Optometry is an interesting option

Harish

via e-mail, Bangalore

There are Universities that offer you programmes in M.Sc Mathematics by Distance Learning. However, considering that you are pursuing Post-Graduation from IISc in Systems Science, it is advisable that you accomplish the credit requirements of the course and then check if there is a necessity to pursue another programme. On completion of the programme at IISc you can gauge the requirements and then take a decision. Pursuing two programmes in tandem will not allow you to focus and understand the required domain.

If you are genuinely interested in pursuing Mathematics, take a regular programme from the Indian Statistical Institute (ISI) (www.isibang.ac.in) which will add value to your repertoire. The ISI conducts the Master of Mathematics (two-year) programme and offers advanced-level training. Based on the optional selected, the learners will be exposed to Probability Theory and Theoretical Computer Science. You can look at the detailed brochure to assess the feel-good factors of the programmes.

You can also connect to the following centres of excellence for more information in the area of Mathematics and related aspects of study that will have wide ramifications on your career. Most of the institutions are a treasure trove of information and human capital which will help in augmenting information.

Chennai Mathematical Institute (www.cmi.ac.in), 92, G.N. Chetty Road, T. Nagar, Chennai-600 017.

Institute of Mathematical Sciences (www.imsc.res.in), Taramani, Chennai- 600 113.

TATA Institute of Fundamental Research (TIFR) (www.tifr.res.in), Homi Bhabha Road, Mumbai-400 005.

The right career

I am 40 years old. I had passed the Diploma in Mechanical Engineering in 1987. I have over 20 years of experience in the areas of gensets, cement plant equipment, heavy earth-moving machines and hydraulics. I completed the Bachelor of Computer Applications from a University in Tamil Nadu in 2006. Information Technology as a career impressed me to a great extent. However, I feel that age will be a dampener and I will not be able to get any jobs in the IT segment. At this point, I am thinking of pursuing MBA HR/Finance, B. Tech from IGNOU or even from PTU. Please tell me what I should do.

Rangappa

via e-mail

With your qualifications and the requirements of the day in the IT segment, recruiters will have little difficulty in positioning you. If you are able to apply the nuances of specialisation that you have experienced and acquired over the years and then invoke IT, you will stand a good chance to make the grade. At this juncture, you have to demonstrate your ability to juxtapose the two and then ensure success for the projects that are relevant to IT. Pursuing a programme in management or even in technology/engineering will surely arm you with a qualification; but then the organisation that is willing recruit should have avenues and of course areas that are considered as domain specialisations.

Course in optometry

I gather that a leading eye institute in Hyderabad is offering a Bachelor's programme in Optometry. Can you give me the details?

Shashikala Devi

via e-mail, Bangalore

The LV Prasad Eye Institute (LVPEI) (www.lvpei.org), Hyderabad, offers the Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Optometry under the BITS, Pilani (www.bits-pilani.ac.in) Campus Collaborative Programme. The eligibility for the four-year, eight-semester programme is 10+2 from Central or State Board with Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics and Biology. The prospective learner should have proficiency in English. The candidates will have to take an entrance test and interview at Hyderabad to qualify. The programme is conducted at the Bausch and Lomb School of Optometry, LVPEI and has two semesters (seventh and eight) of internship, which will add value to the graduating student.

For more information you can log on to the website of BITS, Pilani and LVPEI or contact the LVPEI authorities at Kallam Anji Reddy Campus, LV Prasad Marg, Banjara Hills, Hyderabad-500 034. Ph: 040-30612345.

LVPEI also conducts short-term programmes nomenclatured as Fellowships in domain specialisations of Retina Vitreous, Cornea, Glaucoma, Oculoplastic, and Retina Laser Training, to mention a few. For more details you can email the Education Division of LVPEI: [email protected]

MBA programme

I would like to have details about the MBA programme of Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan that is conducted in collaboration with a foreign university.

Akhil Wajid

via e-mail, Bangalore

Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan (BVB) and Marshall University (www.bhavan-marshall.org) conduct the weekend MBA (two-year) programme for working executives and one must satisfy the following in order to get admission:

Hold a Bachelor's degree from any recognised University

CAT (50 percentile)/GMAT (500)/GMAT (550)

For those with Ph.D., Master's degree with three years' experience and Bachelor's degree with five years' experience, the above scores will be waived.

The programme has Quantitative Methods, Accounts, Economics, Marketing Management and Financial Management at the Foundation Level. At the Advanced levels, the learners are provided inputs in Advanced Quantitative Methods, Managerial Advance Accounting, Advanced Marketing Management, Managerial Economics, Organisational Behaviour, Advanced Financial Management, MIS, Production and Operations Management, Strategic Management and Business Policy and Legal Environment. Students are provided opportunities to specialise in areas of choice and relevance. It is the learning environment that helps learners to collaborate with peers and interface the facets of theory and practice.

For prospectus and application form, you have to write/email to the Director- Admissions, Bhavan-Marshall MBA Programme, 43, Race Course Road, Bangalore-560 001. Ph: 22370445. Fax: 22370447. E-mail: [email protected]/

Course in econometrics

While I was blogging I came to know that a college in Bangalore conducts a Certificate Programme in Econometrics on part-time basis. I have a B.Sc in Sericulture. I want to understand the basics of Econometrics. Can you provide the details of the programme that is being offered?

Jayanti Kumar

via e-mail, Bangalore

The St. Joseph's College (Autonomous) conducts a Certificate Course in Econometrics over a duration of 120 hours. The students will have to attend the classes on Saturdays, Sundays and holidays. For more information, you should contact the Admissions Officer, St. Joseph's College, Lalbagh Road, Bangalore-560 027. Ph: 22211429. E-mail: [email protected]

Is any course in mushroom cultivation offered in Bangalore city?

Girisha Sommanna

via e-mail, Bangalore

The Directorate of Horticulture (www.horticulture.kar.nic.in/lalbagh) organises the Mushroom Cultivation programme at Lalbagh. This is apart from the programmes of Post-Harvest Technology and the 10-month Horticulture Training programmes.

More details can be had from the Deputy Director of Horticulture (Gardens), Lalbagh, Bangalore-560 004. Ph: 26578184

I am a student of Anthropology. I need to contact Researchers in the Zoological Survey of India. Please help.