VTU PhD Entrance Test Basic Science Syllabus 2021

Research Methodology

PART - I

UNIT - 1

Research Methodology:

Introduction, Meaning of Research, Objectives of Research, Types of Research, Research Approaches, Significance of Research, Research Methods versus Methodology, Research and Scientific Method, Research Process, Criteria of Good Research, Problems Encountered by Researchers in India. Defining the Research Problem: Research Problem, Selecting the Problem, Necessity of Defining the Problem, Technique Involved in Defining a Problem.

 

UNIT - 2

Reviewing the literature:

Place of the literature review in research, Bringing clarity and focus to research problem, Improving research methodology, Broadening knowledge base in research area, Enabling contextual findings, Review of the literature, searching the existing literature, reviewing the selected literature, Developing a theoretical framework, Developing a conceptual framework, Writing about the literature reviewed. Research Design: Meaning of Research Design, Need for Research Design, Features of a Good Design, Important Concepts Relating to Research Design, Different Research Designs, Basic Principles of Experimental Designs, Important Experimental Designs.

 

UNIT - 3

Design of Sample Surveys:

Design of Sampling: Introduction, Sample Design, Sampling and Non-sampling Errors, Sample Survey versus Census Survey, Types of Sampling Designs. Measurement and Scaling: Qualitative and Quantitative Data, Classifications of Measurement Scales, Goodness of Measurement Scales, Sources of Error in Measurement, Techniques of Developing Measurement Tools, Scaling, Scale Classification Bases, Scaling Technics, Multidimensional Scaling, Deciding the Scale. Data Collection: Introduction, Experimental and Surveys, Collection of Primary Data, Collection of Secondary Data, Selection of Appropriate Method for Data Collection, Case Study Method.

 

UNIT – 4

Data Preparation:

Data Preparation Process, Some Problems in Preparation Process, Missing Values and Outliers, Types of Analysis, Statistics in Research. Descriptive Statistics: Measures of Central Tendency, Measures of Dispersion, Measures of Skegness, Kurtosis, Measures of Relationship, Association in case of Attributes, Other Measures.

 

UNIT - 5

Sampling and Statistical Inference:

Parameters and Statistic, Sampling and Non- Sampling Errors, Sampling Distribution, Degree of Freedom, Standard Error, Central Limit Theorem, Finite Population Correction, Statistical Inference.

 

UNIT - 6

Testing of Hypotheses:

Hypothesis, Basic Concepts Concerning Testing of Hypotheses, Testing of Hypothesis, Test Statistics and Critical Region, Critical Value and Decision Rule, Procedure for Hypothesis Testing, Hypothesis Testing for Mean, Proportion, Variance, for Difference of Two Mean, for Difference of Two Proportions, for Difference of Two Variances, P-Value approach, Power of Test, Limitations of the Tests of Hypothesis. Chi-square Test: Test of Difference of more than Two Proportions, Test of Independence of Attributes, Test of Goodness of Fit, Caution in Using Chi Square Tests.

 

UNIT – 7

Analysis of Variance (ANOVA):

The ANOVA Technique, Basic Principle of ANOVA, One way ANOVA, Two way ANOVA, Latin – square Design, Analysis of Co- Variance, Assumptions in Co-Variance.

 

UNIT – 8

Linear Regression Analysis:

Dependent and Independent Variables, Simple Linear Regression Model, Multiple Linear Regression Model, Problem of Multicolinearity, Qualitative Explanatory Variables. Factor Analysis: The Mathematical Basis, Important Methods of Factor Analysis, Rotation in Factor Analysis, R – Type and Q – Type Factor Analysis, Merits and Demerits of Factor Analysis.

 

UNIT – 9

Probability:

Random Experiments, Sample Spaces, Events, The Concept of Probability, The Axiomsof Probability, Theorems on Probability, Assignment of Probabilities, Conditional Probability, Theorems on Conditional Probability, Independent Events, Bayes’Theorem. Random Variables, Discrete Probability Distributions, Distribution Functions for RandomVariables, Distribution Functions for Discrete Random Variables, Continuous Random Variables, Graphical Interpretations, Joint Distributions Independent Random Variables, Change of Variables, Probability Distributions of Functions of Random Variables, Convolutions, Conditional Distributions.

 

UNIT - 10

The Binomial Distribution, Properties of the Binomial Distribution, The Normal Distribution, Properties of the Normal Distribution, Relation Between Binomial and Normal Distributions, The Poisson Distribution, Properties of the Poisson Distribution, Relation Between the Binomial andPoisson Distributions, Relation Between the Poisson and Normal Distributions, The Hypergeometric Distribution.

 

Reference Books:

(1) Research Methodology Methods and Techniques, C.R. Kothari, Gaurav Garg, New Age International Publishers,4th Edition, 2019.

(2) Research Methodology a step-by-step guide for beginners, Ranjit Kumar, SAGE Publications Ltd, 3rd Edition, 2011. [For Unit -2, Reviewing the Literature]

(3)Probability and Statistics, Murray R. Spiegel, Schaum’s Outline Series, McGraw-Hill, 4th Edition, 2013.[For Unit -9 and Unit – 10]

Basic Science

Part II

Inorganic Chemistry

Unit 1

Atomic structure and periodic properties:

Quantum numbers and their significance, radial and angular probability, shapes of orbitals, relative energies of atomic orbitals as a function of atomic number. Electronic configurations of elements; Aufbau principle, Hund's multiplicity rule, Pauli’s exclusion principle. Periodic classification of elements, salient characteristics of s,p,d and f block elements. Periodic trends of atomic radii, ionic radii, ionization potential, electron affinity and electronegativity in the periodic table.

 

Unit 2

Errors:

Classification, minimization of determinate errors, accuracy and precision. Significant figures and their computations.

 

Organic Chemistry

Unit 3

Bond cleavage –

homolytic and heterolytic. Types of reagents – electrophilic and nucleophilic reagents. Reactive intermediates - generation and relative stabilities of carbocation, carbanion, carbon free radicals and carbines – explanation for stability and based on inductive, resonance and hyperconjugation effects.

 

Unit 4

Types of reactions -

addition, substitution and elimination. Concept of isomerism – Structural isomerism, stereo isomerism - geometrical and optical isomerism.

Chemistry of Aliphatic and aromatic Hydrocarbons Alkanes:

Sources, Nomenclature of branched chain alkanes, preparation of symmetrical and Unsymmetrical alkanes- Corey- House reaction and Wurtz reaction - their merits and Demerits.

Cycloalkanes:

Nomenclature. Method of formation. Explanation for stability based on Hydrogenation data, Baeyer’s strain theory and its limitation, Sachse -Mohr theory of strainless rings; cyclopropane ring - banana bonds.

Alkenes:

Preparation of alkenes by Wittig reaction-stereo selectivity. Addition of HX to unsymmetrical alkene - Markownikov’s rule and Antimarkownikov’s rule with Mechanism. Reactions: Hydroboration- oxidation, reduction.

Alkynes:

Methods of preparation - Dehydrohalogenation of vicinal and geminal dihalides; and higher alkynes from terminal alkynes. Reactions - metal ammonia reduction – significance. Oxidation with KMnO4, acidic nature of terminal synthesis and reactions of alcohols, phenols Amines & Aldehydes & ketones. Aromaticity ;Huckel's rule; electrophilic aromatic substitution-nitration, sulphonation, halogenation (nuclear and side chain), Friedel-Crafts alkylation and acylation, substituents effect.

 

Physical Chemistry

Unit 5

Thermodynamics :

Deviation of real gases from the equation of state for an ideal gas, van der Waals and Virial equation of state, critical phenomena, principle of corresponding states, equation for reduced state. Liquification of gases, distribution of molecular speed, collisions between molecules in a gas; mean free path, specific heat of gases. Spontaneity of a process, entropy and entropy changes in various processes, free energy functions, criteria for equilibrium, relation between equilibrium constant and thermodynamic quantities.

 

Unit 6

Phase rule and its applications :

Equilibrium between liquid, solid and vapours of a pure substance, Clausius-Clapeyron equation and its applications. Number of components, phases and degrees of freedom; phase rule and its applications; simple systems with one (water ) and two components (lead-silver). Distribution law, its modifications, limitations and applications.

 

Unit 7

Solutions :

Solubility and its temperature dependence, partially miscible liquids, upper and lower critical solution temperatres, vapour pressures of liquids over their mixtures, Raoult's and Henry's laws, fractional and steam distillations. Applied Chemistry

 

Unit 8

Instrumental Methods of Analysis:

UV-visible spectrophotometry, NMR and ESR pectroscopy, mass spectrometry. Chromatography including GC and HPLC. Electroanalytical methods- polarography, cyclic voltammetry, ion-selective electrodes. Thermoanalytical methods.

 

Unit 9

Organic and Inorganic Polymers:

Differences between inorganic and organic polymers. Polymerisation: types: addition and condensation polymerization, Molecular weight of Polymers: Expression for Weight average and Number average (experimental determination is not required) Preparation and applications of the following types of polymers

1. Plastics:

i) Thermosetting plastics (Phenol-formaldehyde)

ii) Thermo softening plastics (PVC)

2. Fibers: Acrylic, polyamide, polyester types: one example for each

3. Rubber: Neoprene,

4. Fluoro Carbons: Teflon

5. Silicones.

 

Unit 10

Environmental Chemistry:

Air pollution, types of air pollutants; control of air and water pollution Depletion of ozone in the stratosphere. Causes and remedial measures. The green-house effect and its consequences. Acid rain, photochemical smog. Treatment of sewage and industrial effluents. Disposal of radioactive wastes.

 

Reference Books:

1. Concise Inorganic Chemistry, J.D. Lee, Fifth Edition, John Wiley and Sons Ltd.

2. Advanced Inorganic Chemistry - Vol. 1 & Vol. 2, Satya Prakash etal, S. Chand Publication.

3. Organic Chemistry, Morrison and Boyd, Sixth Edition, Pearson Publication.

4. Physical Chemistry, Peter Atkins and Julio de Paula,10th Edition, Oxford Publication.

5. Fundamentals of Analytical Chemistry, Skoog etal, 8th Edition, Thomson Publishers.

6. Polymer Science, V. R. Gowariker etal, Third Edition, New Age International Publishers.

7. Environmental Chemistry, Anil K. De, 9th Edition, New Age International Publishers.

Basic Science

Part II

Unit 1

LINEAR ALGERBRA

Matrices and determinants, Inverse of a matrix, rank of a matrix, consistency of a system of linear equations. Eigen values and eigen vectors

 

Unit 2

DIFFERENTIAL CALCULUS:

polar curves, angle between polar curves. Partial differentiation, maximum and minimum for function of single and two variables. Curvature and radius of curvature Taylor’s and Maclaurin’s expansion for a function of single variable. Indeterminate forms.

 

Unit 3

VECTOR CALCULUS:

Vector Differentiation-Scalar and vector point functions, Gradient of a scalar field, divergence and curl of a vector field. Vector integration-Green’s theorem in the plane, Stokes and Gauss Divergence theorems

 

Unit 4 INTEGRAL CALCULUS:

Multiple integrals. Beta and gamma functions. Length, Area, Volume using multiple integrals.

 

Unit 5

ORDINARY DIFFERENTIAL EQUATIONS

Solutions of first order and first-degree differential equations (Exact and reducible to exact differential equations)., Linear differential equations of higher order with constant coefficients-inverse differential operator, Cauchy’s and Legendre’s DE’s

 

Unit 6

PARTIAL DIFFERENTIAL EQUATIONS:

Formation of Partial differential equations (PDE). Solution of PDE: by direct integration, homogeneous and non-homogeneous with constant coefficients. Classification of second order Partial differential equations.

 

Unit 7

a) Infinite Series: Convergence and divergence of series of positive terms, tests for convergence-ratio test and root test, problems.

b) Fourier Series: Dirichlet’s conditions. Expansions of Periodic functions into Fourier series, Half range Fourier series

 

Unit 8 INTEGRAL TRANSFORM:

Laplace Transforms, & Fourier Transforms

 

Unit 9

NUMERICAL METHODS

Finite differences-Interpolation using Newton’s forward and backward difference formulae. Interpolation with unequal intervals- Lagrange’s formulae. Numerical differentiation using Newton’s forward and backward difference formulae. Numerical Integration-Simpson’s one-third, three-eighth and Weddles rule. Solutions of first order ODE’s- Euler’s modified method, Runge-Kutta fourth order method,

 

Unit 10

STATISTICS AND PROBABILITY

Correlation and regression,. Probability : Recap of Random Variables. Discrete probability distributions- Binomial, Poisson and Geometric distributions; Continuous probability distributions-Exponential and Normal.

 

Reference Books:

1. Higher Engineering Mathematics – Dr. B.S. Grewal (37th Edition)

2. Elementary Engineering Mathematics- Dr. B.S. Grewal

3. Advanced Engineering Mathematics –Erwin Kreyszig

4. Introduction to Numerical Analysis –S.S. Sastry

Basic Science

Part II

Unit 1

Mechanics and Properties of Matter:

Frames of Reference, Rigid body dynamics , Moment of Inertia, Laws of Conservation. Gravitation, Elasticity, Viscosity, Surface Tension.

 

Unit 2

Heat and Thermodynamics:

Kinetic Theory, Laws of Radiation, Thermodynamics, Liquefaction of Gases, Entropy, Heat engines and Refrigeration, Thermal Conductivity.

 

Unit 3

Waves and Oscilltions:

Progressive waves , Superposition , Doppler effect, Acoustics of Buildings, Fourier transforms, Ultrasonic.

 

Unit 4

Optics:

Theories of Light, Interference, Diffraction, Polarisation, Optical Instruments , Resolving Power, Laser, Production, Properties and Applications, Holography, Optical Fibers.

 

Unit 5

Electricity and Magnetism:

Electrostatics-magnetostastic, Alternating and Direct current, Thermoelectricity, Electromagnetism, Maxwell’s equations..

 

Unit 6

Atomic and Molecular Physics:

The electron, Atomic Models, Atomic spectra, Molecular spectra, Related measurements. Zeeman Effect, Raman effect, X-rays, Crystallography.

 

Unit 7

Nuclear Physics:

Nuclear models , Properties of nucleus ,Nuclear reactions, Accelerator, Nuclear detectors Mass spectrograph ,Radioactivity, Cosmic ray, Mossbauer effect, Magnetic Resonance, Applications, Elementary Particles, Nuclear Energy.

 

Unit 8

Solid State Physics:

Relativity, Special and General Theories of relativity,Statistical Physics, Specific Heats of Solids , Band Theory of solids, Classification of solids, Electrical and thermal properties, Dielectric and Magnetic Properties, Specific Heats of Solids, Superconductivity-

 

Unit 9

Classical Mechanics and Quantum Physics:

constraints of motion, D’alembert’s Principle, Lagrange’s equation, Failure of Classical Physics, Duality, Wave function, Uncertainty Principle, Schrodinger wave equations and its applications, Eigen function and eigen values

 

Unit 10

Semiconductors:

Electronics and Semiconductor devices-Digital Electronics-Transistors, Amplifiers, Logic Gates & Circuits.

 

Reference Books:

1. Classical Mechanics by H. Goldstien (2nd Edition) (Addison-Wesley) 1980.

2. Concepts of Modern Physics by Arthur Beiser,(McGraw-Hill) 2002.

3. Elements of properties of matter by D S Mathur (S.Chand publication) 2010

4. Heat and Thermal Physics by Brijlal & Subramaiam (S.Chand Publication) 2014

5. Elements of Electronics by V.K.Mehta, (S. Chand and Co) 2013

6. A text book of Optics by by Subrahmaniyam N,Brij Lal and M N Avadhanalu,( S.Chamd) 2006.

7. Introduction to Atomic and Molecular Spectroscopy by V. K. Jain, Vimal Kumar Jain (Alpha Science International Limited) 2007.

8. Introductory Nuclear Physics by Kenneth Crane(Wiley Indai Pvt Ltd) 2008.

9. Engineering physics by R.K.Gaur and S.L. Gupta. Dhanpathrai Publications