes many classic works written by famous mathematicians and Nobel laureates. These are sources of inspiration for both students and teachers, and motivate them to gain a good mathematical knowledge.