In recent years, computer science, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, electronics and communications branches of engineering are happening to be considered as ‘Core’ engineering branches. It is believed that the students studying other trades have taken those branches due to their poor JEE scores (though it is true in most of the cases). It is not the case that these branches are less important than core branches. The actual problem is poor infrastructure and scarcity of opportunities in these fields in India. But situation is changing at a great pace and on wide scale. Sectors such as biotechnology, physics, and metallurgy are either currently experiencing or are soon going to experience great boom in research as well as industrial growth.
Let’s have a look at the scope of such emerging branches:
Engineering Physics
For many of the intelligent brains present on this planet, physics is like the soul. It is integrated so deep in their day-to-day life that they tend to apply physics everywhere they come across. EP is a good platform for such physics geeks as it is a combined package of classical and modern physics, mathematics and their engineering applications. Basically, it is the bridge between engineering and science.
Engineering Physics degree holders from IITs are involved in research and development activities. Different reputed industries seek students from this field. Though competition for getting a seat in reputed college and getting a job is very high, the increasing dependence of industries on research and innovation is attracting more and more industries towards this field.
Currently this course is offered by IIT Delhi, IIT Hyderabad, IIT Bombay, IIT Roorkee, IIT Madras, IIT Guwahati, ISM Dhanbad and IIT BHU.
Biotechnology
Most of the students in engineering colleges do not consider biotechnology as engineering. The hatred of maths background people towards biology seems so obvious but it should be made clear that biotechnology isn’t same as biology. In this field, you get to study about genetics, cell biology, cancer biology, immunology, microbiology etc. In past 15 years different bioinformatics tools have provided nutrition and revolutionized to this sector. Starting from drug designing to protein modelling, RNA-DNA fold prediction, mechanism prediction, now-a-days all the things are visualized by using computer programmes. This saves a lot of cost, time and also creates new opportunities for biotechnologists as well as CS engineers. As it is research mainly oriented branch, you may be placed in different pharmaceutical, healthcare or seed companies in R&D departments.
Biotechnology course is available at IIT Roorkee, IIT Kharagpur and IIT Guwahati.
Earth Science
Have you ever wondered how old is our earth or how was it formed? Many researchers dedicate their lives to solve this mystery. Geologists or geoscientists are caretakers of our earth and its natural resources. They use their knowledge to increase our understanding of processes of earth and to improve the quality of human life. Earth Sciences have also close relationship with Geophysics, Geochemistry and Astronomy.
The main emphasis while studying earth sciences is on rocky, aqueous and gaseous parts of the earth. The subjects which are taught in this department are palaeontology, structural geology, petrology, ores, geophysical prospecting etc. It is available at IIT Bombay, IIT Kharagpur and IIT Roorkee.
Design
What is design? What does it consist of? In simple words, design means blending aesthetics with functionality. Despite of scarce information and awareness among students about this branch, it has surprised the engineering students with its placement records which are close to core branches in premiere institutions. So, what is so special about this branch?
Basically, design is the heart of every profit or non-profit organization. Be it website, magazine or any company, designers are always in demand. Designs of the logos, advertisements, posters, websites and other things are decided by designers. Different areas to explore in design are Graphic/Visual design, Interaction Design, Product design, Industrial design, User Interface design, Automobile design, Ubiquitous computing, Sound Design, Animation, Photography and Videography, Motion Graphics, Physical Computing, Gestural User Interface Design. This course is available at IIT Guwahati, IIT Bombay for graduation and at IIT Kharagpur, IIT Kanpur for post-graduation.