UNIVERSE OF PHYSICAL AND NATURAL SCIENCES
Introduction to Spreadsheet Modeling
To be updated
Introduction To Biology
The course is designed to expose the students to some important basic concepts of biology. It highlights the construction of basic unit of life, the cell. The life forms are either eukaryotic or prokaryotic depending on the type of cells they are made up of. The course explains the different kingdoms of life with a focus on plants and animals. Some important processes in routine life in some of the systems of the human body are discussed.
The Microbial World
The course helps students to know about the world of microorganisms that remain unseen to the unaided eye. These microbes are omnipresent and can be seen with the help of a microscope only. Though mostly unicellular, few multicellular forms exist. They comprise of all the bacteria, archaea, fungi, protozoa and virus. The module gives an overview of all the types and describes details of bacteria and fungi. Along with discussing the cellular structure, mechanism of nutrition, interaction with their environment, the course will strengthen their importance to all other living forms with the focus on advantages humans can get in agriculture, pharmaceutical, food and beverages industry, environment etc.
Introduction to Genetics
This course helps the students to know about the detailed structure of the unit of heredity-the Gene and the basic unit of gene-DNA (Deoxyribonucleic acid). All the living organisms are different from each other because of the difference in the sequences in which the DNA is arranged in the gene or simply the ‘genetic code’. The course deals with the information about the Mendelian genetics, genes, genetic code and artificial synthesis of gene.
Introduction to General Chemistry
This is a beginner’s course for undergraduate students who have very little or no knowledge of chemistry. It has three major sections viz. physical, inorganic and organic chemistry in theory part. It introduces very basic concepts like atoms and their structure, periodic table, mole concept, types of organic compounds and their reactivity.
Introduction to Programming
This is the first course in problem-solving through computer programming; no previous programming experience is assumed. Programming is introduced as an executable form of mathematics. The course brings a clean separation between the problem, the model and the machine and the 2 basic binding times: program development and program execution.
Fundamentals of Ecology
Ecology is the study of interactions among organisms and between organisms and their environment. In this introduction to the discipline of ecology, we will consider how organisms may be influenced by, and respond to, their environment both individually and as a population. We will then examine interspecific relationships among organisms and the way in which these shape community structure and nutrient and energy dynamics within an ecosystem.
Principles of Behavioral Economics
To be Updated
Disasters: Natural and Man-Made
The focus of this course is to understand the causes and impacts of various natural and man-made disasters. Major themes covered in this course under natural disasters including volcanic eruptions, earthquakes, tsunamis, meteorite impacts hurricanes, cyclones, and floods. Major man-made disasters including the radiation leaks at Chenrobyl and Three Mile Island, the Bhopal Gas leak, the Exxon-Valdez oil spill and the recent British Petroleum oil leak in the Gulf of Mexico among others will also be covered. Additionally, climate change and its effect on the planet in general and on India specifically will also be reviewed.
World Regional Geography
This course focuses on globalization as a dynamic process in the major geographical regions of the world. Globalization in each region is understood through five different themes- environmental issues, population and settlement patterns, cultural diversity, geopolitical framework and social and economic development. The first few lectures will provide the conceptual framework for the rest of the course. Within each region, it will identify the geographical aspects including scale, space, dynamic processes, and man-nature interactions which will be used to study regional characteristics. This broad yet holistic course will introduce the different world regions, in both human and physical settings, which will be significant as a foundation to the other courses.
Introduction to Quantitative Reasoning
This course introduces simple mathematical techniques for the solution of real-world problems. In addition, it also places emphasis on critical analysis of numerical data arising in various disciplines such as the sciences or the social sciences, including in the media, by making estimations through educated guesses.
Precalculus
Precalculus, is designed to prepare students for Calculus. It is an in-depth study of the concept of functions. Several function classes including linear, quadratic, polynomial, rational, exponential and logarithmic functions are studied. Within each function class characteristics of the function are emphasized including the basic form and graph, equations and inequalities associated with the function, and applications. Both algebraic and graphical techniques will be used throughout the course.
Elements of Probability
This course is about chance and uncertainty. Probability provides us a measure of uncertainty. It is aimed at the first or second-year college students as an introduction to the rudiments of probabilistic thinking and demands no more mathematical maturity than the ability to count and familiarity with elementary-high school algebra. The emphasis will be on problem solving and applications of simple probability concepts to the real world.
Elementary Financial Mathematics
Financial Mathematics is the application of mathematical methods to the solution of problems in finance. This course is pitched at the foundational level for the students who have very little background in mathematics and also for non-math majors, although a little more mathematical maturity is desired, it is not mandatory. To apply mathematical methods to real-world problems, one needs to first mathematically model the problem at hand. Thus this will form the crux of the course along with understanding simple financial instruments and various terminologies associated with finance.
Introductory Calculus
This course introduces students to the rudiments of calculus and prepares them for study in courses which require calculus-based techniques. It focuses primarily on applications and covers the basics of limits, continuity, differentiation and integration of one variable This course is challenging for those who have done calculus in high-school and yet introduces the basics whose mathematical preparation is less advanced.
Introduction to Discrete Mathematics
This course aims to cover the basics of discrete mathematics. Discrete mathematics is the study of discrete mathematical structures that do not rely on the notion of continuity. It introduces fundamental mathematical structures and various proof techniques and methods for solving different kinds of problems. This course prepares the student to do advanced courses in Applied Mathematics and Computer Science.
Introduction to Quantitative Methods
This course is designed to give undergraduate students an introduction to decision making. The use of quantitative techniques is increasingly being adopted in all areas of human endeavor. The need to collect, analyze and interpret mathematical output is increasingly being appreciated for arriving at conclusions or in strategic decision making. This course will deal with fundamental concepts required to model, analyze and solve quantitative problems arising in any discipline. A student undertaking this course can have little to no formal introduction to mathematics and statistics at the higher secondary level.
Introduction to Physics
This course is primarily aimed at students who have not taken any Physics courses at the high school level and demands minimal mathematical knowledge. The principal focus of this course is on concepts and ideas that form a scientific world view. The course will discuss basic principles in mechanics, thermodynamics and electromagnetism in the context of how they explain phenomena observed in our daily lives. The course will also explain through seminars how advancements in Physics over the 20th century have led to breakthroughs in medicine, technology and various other aspects of our lives.
Introduction to Operations Research
To be updated
Planet Earth
This course introduces students to the evolution of Planet Earth, its composition and structure. It will examine different processes and phenomena within systems such as the hydrosphere, atmosphere and lithosphere. This course will focus on how these different systems work individually as well as their interaction with others.