Third Year UG Interviews

A series of interviews conducted by Rahul, a third-year undergraduate at IISc, featuring fellow students across different majors, unveils the beauty and the beast… of what is happening in the lives of third-year UGs. It offers insights into academics, but also their motivation and interest in research, as well as friendships and non-academic activities, which still make the most of it.

Seven of them were interviewed across different disciplines: Saumy, Shreya, and Jay from Physics; Aditya from Biology; Mohana and Vamsi from Materials; Dattabhasvant (fondly known as Datta) from Mathematics; and Amogh from Chemistry. As the course structure dictates, they have a thesis in the fourth year. Thus, they are on the brink of starting what is perhaps the soul of research. They also have specific fields of interest: Saumy specializing in quantum computing, Mohana interested in semiconductors and nanoscience, Aditya working in bioengineering — specifically on delivering immunotherapeutic drugs with minimal side effects and timed release — Shreya primarily interested in astrophysics and also pursuing a quantum technology minor, Jay planning to go on with either astronomy or theoretical cosmology, Datta still exploring the beauty of Mathematics, Amogh interested in inorganic and physical chemistry with a focus on catalysis and spectroscopy, and Vamsi interested in nanoscience.

When asked about their perspective on the previous semesters and how they feel about Blackboard courses no longer becoming a major part of their semesters, their responses were quite mixed. In Saumy’s words, the courses and exams have been “pretty chill”, but the labs were “pretty hectic!” He says, “Earlier, we used to have labs from 2 to 5 every day; you had to spend your time in the lab, and I didn’t like that. I moved towards the theoretical side, so right now, things are more relaxed.”

“So far, we’ve had a lot of coursework and some heavy lab work. Moving into actual research — coming up with project ideas and performing experiments — will be a whole new challenge, but I’m looking forward to it,” says Amogh. Personally speaking, this is something we have longed for when labs bang a protocol on you: “When will I design an experiment by myself?”

Aditya admits that he indubitably loves the labs much more than coursework. “Frankly, I’m happy to be done with coursework. I think the coursework at IISc is quite redundant,” says Aditya. In his opinion, many professors focus on their own specialised research. “The work often doesn’t align with the course title or description, and they pile four credits worth of work into two-credit courses. It ends up being a lot of stress,” he adds.

Certainly, all of them were happy that the credit requirements were met or would be met soon, but some perspectives are worth mentioning. “The coursework is okay, but I would definitely like more variety in the courses”, Mohana says excitedly, indicating her plan of exploring more courses. Curiosity is the biggest power driving people in science. She also insists that she found some overlaps in her previous courses; while that helps in establishing an overall coherence, it also leads to the repetition of the same coursework often. Datta points out that now he would be converging to his likes — no more studying four different topics!

Science is strange because you need focus to be a good scientist, but also you need variety and interdisciplinarity in ideas to be a great one. The dynamics of theory and application are like opposite charges — they together bring science into being. It’s philosophically beautiful when you realize that all we do in life is balance.

Let’s see what their plan is for staying with research.

“I’m definitely looking forward to it,” says Aditya. “Whether working here or outside IISc, research has been the most rewarding. I feel like the best learning happens when you’re reading papers and applying that knowledge in your work. Practical research stays with you because you can apply it!”

“My interest in research has only grown because of the projects,” says Jay.

“My perspective on research has changed in a positive way since the middle of my fifth semester. Initially, I wasn’t too keen on pursuing a PhD, but the more maths I did, the more I realized it’s the direction,” Datta affirms. Research is truly something you never know unless you are into it.

Amogh admits, “Research has been one of my favourite parts of my time at IISc, and it’s a vital part of our degree as well. I’m looking forward to my thesis and continuing with research in the future.”

Saumy says, “If I’m being rather honest, I’m more inclined toward the industry side.” “I’m not trying to run away from the field yet,” Mohana says lightly. Vamsi shows an interest in UPSC, indicating a probable shift in his field in the future. He also mentions that he would be eligible for the Prelims next year, that is, while being in his fourth year.

Summer internships are certainly a vital thing for us at IISc. Generally, the stir-ups about summer begin around the middle of every even semester, but primarily, the third-year summer is prime time. Some choose hands-on experience in cutting-edge ideas, while some read newer topics — in IISc or outside, maybe in India or abroad.

The process of application for a summer internship was primarily described as tough by many. Factors like CGPA, exposure to different fields, availability of funding, etc., altogether form the paraphernalia. One needs to mail professors all around, providing statements of purpose and furnished CVs — in simple words, it’s tough! However, there are lots of uncertainties leading to popular misbeliefs. As Aditya mentions, it’s almost a rumour that it’s the GPA that matters — maybe true to some extent — but most institutions, especially abroad, are keen to look for your skills, not only your GPA.

Struggle is life. What matters is whether one’s motivation is resilient enough. Well, there is another greater part of our life; friends, pals, comrades, companions, and fellows. In A.P.J. Abdul Kalam’s words, “A good book is the equivalent of a friend, but a good friend is the equivalent of a library.”

‘Many great discoveries were by mistakes; many great inventions were by ignorance, and many great ideas were discussed for the first time on evening walks.’ There is really no way of defining how an ideal scientist is built. There was Paul Dirac, who spoke less than five words in an hour; there was Werner Heisenberg, too — inevitably the best dancer at a ball. Einstein used to play the violin, whereas S.N. Bose was a great Esraj player — but he was an even greater scientist.

This is a genuine reflection of the undergraduates — sometimes an appraisal, sometimes an outburst. Nevertheless, these small talks bring a lot to ponder on the big table — from bioengineering to quantum technology, through lavish snooker to passionate music and across mild walk-and-talks to rejoicing lawn tennis — it spans the diverse demeanour of the most vibrant part of the campus residents. It also brings about a critical response to the course, which would surely help thrive and enrich the preamble upon which it was designed.