Can a Bio Student Study Physics in IISER? What Are the Opportunities?

Indian Institutes of Science, Education, and Research (IISERs) are premier institutions designed to promote scientific research and education. They offer flexible and interdisciplinary curricula, allowing students to explore multiple scientific disciplines. There are four major disciplines that students generally pursue in IISER: biology, chemistry, physics, and mathematics. Apart from these, some other options are available in a few IISERs like Earth Science, Data Science, Economic Science, etc. Some students who have taken PCB (Physics, Chemistry and Biology) in 12th might get interested in Physics later on. These students generally want to know if they can study physics and pursue research in this subject. In this article, we will answer this question.

You Didn’t Take Mathematics in +2. Can you still study Physics?

Mathematics is an important requirement for the advanced study of Physics. One of the most distinctive features of IISERs is their interdisciplinary approach. During the first two years of the BS-MS program, all students are required to take foundational courses across various scientific disciplines, including physics, biology, chemistry, and mathematics. This broad-based education ensures that students gain a comprehensive understanding of different scientific fields before specialising.

So, even if you have not taken mathematics during your +2, you can still study mathematics in the first two years of IISER. This ensures that you can study advanced physics during your major years.

Are you not sure Between Maths and Biology For You Major Years? Take Pre-Major Options:

Some IISERs, such as IISER Kolkata, offer a pre-major option. This allows students to explore different subjects before deciding on their major. For instance, a student interested in both biology and physics can pre-major in both subjects during the initial semesters. This flexibility helps students make informed decisions based on their experiences and interests.

In IISER Kolkata, the pre-major year starts in the second year. In the pre-major year, you are expected to choose any three disciplines to study and abandon the fourth discipline. So, if you are confused between Physics and Biology, you can pre-major in Biology, Mathematics and Physics and abandon Chemistry. Then, based on your experiences in the first two years, you can take either Biology or Physics as a major in the third year.

What Should Be The Strategy For a Bio Student to Study Physics:

For a biology student interested in studying physics, IISERs provide an excellent platform. Here’s a strategic approach:

1. First Two Years: Focus on excelling in foundational courses in both biology and physics. Take advantage of the interdisciplinary curriculum to build a strong base in both subjects.
2. Pre-Major Phase: If available, opt for a pre-major in both biology and physics. This phase will help you understand your aptitude and interest in both fields. Attend lectures, participate in lab work, and engage with faculty members to get a clearer picture of each subject.
3. Choosing a Major: After the pre-major phase, decide on your major based on your interest and performance. If you choose physics as your major, consider taking biology as a minor. This combination can open up unique research avenues in interdisciplinary fields like biophysics.

What About Taking Both Biology And Physics?

In recent years, biology has emerged as an interdisciplinary science. Researchers from different fields work on biological systems. Biology serves as the best platform for applying the knowledge of physics and chemistry. Hence, different interdisciplinary fields like biophysics are emerging right now. So, if you want to pursue both, you can do that freely. One of the ways to do this is to choose a minor in addition to taking a major subject.

IISERs have the option of choosing a minor. Consider that you have chosen physics as your major subject. Then, you’ll have to study physics and take physics courses like any other physics major student. But, apart from the Major, you can choose to minor in Biology. To minor in any subject, you need to fulfil certain credit requirements. It typically requires you to take one or two courses of minor subject in every semester.

What Should You Keep In Mind?

• If you have not taken Mathematics in your +2, understand that you might lack a key understanding of the subject. And Mathematics is crucial for understanding Physics. Hence, if you are a biology student and want to pursue Physics, focus hard on strengthening your concepts of mathematics.
• If you choose to minor, it might become very hectic. The load of classes and coursework will increase significantly. So, make sure that you plan accordingly.

Have You Decided To Study At IISER? How To Realize This Goal?

To get into IISER, you will have to appear for IISER Aptitude Test (IAT). If you are an IAT aspirant who is looking for a program, SciAstra has recently launched two courses that can help you excel in IAT. These two courses are Vikram 1.0 and HOMI 2026. Details of these courses are given below:

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Conclusion:

Yes, a biology student can study physics at IISER, and this combination can lead to exciting opportunities in interdisciplinary fields like biophysics. By taking advantage of the interdisciplinary curriculum, pre-major options, and research opportunities, you can carve out a unique and fulfilling academic and research path. IISERs provide a supportive and stimulating environment to explore your interests and achieve your academic and career goals.

FAQs:

1. Can a biology student major in physics at IISER?

Answer: Yes, a biology student can major in physics at IISER. The first two years at IISER include foundational courses in various disciplines, allowing students to explore both physics and biology before deciding on a major. Students can choose physics as their major and biology as a minor to integrate their interests and pursue interdisciplinary research opportunities.

2. What opportunities does combining physics and biology at IISER offer?

Answer: Combining physics and biology opens up numerous research avenues such as biophysics, molecular biophysics, cellular biophysics, biomechanics, and neurophysics. These interdisciplinary fields apply physical principles to biological systems, leading to advancements in understanding diseases, developing medical devices, and exploring cellular mechanisms.

3. What is the pre-major option at IISER, and how does it help students?

Answer: The pre-major option at IISER, available in some institutes like IISER Kolkata, allows students to explore different subjects in their first few semesters before choosing a major. This flexibility helps students make informed decisions about their major based on their interests and experiences in various disciplines, including both biology and physics.

4. How can students prepare for a career in biophysics at IISER?

Answer: Students can prepare for a career in biophysics by taking foundational courses in both physics and biology during their first two years. They should engage in research projects, join relevant labs, apply for summer internships, and take advanced courses in biophysics. Participating in collaborative projects and seeking mentorship from faculty can also significantly enhance their preparation.

5. What support and resources does IISER provide for interdisciplinary studies?

Answer: IISER offers a robust interdisciplinary curriculum, research-oriented education, access to state-of-the-art labs, and continuous mentorship from renowned scientists. Students have opportunities to join research labs, participate in summer internships, attend seminars and workshops, and engage in collaborative projects. This comprehensive support system helps students excel in interdisciplinary studies and research.

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SciAstra is a team of scientists and research scholars from the top research institutes around the world, like Oxford, Harvard, Cambridge, and so on. Our vision is to promote critical thinking and scientific temperament by helping students pursue careers in science.

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