Physics

The Department of Physics of Ramnarain Ruia Autonomous College came into existence in 1937, the same year the college was established.

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Physics

About Us

The Physics Department of Ramnarain Ruia Autonomous College was established in 1937, the year the college was founded, and has since grown into a strong centre for teaching and research. Over the years, the department has produced many distinguished alumni who have excelled in science and academia. These include Dr. Kasturirangan, former Chairman of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO); Dr. Ajit Kembhavi, former Director of the Inter-University Centre for Astronomy and Astrophysics (IUCAA); Dr. S. B. Patel, former Head and Professor at the Centre for Excellence in Basic Sciences (CBS); and Dr. Vaibhav Prabhu Desai, Scientist at the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (TIFR). The department also takes pride in alumni such as Dr. Ruta Kale, Associate Professor (G) at the National Centre for Radio Astrophysics (NCRA); Dr. Nissim Kanekar, Professor and DST J.C. Bose Fellow at NCRA Pune; and Dr. Aniket Sule, Associate Professor (G) at the Homi Bhabha Centre for Science Education (HBCSE), TIFR.

The department runs a Ph.D. Research Centre with a sanctioned capacity of six doctoral students under two recognized research guides. It is also involved in funded research projects supported by major national agencies including the Department of Biotechnology (DBT), Department of Science and Technology (DST), University Grants Commission (UGC), and the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR).

Department Features

The Physics Department is one of the six departments of Ramnarain Ruia Autonomous College to receive the STAR Department Status after the successful completion of the Star College Scheme. Our faculty members have carried out exemplary research and have completed several projects funded by the UGC and the University of Mumbai.

For the past many years, the department has been organizing the annual festival “INFINITY”, where students design working models to demonstrate fundamental physics concepts under the guidance of teachers. The festival attracts students and teachers from various colleges and receives an overwhelming response every year.

The Physics Forum is an active student-led group comprising UG and PG students. It regularly organizes guest lectures by eminent personalities from higher education institutions. The forum has successfully conducted lectures by faculty members from TIFR and BARC, providing valuable exposure to advanced research and scientific discussions.

The department is equipped with a comprehensive range of modern technological tools designed to enrich the academic environment. These include smart touchscreen interactive televisions that support dynamic demonstrations and visual learning; ICT-enabled classrooms that facilitate multimedia teaching, digital content delivery, and blended learning; and an upgraded departmental library offering enhanced access to reference materials, e-resources, and research support. Together, these facilities significantly elevate the overall teaching–learning experience and align the department with contemporary educational standards.

The department maintains two dedicated laboratories for UG and PG programmes, each equipped with state-of-the-art facilities to support advanced experimental learning and research. The laboratories house major experimental setups such as the Zeeman Effect, Electron Spin Resonance (ESR), Hall Effect, Four-Probe Method, and a holography system with a vibration-free optical bench, enabling precise and high-quality measurements.

In addition, the department is well-equipped with essential electronic instrumentation, including Cathode Ray Oscilloscopes (CROs), Digital Storage Oscilloscopes (DSOs), and Digital Signal Generators, ensuring robust support for experiments in electronics and modern physics.

To promote a strong research culture, the college has established the Dr. Ramanathan Advanced Instrumentation Centre, equipped with advanced instruments such as FTIR, UV, HPLC, HPTLC, Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy, GC, GC–MS, and Differential Scanning Calorimetry. These facilities are extensively used by physics students for material characterization during research work.

Mission

• Impart quality education and encourage scientific temper within our students.

• Apply theoretical knowledge with practical skills.

• Encourage basic and applied research in technically related fields.

• Provide access to all fragments of the subject to pursue higher education.

• Inculcate moral values and principles among students.

• Hasten the process of generating a knowledgeable society.

• To organize and sustain efficient operating systems in the department for realization     of our objectives as an institute of excellence.

• To develop policy in the department for constant improvement.

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Best Practices

The department fosters a strong culture of academic excellence, research engagement, and experiential learning through the following initiatives:

  • An annual end-of-year exhibition-cum-competition provides a platform for UG students to showcase their projects and cultivate project-based learning skills.
  • Students undertake research-driven projects under the mentorship of experienced faculty in specialized areas such as nanotechnology, material science, spintronics, electronics.
  • Faculty members and students actively present their research outcomes at national and international conferences, contributing to global scientific discourse.
  • Seminars are mandatory for T.Y.B.Sc. and M.Sc. students, ensuring consistent academic engagement with both theoretical and practical components of the curriculum.
  • The syllabus is reviewed and updated annually to align with evolving academic standards and advancements in the field.
  • The department regularly hosts expert lectures delivered by distinguished scientists from premier institutions such as BARC and TIFR, offering students valuable exposure to current developments in physics.
  • Alumni pursuing higher education in Germany, the U.S.A., the U.K., and Europe actively engage with the department by providing guidance and mentorship to B.Sc. and M.Sc. students.

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Activities of the Department

  • Seminars, guest lectures and curriculum-enrichment workshops conducted regularly.
  • Bridge courses and remedial sessions arranged for academic support.
  • Flipped classroom approach implemented in practical sessions for better engagement.
  • Student seminars based on practical experiments to enhance analytical and presentation skills.
  • Research activities strengthened through collaborations with Tata Institute of Fundamental Research and BARC, enabling joint academic work, internships and project opportunities.
  • Annual Physics Festival INFINITY organized to promote creativity, scientific thinking and student participation.
  • Educational tours, industrial visits and scientific film screenings for broader exposure.
  • PCB Designing Course offered using Proteus Professional and KiCad software.
  • Students and faculty achievements highlighted through awards, publications and recognitions.
  • Orientation programmes, farewell events and alumni interactions held annually to strengthen departmental community.
  • Large number of student participation every year in the National Graduate Physics Examination (NGPE).

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Message from Head of Department

Welcome to the Department of Physics at Ramnarain Ruia Autonomous College. Department started its journey in 1937, right from the inception of the college. Over the last 8 decades, focus of the department shifted from Nuclear Physics, Spectroscopy to Electronics and now Nanotechnology. Department offers B.Sc. Physics program with applied components at T.Y.B.Sc. which prepares students for advanced courses in Electronics and Nanotechnology. We offer M.Sc. Physics program with electives as Microcontrollers and Embedded systems – RTOS. The course contents are periodically updated. We have Ph. D. Program in Nanotechnology, Textile physics and allied fields.

Our Team

Prof. Dr Nana Pradhan

Prof. Dr Nana Pradhan

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Dr. Bhupesh Mude

Dr. Bhupesh Mude

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Mr. Devendra Chavan

Mr. Devendra Chavan

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Dr. Onkar A Ramdasi

Dr. Onkar A Ramdasi

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Dr. Shireen Gangal

Dr. Shireen Gangal

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