Integrated and Interdisciplinary Sciences (i2 Sc) is a newly-conceptualised 5-Year BS-MS programme, being launched at IISER TVM to impart unique education and training to a younger generation of students. It aims to equip tomorrow’s workforce with skills that meet the evolving needs, demands and challenges of the modern world. The major challenges that the world faces today, namely, climate change, food security, healthcare, sustenance, etc., are too complex to be solved by biologists, chemists and physicists independently. Efforts to tackle them require integrated expertise and interdisciplinary knowledge in areas that span physics, chemistry, biology and mathematics.
The digital age has ushered in a new era of automation and big data, revolutionising the way we practice science, technology and medicine. From detecting neutron star mergers to cancer diagnosis, today we employ tools and skills that have often been developed separately. The necessity of symbiotic application of skills and tools from these different genres of science has led to a new paradigm for scientific investigations and analysis. This is precisely the purview of the i2 Sc programme, which leverages the strengths of core disciplines and blends it uniquely with topical and modern developments - offering an integrated mix of core and thematic courses. The thematic areas have been curated to offer expertise in topics that are relevant to today’s as well as tomorrow’s science and technology.
The i2 Sc programme includes 5 different streams, each based on a core discipline and associated thematic areas, as outlined below. At the end of the common Foundation Courses taught over the first two years, students may opt for any ONE of these five streams to study advanced courses in the core discipline and specialise in the associated thematic areas, culminating in a year-long research project in the year five.
i2 Biological Sciences
Systems & Synthetic Biology and Precision Imaging & Medicine
i2 Chemical Sciences
Chemical Biology and Biomaterials
i2 Mathematical Sciences
Mathematical Modelling and Scientific Computing
i2 Physical Sciences
Materials, Devices, Energy and Modelling
i2 Data Sciences
Data Science as applied to Natural Sciences
Each of the five streams offers a unique, yet integrated paradigm to gain analytic and cognitive skills based on an interdisciplinary curriculum and training in research. The new frontier, i2 Data Science, also fits in harmoniously with other streams as well as with regular science programmes of the Institute in its applicability, in addressing both frontier research as well as real-world problems.
National Eligibility Tests
The curriculum covers adequate material to prepare the students for national eligibility tests such as CSIR-NET, UGC-NET, JGEEBILS, JEST, NBHM, etc. to pursue doctoral programmes in India and worldwide.
Internships and Research Projects
Internships and research projects constitute an integral part of the i2 Sc programme. Students will be required to pursue internships in research organisations - either in industry or academic institutions during the recess periods in third and fourth years. The final year research project may be conducted in partnership with national and international R&D laboratories.
Associated and Soft Skills
The curriculum includes courses in allied topics like Scientific Communication, Intellectual Property Rights (IPR), Entrepreneurship and Ethics to contextualise the learning experience. Included are opportunities to inculcate soft skills that are absolutely essential for the future success of the highly skilled graduates of the programme.
Overall the programme offers each student ample scope for tailoring one’s interests to pursue education aligned towards one’s own career goals. It will allow one to integrate and sharpen one’s skills through interactions and experimentation, and showcase capability for innovation and creativity.
At IISER TVM, one starts with an open mind. The curriculum provides training in the fundamentals of natural sciences, mathematics and computation, and then lets one choose the area that one would like to pursue and specialise in. Information regarding the structure of the programme spanning five years (10 semesters), their salient features, courses offered and further details are provided below.
Year 1 & 2
Foundation Courses
Introductory Courses on Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics, Physics, Programming + courses in Communication Skills and Languages
The Foundation Courses provide a broad and robust base for all the BS-MS programmes.
After successful completion of the foundation courses, students may opt for ONE of the five i2 Sciences programmes.
Year 3 & 4
Core Courses
Advanced Courses in the core discipline of the selected i2 Sciences stream.
The Foundation and Core courses together prepare students for Competitive Examinations and various National Eligibility Tests for doctoral studies in India and worldwide.
Thematic Courses
Interdisciplinary courses on topics in the associated thematic areas of the selected i2 Sciences stream.
The thematic courses are uniquely designed to impart advanced level education with interdisciplinary content and practical training.
Year 5
Research
Independent year-long research in partnership with industry and/or academic institutions.
Additional Content
Elective Courses
Courses allied to the core disciplines and thematic areas are offered as electives in years 3, 4 and 5.
General Courses
Courses in diverse areas such as Scientific Writing, Science Society and Ethics, Intellectual Property Rights, Entrepreneurship, Management Principles, Psychology, Anthropology, Music, Health, Economics, and Languages are offered in years 3, 4 and 5.
Internship
Training in national and international R&D laboratories (industry or academia).
Each academic year at IISER TVM is divided into 2 semesters (Vasant and Varsha) interspersed by the summer and winter breaks. The courses in the first four semesters (years 1 and 2) comprise the Foundation Courses, common to all BS-MS programmes offered by the Institute. The curriculum covers fundamentals of natural sciences, mathematics and computation along with courses that enrich language and scientific communication skills. Typically, each course consists of 3 hours of lectures per week, supplemented by a 1 hour tutorial held in small groups under the supervision of lecturers and dedicated teaching assistants. The laboratory-based courses are held in staggered batches to ensure adequate opportunities for all individuals to access instruments and other facilities.
At the end of the fourth semester (year 2), one can opt for any one of the five i2 Sciences streams. Years 3 and 4 comprise Core Courses in the chosen core discipline, that is, biology, chemistry, mathematics, physics and data sciences, and Thematic Courses in the respective thematic areas. Ample opportunities are offered in 3rd, 4th and 5th years to personalise one’s own unique learning experience by way of elective courses, which provide further expertise in niche areas.
The independent research project in semesters 9 and 10 (year 5) allows one to apply one’s training to tackle real problems of science, industry and society. Beyond the academic and technical expertise, opportunities exist to gain essential experience in project management, communication and presentation skills, and teamwork.
Credit Structure
Year
Semester
Credits
Courses
1 - 2
1 - 4
76
Foundation Courses
3 - 5
5 - 9
78
Core Courses
Thematic Courses
Elective Courses
3 - 5
5 - 8
6
General Courses
5
9 - 10
30
Research Project
Total Credits
190
Semester-wise division of courses and credits between Core – Thematic – Electives vary between the five i2 Sciences streams.
Click the links below to learn more about the curriculum of the foundation and the individual i2 Sciences streams.
i2 Biological Sciences - A programme for the Industry, Academia and more
Interdisciplinary training in Systems & Synthetic Biology and Precision Imaging & Medicine
Biology has been interwoven strongly as never before with other natural sciences and mathematics to address the issues relevant to human health and the environment. To tackle the ever-expanding questions in biology pertinent to health care, a new generation of innovative scientists who not only master biological sciences but also have more in-depth knowledge of other disciplines of natural sciences and mathematics are sought after globally. Interdisciplinary teaching, integrated with research is a high priority in Indian academia and world-wide.
This 5-Year degree program in Biological Sciences will offer a strong foundation of basic sciences and advanced training in core biological sciences and the rapidly emerging fields of next-generation biology. Students will obtain rigorous training in theory complemented with laboratory exercises in both core and thematic areas.
Content and Opportunities
Years 1 & 2: Foundation Courses - basic courses in physics, chemistry, biology, mathematics and computation.
The Foundation Courses form the broad and robust base for all the interdisciplinary BS-MS programmes.
Years 3 & 4: Core Biology Courses - cover the essential modern biology including Biochemistry, Genetics & Genomics, Cell & Molecular Biology, Microbiology, Immunology, Physiology, etc.
Together, the foundation and core courses provide the material for preparing for relevant National Eligibility Tests (NET) and competitive examinations in India and Ph.D. requirements worldwide.
Years 3 & 4: Thematic Courses - develop knowledge in the thematic areas of systems biology, synthetic biology, Imaging and personalized medicine, with adequate practical training.
Year 5: Independent research work in a specific area.
The flexible course structure provides one with an ample scope for choosing courses to engineer one’s personal experience with tailored outcomes and expertise. The learning experience is further enriched by national and international internships in industry and research laboratories.
Why should one opt for i2 Biological Sciences?
Training young scientists with passion for deciphering and unravelling the wonders of life with a sound scientific basis and interdisciplinary outlook is mandatory to meet challenges of the human society of future. Our program has been devised and structured with this objective. Its innovative curriculum that strikes an optimal balance of teaching modern biological sciences with adequate breadth in relevant interdisciplinary fields combined with full-time research. Students of our programme will be uniquely poised to pursue an advanced doctoral degree or confidently engage in next-generation health care and bio-inspired industries.
i2 Chemical Sciences - A programme for the Industry, Academia and more
Interdisciplinary training in Chemical Biology and Biomaterials
Chemistry, being the central science, plays a major role in different branches of science. The traditional boundaries betweenthe branches of science are fast changing! In the current scenario and in the near future, great research explorations and technology developments are expected to happen in the interdisciplinary areas of science. One of the important areas of future is the emergent new discipline, where chemistry, biology and materials science meet. To attract young and bright minds to this area and to equip the next generation of scientists with the necessary repertoire of skills to take up research in this challenging and highly rewarding area and to make professionally competent science practitioners. School of Chemistry offers an Integrated and Interdisciplinary Science course namely BS-MS in i2 Chemical Sciences.
This 5-Year degree program in chemical sciences will offer an unparalleled preparation for a range of satisfying careers in research, medicine and industry. The curriculum is primarily centred on practical teaching in a research environment. Along with advanced theoretical studies, original research is pursued in world-class laboratories under the mentorship of leading experts of the field.
Content and Opportunities
Years 1 & 2: Foundation Courses - basic courses in physics, chemistry, biology, mathematics and computation.
The Foundation Courses form the broad and robust base for all the interdisciplinary BS-MS program.
Years 3 & 4: Core Chemistry Courses - Core courses in physical, organic and inorganic chemistry.
The course is centered in chemistry curriculum and has been designed to equip the students for clearing important national and international level competitive exams in Chemistry.
Years 3 & 4: Thematic Courses - develop knowledge in the thematic areas of Chemical Biology and Materials. Students have the option of choosing electives in the 4th year to specialize in the thematic track.
Year 5: Independent research work in a specific area.
The flexible course structure provides one with an ample scope for choosing courses to engineer one’s personal experience with tailored outcomes and expertise. The learning experience is further enriched by national and international internships in industry and research laboratories.
Why should one opt for i2 Chemical Sciences?
The highlight of this programme are the internships at reputed industries engaged in such research and product development related to this interdisciplinary area. The programme will provide one a proper base for graduate studies in these interdisciplinary areas. Students will acquire the in-depth lab experience and theoretical knowledge that elite employers look for and establish a network in pharma, medicine and academia that will help their career progress. This programme provides a number of opportunities both in India and abroad that includes academic research (doctoral and postdoctoral), medical research, private sector research and development, patent office and regulatory bodies, sales etc.
i2 Data Sciences - A programme for the Industry, Academia and more
Interdisciplinary training inData Science as applied to Natural Sciences
The i2 Data Sciences programme is designed to train data science professionals whose skills are honed to meet the demands of data analytics, especially in natural sciences. These trained individuals are not only expected to fill the anticipated demand for such professionals but are also foreseen to bring value addition to their chosen fields using their background in research and innovation.
This 5-Year programme aims to provide the highest level of interdisciplinary education in science and technology to students and to produce competent, creative and imaginative data scientists with a strong foundation. It aims to provide hands-on training on real-time projects related to research topics in science and technology.
Content and Opportunities
Years 1 & 2: Foundation Courses - basic courses in physics, chemistry, biology, mathematics and computation.
Years 3 & 4: Core Data Science Courses - Fundamentals of mathematics, computer science and data sciences.
Years 3 & 4: Thematic Courses - develop knowledge in the thematic areas such as machine learning, artificial intelligence, big data analytics, machine learning and other applications of data sciences.
Year 5: Independent research work in a specific area.
The flexible course structure provides one with ample scope for choosing courses to the satisfaction of one’s personal experience with tailored outcomes and expertise. The learning experience is further enriched by national and international internships in industry and research laboratories.
Why should one opt for i2 Data Sciences?
This programme trains one to understand and analyse large datasets. Modern science, technology and even social life, are getting increasingly data-driven. Progress in each field is closely tied to one's ability to collect, analyse, assimilate and gain a better understanding of a large amount of data. Data science has emerged in recent years as a discipline of its own with the development of new tools, techniques, algorithms and mathematics to work with data at large scales. These enabling tools and techniques allow for deriving insights from complex and unstructured data, which helps in solving real-world problems. Scientific research in diverse fields ranging from cosmology and particle physics to ecology and genetics routinely produce very large data sets of varying complexity and structure. Application of the techniques of data science to these data sets leads to a better understanding of natural phenomena, pushing the frontier forward in data sciences.
i2 Mathematical Sciences - A programme for the Industry, Academia and more
Interdisciplinary training in Mathematical Modelling and Scientific Computing
Mathematics is the language of science. Traditionally, disciplines such as physics and engineering have strongly relied on mathematics to describe natural phenomena or even to design a machine. On the other hand, disciplines such as life sciences and chemical sciences were considered to be less mathematical. However, last few decades have seen a paradigm shift in how problems in life sciences or chemical sciences are perceived and studied. Progressively, the boundaries between various disciplines are getting blurred and practice of science and technology are becoming interdisciplinary in nature. At this juncture, mathematics has become absolutely indispensable for science and technology, simply because mathematics is the only language by which different areas of science can correspond with each other.
The proposed programme, i2 Mathematical Sciences, is designed such a way that it does justice to both phrases namely, “integrated” and “interdisciplinary”. On one hand, the programme integrates the knowledge of foundation in abstract mathematics with applications, on the other hand, the interdisciplinary nature of the program provides one with an ability to understand and adapt to the necessities and challenges of other disciplines. This programme aims to provide broad yet rigorous training in areas of mathematics and computer science related to mathematical modelling and scientific computing.
Content and Opportunities
Years 1 & 2: Foundation Courses - basic courses in physics, chemistry, mathematics, biology and computation.
The Foundation Courses form the broad and robust base for all the interdisciplinary BS-MS programmes.
Years 3 & 4: Core Mathematics Courses - develop strong base in the classical areas, e.g. in Algebra, Topology, Analysis, Applied Analysis, Probability and Statistics.
Together, the foundation and core courses provide the material for preparing for relevant National Eligibility Tests (NET) and competitive examinations in India and Ph.D. requirements worldwide.
Years 3 & 4: Thematic Courses - develop knowledge in the thematic areas of mathematical modelling and scientific computing, integrated with the modern techniques of applied statistics, machine learning, and applications of data sciences.
Years 3 & 4: Elective Courses - help to build expertise in specific application domains, e.g. market and finance, atmospheric sciences, biological sciences.
Year 5: Independent research work in a specific area.
The flexible course structure provides one with an ample scope for choosing courses to engineer one’s personal experience with tailored outcomes and expertise. The learning experience is further enriched by national and international internships in industry and research laboratories.
Why should one opt for i2 Mathematical Sciences?
This programme in mathematical sciences will generate a pool of experts, who can survive and excel in an industrial as well as academic environment. Among industry- and market- based career options, one can think of, to name a few, finance and banking sectors, software development, environment and climate change, big data analysis, bioinformatics, etc. For the academically-inclined, this program also offers an excellent opportunity and provides the mathematical foundation to pursue research in pure or applied mathematics or various other related and interdisciplinary areas such as physical sciences, environmental sciences, etc.
i2 Physical Sciences - A programme for the Industry, Academia and more
Interdisciplinary training in Materials, Devices, Energy, and Modelling
Physics is a branch of science that describes the workings of the natural world from the smallest sub-nuclear particles to the largest cosmological structures. This programme on integrated and interdisciplinary physics (i2 Physical Sciences) is designed for the passionate and inquisitive minds that long to comprehend the tangible and intangible aspects of the physical world. It aims to enable further applications of physics in areas that are of relevance today and will be in future.
The 5-Year degree programme in i2 Physical Sciences offers an integrated foundation in mathematics and natural sciences along with rigorous training in both classical and modern physics. Further, training is imparted in the art of scientific methodology, honing skills in critical thinking and analysis of complex phenomena. The programme’s interdisciplinary scope – both in supplementing the core expertise in physics and enabling applications to diverse areas will equip one with flexible skill set to adapt, manage and respond to the evolving demands of science and technology.
Content and Opportunities
Years 1 & 2: Foundation Courses - basic courses in physics, chemistry, biology, mathematics and computation.
Years 3 & 4: Core Physics Courses - fundamentals of modern physics, quantum mechanics, statistical physics, condensed matter, electronics etc.
Years 3 - 5: Thematic Courses - develop knowledge in the thematic areas of materials, energy and devices, integrated with the modern techniques of scientific computing and analysis like finite element method and machine learning, and applications of data sciences.
Years 3 - 5: Electives - Either gain further knowledge in pure physics like electrodynamics, particle physics, quantum field theory, cosmology, etc. or pursue courses closer to the thematic areas like sensor technology, chemical kinetics, machine learning, etc.
Year 5: Independent research work in a specific area.
The flexible course structure provides one with ample scope of choosing courses to engineer one’s personal experience with tailored outcomes and expertise. The learning experience is further enriched by national and international internships in industry and research laboratories.
Why should one opt for i2 Physical Sciences?
This programme trains one for broad labour market – oriented towards research, development and analysis that requires expertise in the physical sciences and computation. Potential career pathways include education, research and planning in areas like devices and sensors, energy materials, environment and climate change and other technical portfolios in bioinformatics, finance, telecommunications, information technology, process development, etc. In spite of the distinct interdisciplinary flavour, the curriculum ensures a robust base that is required for pursuing doctoral programmes in pure or applied physics, computational physics, astronomy, meteorology, biophysics, etc.
Admission to the i2 Sc programme is common with the joint BS-MS admissions of all IISERs.
Candidates who have passed 10+2 or equivalent level examination with science stream in 2019 or 2020 are eligible to apply for admissions. Candidates will be admitted to IISERs only through the following three channels.
Kishore Vaigyanik Protsahan Yojana (KVPY) channel
Joint Entrance Examination (JEE-Advanced) of the Indian Institutes of Technology
State and Central Boards Channel (SCB)
Indian nationals and students belonging to PIO or OCI category are eligible to apply subject to them satisfying the advertised eligibility criteria.
At the end of the first two years, students may opt for joining any ONE of the five streams of the i2 Sciences programme,
i2 Biological Sciences
i2 Chemical Sciences
i2 Mathematical Sciences
i2 Physical Sciences
i2 Data Sciences
Final selection to the above streams will be based on competition between all candidates who opt for each of the streams. Selection will be based on the performance of the candidates in the Foundation Courses with weightage given to performance in the courses relevant to the core discipline of the stream opted for. Currently, the maximum number of students that can be admitted is restricted to 15 each for i2 Physical Sciences, i2 Chemical Sciences, i2 Biological Sciences and i2 Mathematical Sciences, and 20 for i2 Data Sciences.
A brainstorming ‘Open House’ was conducted with the participation of the students and faculty members of IISER TVM, and some of the leading scientists of the country with diverse academic backgrounds and interests. The curricula of the i2 Science programme and the course syllabi have accordingly been perfected based on objective analysis and inputs by the expert members. Following are some comments by the expert members during deliberations:
Expert Panel Members
Prof R Karandikar
Director, Chennai Mathematical Institute
Prof I Manna
Ex-Director, CGCRI Ex-Director, IIT Kanpur
Prof M R S Rao
Ex-President, JNCASR Ex-BOG Chair, IISER TVM
Prof J Iqbal
Ex-Director, NIIST Ex-Director, Institute of Life Sciences
Prof D D Sarma
IISc, Bangalore
Prof Amit Mitra
Dean, IIT Kanpur
Prof Neela Nataraj
Professor-in-Charge IITB - Monash Academy
Prof J N Moorthy
Director, IISER TVM
"Extremely good idea - traditional education did not fully serve the purpose of serving Industry or Society" --- Prof. Javed Iqbal
"Initiative highly desirable ..." --- Prof. Rajeeva Karandikar
"Absolutely needed, no doubt about it. Considerable advantage in having the BS-MS i2 Sc programme students performing research projects of interdisciplinary nature ..." --- Prof. Indranil Manna
"...very impressive, ambitious and relevant to society" --- Prof. Vijayakumar
"Serious effort... a programme that is socially relevant. Interdisciplinary research is key across the world." --- Prof. D. D. Sarma
For general FAQs for BS-MS programmes please visit IISER FAQs page at the link below;
Admission of the first batch of students will be in 2020. See http://www.iiseradmission.in for further details and timeline. However, allotment to the i2 Sciences streams will happen only after the completion of the first two years of foundation courses.
Q2: Can I opt for the i2 Sciences programme if I am studying at any IISER?
No. You have to be enrolled as a BS-MS student at IISER TVM to opt for the i2 Sciences programme.
Q3: How many seats are available for admission to the various i2 Sciences streams?
The maximum number of students that can be allotted in the various streams are 15 each for i2 Physical Sciences, i2 Chemical Sciences, i2 Biological Sciences and i2 Mathematical Sciences, and 20 for i2 Data Sciences.
Q4: Can I apply to more than one i2 Sciences streams after the foundation courses?
Yes. However, allotment will be based on the performance in the foundation courses, with weightage given to performance in the courses relevant to the core discipline of the stream opted for.
Q5: How do I ensure admission to a particular i2 Sciences stream?
Maintaining a good grade point average (GPA) throughout the foundation courses gives you a good chance of getting your preferred choice of i2 Sciences stream.
Q6: At the end of the programme which degree will be offered?
BS-MS dual degree will be offered, mentioning the specialisation of the core discipline. e.g. Biological Sciences (Integrated and Interdisciplinary).
Q7: Does the fee structure of i2 Sciences programme differ from the regular BS-MS programme?
No, the fee structure is the same as the existing BS-MS programme.
Q8: Will my INSPIRE scholarship continue if I join i2 Sciences streams?
Yes, it will continue as long as you satisfy the INSPIRE scholarship award/eligibility criteria.
Q9: What is the language of instruction for the courses?
The medium of instruction for all technical courses is English. There are opportunities for improving your language and communications skills as a part of the foundation courses.
Q10: How do I clarify my questions or doubts?
To clarify your doubts before you join IISER TVM email your questions to isquare@iisertvm.ac.in. After you have joined the Institute you can contact course instructors or the Academic Section for clarifications.
Q11: Will internship/research project/placement opportunities be provided by IISER TVM?
IISER TVM will facilitate interactions with industry partners and research laboratories across the world to explore internships, research projects and placements.
