MATH F111 – Mathematics 1

This course entails the basic mathematics required in an engineer’s career. It starts with an introduction to polar coordinates and the calculus of real-valued functions, with a focus on vector calculus. It concludes with an introduction to infinite sequences and series. Attending tutorial classes is key for getting a good grip on the concepts, and being acquainted with questions which might find their way into examinations. Consistent scores in quizzes and mid-semester exams will almost certainly lead to a good grade.

MATH F112 – Mathematics 2

This course is divided into two halves: Linear algebra and complex analysis. Linear algebra deals with systems of linear equations, and various intricacies of matrices, all of which are applied to a deeper study of vector spaces. Complex analysis deals with the basics of complex functions and the calculus of complex functions, along with practical applications. It is more labour-intensive compared to linear algebra and carries more weightage in the comprehensive exam.

MATH F113 – Probability and Statistics

Probability and Statistics further details probability concepts learnt by students in high school, and introduces new topics , one among them being probability distribution. The latter half of the course expands on statistics, beyond previous school learnings. Textbook problems are very helpful for practice, and quizzes should hold high regard as they are significantly easier than mid-semester and comprehensive examinations.

PHY F111 – Mechanics and Oscillations, and Waves

This course is a further development of classical mechanics and oscillations taught in high school. The first half covers fundamentals such as Newton’s laws, momentum, energy, and rotation. The second half is about oscillatory systems and waves. The tutorial tests are relatively easy, with problems asked directly from the textbook and questions discussed in class. Open-book examinations on the other hand are quite rigorous, requiring students to have extensive understanding and practice of taught concepts.

EEE F111 – Electrical Sciences

The first half of this course uses the student’s high school knowledge of electrical concepts as a foundation for more advanced circuit analysis, while also expanding on that foundation with new interpretations of circuits, such as time-domain analysis, and AC analysis. The second half deals with concepts such as frequency responses and semiconductor devices like Zener diodes, junction transistors, and operational amplifiers. This leaves one with a basic understanding of how electrical systems work and electrical engineering students with a base for their upcoming Compulsory Disciplinary Courses (CDCs). Practising suggested questions and attending tutorial classes helps with getting a good grade.

CHEM F111 – General Chemistry

This course covers concepts from various branches of chemistry. It begins with the basics of Quantum Chemistry which evolves further into an understanding of Schrödinger’s equations. Further on, concepts of inorganic chemistry are expanded on, such as coordination compounds and spectroscopy. The final section deals with organic chemistry topics such as reaction mechanisms, stereochemistry and NMR spectroscopy. General Chemistry requires consistency and revision if one’s aim is to ensure a good grade.

BITS F111 – Thermodynamics

Introducing thermodynamic concepts from a practical perspective, this course begins by defining the framework of the subject, with concepts such as thermodynamic properties, and closed and open systems to expand on an advanced study of the laws of thermodynamics. A thermodynamic table is used for accessing standard values of various variables. Practising textbook problems rigorously helps with tackling the open book examinations and attaining a good grade.

ME F112 – Workshop Practice

This course provides hands-on experience in the operation and usage of several machines found in a workshop, closely replicating real-world industry systems. The majority of the course’s weightage lies in the workshop practicals, of which there are twelve including foundry, carpentry, metrology, 3-D printing, shaping, milling and grinding. Students are required to wear a lab coat and shoes while working in the workshop, for safety purposes. Making notes during practicals, as well as consulting the textbook and lecture slides help in written examinations.

BIO F111 – General Biology

An introductory course to biology, General Biology is often considered one of the best first-year courses by students and alumni alike. This course delves into concepts from biochemistry, biotechnology, physiology, cell biology, respiration, photosynthesis and genetics. The syllabus is designed to cover the basics to accommodate those without prior experience in biology. The professors take a practical approach to the course and involve recent discoveries and topics from research papers in the course. 

BIO F110, CHEM F110, PHY F110 – Labs

The three lab courses are standard and uniform. The first lab is always an introduction to the course where the Research Scholars (RS) in charge ask the students to purchase the two books required for the course: the lab record and the lab manual. Apart from that, the experiments to be performed throughout the semester are discussed. The lab courses require regular lab attendance and report submissions along with performing experiments that are evaluated during the course of every lab. The manual contains theory helpful in performing the experiments.All the labs have theory evaluations in the form of an MCQ test at the end of the course, with the physics lab having a practical test as well. Lab coats and shoes are a must for lab courses.

BITS F112 – Technical Report Writing

Technical Report Writing is a relatively simple course that teaches the students how to write a formal report. The syllabus of this course also deals with various aspects of writing like style, grammar and related aspects of communication. The mid-semester and comprehensive components of this course test one’s knowledge of theory. There is also a report-writing evaluative component that tests one’s writing prowess and understanding of the course. Marks are allotted based on adherence to format, clarity and how closely the rules that were taught in class are followed.

CS F111 – Computer Programming

Computer Programming is an important course in the first year. It is an introductory course that teaches programming, specifically in C. Since the syllabus starts from the basics, the students with no prior knowledge of the subject can also perform well provided they dedicate enough time to understand the concepts and practice regularly. The first half of the course covers basic mathematics, number systems, and topics like logic and control flow that focus on repetitive or conditional tasks. The second half of the course covers binary search, pointers, memory allocation, and linked lists. This section is comparatively challenging and is heavily weighted in the programming test and the comprehensive exam. 

BITS F110 – Engineering Graphics

Engineering Graphics provides an introduction to concepts like orthographic projection, isometric drawing, visualising solids and developing surfaces. AUTOCAD, the software used for the majority of this course, is easy to master with regular practice. The course has one lecture class a week along with two lab sessions. Some labs are evaluative, forming a significant part of a student’s grade. Attending these sessions will provide valuable practice for mid-semester and comprehensive examinations.

Subjects for Pharmacy

BITS F113 – General Mathematics 1

Although this course might appear challenging initially for students with a PCB background, consistent practice and independent study are essential for a good understanding of the topics. Solving the textbook problems and suggested questions while reviewing previous year’s question papers is helpful. Classes 11th and 12th NCERT topics like integration and limits are covered and it is recommended that one understand the topics they’re learning. 

BITS F114 – General Mathematics 2

This course was adapted from the Mathematics 1 course referred to earlier in this article   for the PCB Pharmacy students. Attending classes and daily practice will most definitely lead to attaining a good grade in the course. 

PHA F216 – Pharmaceutical Formulations

Pharmaceutical Formulation is a course that delves into the various forms of how medicines are delivered like syrups and pills. The students will learn about the components and manufacturing processes of various medicines. This course includes a lab component. Lab attendance and going to classes is essential to understand the subject matter well enough to answer questions in Viva sessions and perform in the practical test. Maintaining the lab file properly is also important for a good grade.

PHA F214 – Anatomy, Physiology and Hygiene 

Concepts of physiology from 11th and 12th are discussed in depth in this course. Students will learn about the auditory system, optical system, digestive system, circulatory system, among others, in detail. This course too has a lab component. It is necessary to attend labs and classes as they help in understanding the course material.