byDinesh
Updated on - 12 Aug, 2024
Doctor of Philosophy in Physical Chemistry or Ph.D. is a postgraduate degree program that deals with Physics and Chemistry for the qualitative study on the structure and properties of matter and energy, their changes and interactions. Ph.D. in Physical Chemistry normally takes 4-6 years for completion depending on the pace at which the candidate undertakes the studies. Physical Chemistry is an advanced course of study that builds on concepts in chemistry, physics, mathematics, etc, and includes Quantum mechanics, thermodynamics, kinetic, statistical mechanics; students effect original work under faculty mentorship and submit a dissertation.
The entrance examinations commonly accepted for admission to the Ph.D. Physical Chemistry Programs in Universities in India are CSIR UGC NET for JRF, GATE, JEST, GRE and other examinations conducted by the University and other institutions. Positive results in these examinations combined with interviews and academic achievements define the selection of students to further Doctoral Physical Chemistry programs. Recommendation letters and statement of purpose are also critical elements of the admission process for students.
| Highlights | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Form | Doctor of Philosophy in Physical Chemistry |
| Duration | 3-5 years |
| Course Level | Doctoral |
| Eligibility | Master's degree in Physical Chemistry, Chemistry, or related fields with minimum 55% marks, NET/GATE qualified |
| Top Colleges | Indian Institute of Science, Jawaharlal Nehru University, University of Delhi, Banaras Hindu University, Tata Institute of Fundamental Research |
| Entrance Exam | NET, GATE, CSIR-UGC NET, university-specific entrance exams |
1. Must have a postgraduate degree in Chemistry or other related subjects like physics or material science with minimum 55% marks or equivalent CGPA.
2. Get a hang of an entrance exam such as CSIR UGC NET, GATE, Other similar examinations conducted by institutions and universities across the country. However, it is also noticed that some of the institutes provide direct admission facility based purely on merit.
3. Candidates shortlisted for an interview are required to undergo a research and aptitude test, as well as an interview that will help determine their research interests, knowledge of the subject matter, and communication skills.
4. The criteria of the final assessment for admission includes the track record at an academic level, scores in entrance examination, and performance in the interview that is offered to the candidates; and the availability of vacancies under qualified research supervisors.
5. Publications, presentations, awards, and prior internships, or other research-related experiences enhance the likelihood of being selected.
| Subject | Important Topics |
|---|---|
| Quantum Mechanics | Wave-particle duality, Schrödinger equation, molecular orbitals |
| Thermodynamics | Laws of thermodynamics, phase equilibria, thermodynamic cycles |
| Spectroscopy | Atomic and molecular spectroscopy, IR, UV-Vis, NMR |
| Statistical Mechanics | Statistical thermodynamics, Boltzmann distribution, partition functions |
| Chemical Kinetics | Reaction rates, mechanisms, catalysis, surface chemistry |
| Electrochemistry | Electrochemical cells, electrodes, corrosion, electroanalytical techniques |
| Biophysical Chemistry | Structure and function of biomolecules, biophysical techniques |
| Materials Chemistry | Properties and applications of materials, nanomaterials |
| Computational Chemistry | Molecular modeling, simulations, computational methods |
| Research Methodology | Research design, data analysis, scientific writing, ethics |
| Specialization | Job Profile | Average Salary (per annum) |
|---|---|---|
| Theoretical Chemistry | Research Scientist, Professor | ₹8,00,000 - ₹12,00,000 |
| Materials Chemistry | Materials Scientist, Researcher | ₹7,00,000 - ₹11,00,000 |
| Spectroscopy | Spectroscopist, Research Scientist | ₹6,50,000 - ₹10,50,000 |
| Electrochemistry | Electrochemist, Researcher | ₹7,00,000 - ₹11,50,000 |
| Biophysical Chemistry | Biophysicist, Research Scientist | ₹8,50,000 - ₹13,50,000 |
| Computational Chemistry | Computational Chemist, Researcher | ₹7,50,000 - ₹12,50,000 |
| Chemical Kinetics | Kineticist, Research Scientist | ₹6,50,000 - ₹10,50,000 |
| Research and Development | R&D Scientist, Manager | ₹9,00,000 - ₹15,00,000 |
| Academia and Teaching | Professor, Lecturer | ₹7,00,000 - ₹12,00,000 |
| Industry | Research Scientist, Manager | ₹8,50,000 - ₹14,50,000 |