The Department of Physics at Panskura Banamali College (Autonomous) stands as one of the founding pillars of this historic institution. Established in the academic year 1962–1963 for undergraduate studies and later expanded with the introduction of the postgraduate program in 2013–2014 and Ph.D.Program, the department has continued to grow in both academic strength and infrastructural capacity. Nestled in the serene green campus just off the state highway, the department enjoys a unique identity shaped by a legacy of academic excellence and student engagement.
As part of an autonomous institution, the department has had the opportunity to redesign and modernize its academic curriculum. With guidance from active Board of Studies (BOS) comprising eminent professors from Vidyasagar University, Calcutta University, Presidency University, West Bengal State University, and other renowned colleges, the department periodically upgrades its syllabus to align with global trends and national academic priorities. The BOS plays a critical role in recommending updates that reflect advances in theoretical physics, computational science, electronics, and modern experimental methods.
The department offers undergraduate (B.Sc.), postgraduate (M.Sc.) and Ph.D. courses in Physics. In alignment with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, the undergraduate program has been restructured to include multidisciplinary, skill-based, and value-added courses. Students can now choose from a variety of elective and interdisciplinary subjects across departments, which encourage holistic development. The NEP framework also supports Academic Bank of Credits (ABC), enabling flexible learning pathways and credit mobility, is enriched with core theoretical courses, mathematical physics, laboratory practices, and computational modules. The PG curriculum is designed to provide in-depth exposure to advanced fields such as quantum mechanics, solid-state physics, nuclear and particle physics, statistical mechanics, and condensed matter physics.
The PhD program, introduced recently, marks a significant milestone in the department’s academic journey. Recognized as a Research Centre under Vidyasagar University, the department now admits doctoral candidates in various fields of physics. The research activities are guided by experienced faculty members with PhDs from reputed institutions and post-doctoral experiences from national and international labs. Current research areas include materials science, nanotechnology, spectroscopy, quantum optics, nonlinear dynamics, and computational physics.
One of the defining features of the department is its well-equipped laboratories. There are three large undergraduate laboratories and has an additional computer laboratories that cater to practical classes in mechanics, optics, electronics, and modern physics. Each lab is furnished with sufficient experimental setups, measuring instruments, digital kits, and components to facilitate hands-on learning. An additional computer laboratory is under development to strengthen computational physics and programming skills. At the PG level, there is a dedicated research laboratory on the first floor with modern instruments for advanced experiments, data analysis, and material characterization.
The department has also developed a robust research facility, including equipment such as spectrometers, oscilloscopes, digital multimeters, vacuum pumps, temperature control systems, and optical benches. Plans are underway to install a high-performance computing (HPC) unit for simulations and theoretical modeling, supporting both M.Sc. dissertations and PhD theses. The research output is regularly published in national and international peer-reviewed journals of repute.
The Department of Physics functions as a close-knit academic community. The informal academic environment fosters continuous interaction between students and teachers. Students often stay back after class hours for discussions, clarifications, or simply to engage in scientific dialogue with peers and mentors. These interactions extend learning beyond the traditional classroom and build critical thinking and analytical skills.
Student mentorship is a major strength of the department. Each student is assigned a faculty mentor who supports them academically, emotionally, and professionally. Mentors track student progress, assist in career planning, and provide counseling when needed. This practice has contributed significantly to the overall development of the students and a consistently high performance in university examinations.
Over the years, the department has produced a number of distinguished alumni who have gone on to pursue higher studies in premier institutions such as IITs, IISERs, TIFR, IACS, and several international universities. Many of them are now established researchers, faculty members in IITs and central universities, and professionals in government and private sectors. Their success is a testimony to the strong academic foundation laid by the department.
Seminars, workshops, and invited talks are an integral part of the departmental calendar. The department regularly hosts eminent scientists from India and abroad to deliver lectures on cutting-edge research topics. These sessions expose students to real-world research and expand their academic horizon. Collaborative seminars with neighboring colleges and interdisciplinary departments promote cross-pollination of ideas.
Cultural activities also play a vibrant role in the life of the department. Students take initiative to organize annual events such as the Freshers’ Welcome and Farewell Ceremony. The department also organizes educational field trips, picnics, and excursions to scientific institutions like Saha Institute of Nuclear Physics, Variable Energy Cyclotron Centre, and others. These events help strengthen the bond between students, faculty, and staff.
A major highlight of the department is its annual wall magazine ‘Quanta’, curated and published by students. It features articles, scientific essays, poems, drawings, and news snippets related to science and technology. ‘Quanta’ serves as a creative outlet and showcases the scientific temperament and talent of students.
The departmental library is a modest yet valuable resource. It contains reference books, textbooks, journals, and project reports. Students frequently use the library to supplement their coursework, and new titles are added annually based on academic requirements and student feedback. Access to e-resources through INFLIBNET and N-LIST is also available to support research and study.
The department maintains a strong culture of academic discipline, punctuality, and integrity. Internal assessments, class tests, and tutorial classes are conducted regularly. Students are encouraged to present seminars, participate in group discussions, and take part in scientific debates. Such initiatives help develop their communication and presentation skills.
Faculty development is also prioritized. Teachers frequently attend faculty development programs (FDPs), orientation courses, refresher courses, and national/international conferences. They also collaborate with scientists from other institutions, participate in inter-college lecture series, and contribute to academic policy-making at the university level.
The department’s strategic vision includes upgrading existing laboratories, setting up a Centre for Advanced Physics Research, expanding the PhD program, enhancing the integration of MOOCs like NPTEL and SWAYAM, and initiating international academic collaborations. Plans are also underway to start short-term certificate courses in electronics, instrumentation, and scientific computing to enhance the employability of students.
The department adheres to an inclusive and student-centric pedagogy. Special care is taken to support first-generation learners and students from marginalized communities. Bridge courses, remedial classes, and peer mentoring are routinely offered. The departmental faculty remains approachable and empathetic to the diverse needs of students.
In terms of academic governance, the department functions in a participatory manner. Regular departmental meetings are held to review academic progress, student performance, and institutional goals. Feedback from students is collected, analyzed, and used to improve teaching methods, curriculum delivery, and support services.
The overall functioning of the department is driven by a collective sense of purpose. The synergy among teaching staff, non-teaching staff, students, and alumni creates a vibrant academic ecosystem. The guiding philosophy is not merely to teach Physics, but to inspire students to think like physicists — logically, rigorously, and creatively.
In conclusion, the Department of Physics at Panskura Banamali College is more than a center of learning. It is a dynamic academic family where education, research, mentorship, and community flourish together. With a legacy of over six decades and a future-oriented vision, the department is committed to nurturing generations of physicists who will contribute meaningfully to science and society.
| Message from the Head of Department |
Our department continues to strive to develop an environment that nurtures curiosity, creativity, and innovative thinking by striking a balance between the pursuit of knowledge and practical applications.
The department is proud of its passionate staff, dedicated students, and the vibrant academic culture we have all built together. In addition to our focus on teaching and research excellence, we also aim to develop our students into accountable adults who make important contributions to society and science.
Since learning, research, and extracurricular activities boost academic life and create new opportunities for development, I strongly encourage all of our students to actively participate in them. I would also like to use this occasion to thank our alumni and colleagues, whose accomplishments and continuous assistance make our department proud.
DR. MRITYUNJOY KUMAR DAS