I have completed research in Anthropology, and have keenness to understand the issues from an academic perspective in the field of Forensic Science. I have specialised in the domain of Social and Cultural Anthropology. I would like to know if there is any organisation that specialises in Forensic Science.
via email, Bengaluru
The Centre for DNA Fingerprinting and Diagnostics (CDFD) (www.cdfd.org.in) is an autonomous organisation funded by the Department of Biotechnology (DBT), Union Ministry of Science and Technology. The centre is equipped with world class state-of-the-art instrumentation and computing infrastructure to facilitate working in frontier areas of research in Life Sciences. CDFD is also recognised by the University of Hyderabad for pursuing Ph.D. programme in Life Sciences.
For more details you should contact CDFD, Building 7, Gruhakalpa, 5-4-399/B, Nampally, Hyderabad-500001. Ph: 040-24749321. Email: academia@cdfd.org.in
You should connect with the officer in charge of the State Forensic Science Laboratories, located at Sarjapur Road, Madivala, Bengaluru-560068 (Ph: 25527199) to know further about the opportunities based on qualifications that you currently possess.
I will be passing out of PUC in the Science stream (PCMB) in 2015. I have a good score in my 10th Standard, and do reasonably well in academics. My interest is in the subject of Applied Zoology and in specific to wildlife aspects. I would like to pursue research. Please provide information so that I can plan my career. Please provide information on the aspects of NGOs in relation to wildlife as well.
via email, Bengaluru
You are on track as far as the eligibility criteria is concerned. Following the completion of PUC in the Science stream, you should take up B.Sc in Zoology as one of the majors and ensure eligibility for the programmes related to wildlife as you proceed to postgraduation. Considering the specialised nature of the programme that you would like to opt for, you should stay oriented for the same, as these are long-term propositions that focus on the aspect of research. A mere graduation in the area that you would like to major will not suffice.
One of the best institutions that you should consider for postgraduate studies would be the Master of Science in Wildlife Biology and Conservation which is conducted in collaboration between the National Centre for Biological Sciences (NCBS) (www.ncbs.res.in) and the Centre for Wildlife Studies (CWS). The M.Sc degree is awarded by TIFR (TATA Institute of Fundamental Research).
The programme has been appreciated for the inputs and the benefits that it brings to the learner. You should not stop with the M.Sc, but continue to pursue Ph.D., which will bring you in connect with the realities of the world of wildlife. One aspect that one should bear in mind is the impact on one’s life, considering the fact that field work becomes the order of the day; and there are experts who have spent years on the field to ensure capture of the detail that would impact one and all.
You can pursue B.Sc from any of the colleges offering the three-year science programme with a focus on Zoology. For M.Sc and further research with CWS, visit the website and you can also connect to the institute at NCBS, GKVK, Bellary Road, Bangalore-560065.
Considering that wildlife conservation is the domain of the government at the federal and state levels, the forest departments ensure protection as per the policy directives.
The opportunities that the forest departments provide are through the recruitment of officers to the forest service in the state through the Public Service Commissions (viz., KPSC in Karnataka) and through the Indian Forest Service (IFS), an all-India Service (like the IAS and IPS) wherein recruitments are conducted through the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC).
In the social sector, there are many Non-Governmental Organisations that have been supporting the conservation efforts of the forest department with élan. NGOs have contributed significantly to research and conservation in the wildlife areas, which has brought plenty of success. Besides conservation, there have also been studies in the area of tribes and their settlements considering that they are major stakeholders in the forests, and of course wildlife conservation.
You will get opportunities in the NGO domain not only in India but globally as well. Conservation, preservation, protection, and sustainability today are key words in the domain of wildlife.
I am working for a small IT product company. I have been asked to go to Germany for about 2 years towards the end of 2015 and I will travelling with my spouse and child. I have started my preparations from a technical perspective. I thought it fit to learn the German language as well, but my company does not have facilities to engage in the learning of German. Whom should I contact if I need to learn it?
via email, Bengaluru
The Max Mueller Bhavan (Goethe Institute) (www.goethe.de), located at 716, Chinmaya Mission Hospital Road, Stage 1, Indira Nagar, Bangalore-560038. Email: info@bangalore.goethe.org Ph: 25205305, will be the best option for learning German.
The institute has programmes that you can pursue over the weekends in a flexible manner. Considering that you plan to travel to Germany with your spouse, ensure that your spouse also takes up the programme as the German immigration system requires the spouses going along with the principal employee to speak basic German whilst you apply for the work permit.
I am in the second year of B.Tech Electrical Engineering. I am keen on joining the DRDO or any other scientific organisation that will provide ample opportunities. Please provide inputs and throw light on the DRDO and qualifications that would be accepted to join it.
via email
The Defence Research and Development Organisation (1958) (DRDO) (www.drdo.org) has created a niche for itself over a period of time. Its vision is to take the country to the top echelons of science and technology. It has a network of more than 50 laboratories and more than 5,000 scientists and 25,000 scientific, technical and support staff. Some of the major projects of DRDO focus on missile technology, Light Combat Aircraft, radars, electronic warfare systems, electronics and instrumentation, and armaments.
If your focus is on the aspects mentioned, a qualification in the areas of Physics, Mathematics, Electronics Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Aeronautical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, and Chemistry will be essential. Aeronautical Engineering as well as Electrical/Electronics will catapult you to the big league. Your outlook to what you do will also have a bearing in the long run.
Former President Abdul Kalam specialised in Aeronautical Engineering from Madras Institute of Technology. He was Project Director in developing India’s first indigenous Satellite Launch Vehicle (SLV-III) which successfully injected the Rohini satellite in the near earth orbit in July 1980 and made India an exclusive member of the Space Club.
Not only did this event make India proud, it catapulted the country into the big league. Agni and Prithvi were also his contributions. You should ensure that you pursue your final projects in engineering in a scientific research organisation which will keep you in good stead.
Shaheed_k@yahoo.com
