About the course
Centre for Research in Functional Materials (CRFM), JAIN (Deemed-to-be University) would offer a postgraduate-level Certificate Course in Advanced Research (CCAR) in various fields of Science and Technology (S&T). The Programme gives graduate students a chance to go above and beyond the minimal training in research techniques necessary as a pre-training course for aspiring Ph.D. degrees and pursuing a career in R&D industries.
To prepare for conducting and analyzing research data, students are taught competencies in advanced research methodologies, focusing on quantitative or qualitative approaches. Students are required to show proof of becoming independent researchers for their future endeavours. Such a requirement makes it easier for students to start the academic/industry-sustaining process and makes them more "marketable" in today's cutthroat recruiting procedures. As such, we provide students with ample opportunities to showcase their skills and experience to potential employers. These include networking events, research symposia, and other professional development opportunities.
We begin the certificate course in Advanced Research Methods by assisting the student in formulating precise and well-thought-out research questions. Then, participants are instructed on choosing research designs and methodologies outside the distinct disciplines best suited to address the study topic. We support the use of multidisciplinary approaches, including applying techniques that have emerged from other fields, such as engineering. We believe that bringing together perspectives and techniques from different fields can lead to breakthroughs in understanding and innovation.
Duration of the course: 12 months (2 semesters)
First 3 months: Research orientation
Following 9 months: Hands-on training on research techniques, data acquiring, data analysis, research article writing and publishing.
Scope of the Programme
Need for Certificate Course in Advanced Research (CCAR)
As experienced researchers, we believe that the approach to teaching research methods needs to be reimagined. Traditional approaches to teaching research methods tend to be rigid and theoretical, often failing to equip students with the practical skills and knowledge they need to conduct research effectively. As experienced researchers, we advocate for a more innovative and dynamic approach that prioritizes hands-on learning and project-based activities. Despite the tremendous changes in S&T research, the growing need for implementation research, mixed methods research and the need for research that policymakers can use, most courses have been unable to break away from the traditional approach of qualitative & quantitative research. Therefore, we believe that students should be encouraged to engage in active research from the outset, with a focus on real-world problems and applications.
Scope for Certificate Course in Advanced Research (CCAR)
- The majority of the post-graduate students aspiring to undertake higher studies such as Ph.D. degrees require a pre-training programme for advanced research to get into competing research institutes.
- Many of the post-graduate students do not have a clear idea/foundation for advanced research methods due to a lack of facilities and exposure.
- The Certificate Course in Advanced Research (CCAR) is specially designed keeping in mind young and middle-level researchers in the field of S&T.
- This course is designed for a wide group of postgraduates in S&T such as in chemistry, nanoscience and technology, physics (MD, MS, MDS, M.Sc, M.Pharm), and Ph.D. students.
- Students aspiring to take up projects for their graduate and post-graduate courses are also eligible to apply for this course.
- Incorporating Project Centric Learning and Open Electives: Through the Project Centric Learning approach, students will have the opportunity to work on projects that align with their interests and career goals, thereby enhancing their skills and knowledge in a specific field. In addition, the program offers Open Electives, allowing students to select courses that supplement their core curriculum and tailor their education to their unique interests and career aspirations.
Eligibility Criteria
The Certificate Course in Advanced Research (CCAR) is specially designed keeping in mind young and middle-level researchers in the field of S&T.
- Postgraduates in chemistry, nanoscience and technology, physics (MD, MS, MDS, MSc, M.Pharm), Ph.D. students.
- Students aspiring to take up Projects for their graduate and post-graduate courses are eligible to apply for this course.
Curriculum matrix for all semesters of the programme
Unit 1: Introduction to research methodology meaning and importance of research
Unit 2: Data collection and tools
Unit 3: Scientific writing structure and components of scientific reports
Unit 4: Structural Characterizations
X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), Ultraviolet photoelectron spectroscopy (UPS), and Valence band XPS.
Unit 5: Microscopy Characterizations
Optical microscopy, Field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), EDAX, High-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM), SAED, EELS, TEM, TEM, Atomic force microscopy (AFM).
Career Opportunities:
The Certificate Course in Advanced Research (CCAR) prepares students for advanced academic and professional pursuits in research and development. Upon completion of the program, students will be equipped with the necessary skills and knowledge intended to:
- Pursue a Ph.D. in reputed institutes worldwide
- Work in research and development sectors, including R&D labs