—Shilpa Kamboj, Chandigarh

A Exobiology is a branch of biology that seeks to increase our knowledge of the origin, evolution, and distribution of life in the universe. Answers are sought to questions such as: To what extent did chemical evolution occur in the primitive bodies of the solar system? How did life originate on Earth, and what role did minerals play? Is there any evidence of the early interplay between biological and environmental evolution? What do molecular fossils tell us about early microbial evolution? How can the study of contemporary microbes or geochemical samples inform us of past events? The work of scientists in this branch also provides the conceptual basis and measurement criteria for future spacecraft missions to other solar system bodies such as Mars, Titan, and comets, in search of answers to such fundamental questions in non-terrestrial settings.

No specific courses in exobiology are available at present in the country. This is a superspecialised field of science wherein scientists from a host of allied sciences contribute. Molecular biologists, microbiologists, bioengineers, biochemists, chemical scientists, astrophysicists, electrophysicists, oceanographers, astronomers etc. work in various organisations conducting research in this field such as TIFR, BARC, Astronomical Society of India etc. Considerable research is being undertaken in this field at NASA and SETI-funded organisations around the world.

You just have to log on to google.com to discover the amount of info there is on exobiology on the Net.

—Rohan Chadrashekhar

A This is technologically, one of the most advanced branches of engineering. As an aeronautical engineer you design, construct and maintain commercial and military aircraft, even satellites, spacecraft and missiles.

The course would cover the study of fluid dynamics, thermodynamics, and gas dynamics, material science, structural analysis, propulsion, acoustics and electronics.

You can further specialise in aerodynamics, thermodynamics, propulsion, structures, celestial machines, acoustics and guidance and control systems.

You can look at BE/BTech courses in Aeronautical/Aerospace Engineering at the following institutes:

IITs - Mumbai, Kanpur, Chennai & Kharagpur.

Punjab Engineering College (Deemed Univ), Chandigarh 160012.

Rajiv Gandhi Memorial College of Aeronautics, Opp. Sanganer Airport, Jaipur 302011.

The Aeronautical Society of India (ASI) conducts an Associate Membership Exam twice a year. Sections ‘A’ and ‘B’ of this exam have been recognised by the Ministry of Education, on a par with a Bachelor’s degree in aeronautical engineering from an Indian university for purposes of recruitment to superior posts and services under the Central Government. Hence you can also study aeronautical engineering from ASI through the distance mode.

The exam consists of 3 parts: Studentship, Section A, and Section B. You should have passed Class X to take the exam. Students who have cleared 10+2 with science subjects can directly enrol for Section A.

You can obtain the details from the ASI website: (www.aesi.org).

—Chetna Soni, Kapurthala

A Nutrition & Dietetics forms part of all BA and B.Sc Home Science courses, which are offered in almost all universities.

Only a small handful of universities like the following, offer specific courses in Nutrition & Dietetics at the Bachelor’s level (the rest are all PG and diploma courses):

Bharathidasan University, Palkalaiperur, Tiruchirappalli 620024 (TN).

Periyar University, Govt College of Engineering Campus, Salem 636011 (TN).

Pondicherry University, R Venkataraman Nagar, Kalapet, Pondicherry 605014.

Delhi University offers BA (Pass) in Nutrition & Health Education (only for female students) at three colleges as well as Bachelor of Applied Sc (Hons) in Food Technology (Shaheed Rajguru College of Applied Sciences for Women).

Nagpur University, Nagpur (Mah)

BA (Home Sc) Punj is offered in the following universities at their affiliated colleges: Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar; Panjab Un iversity, Chandigarh; and Punjabi University, Patiala.

BSc (Home Sc) is offered at:

Ch Charan Singh Haryana Agri Univ, Hisar; Delhi University; Maharshi Dayanand University, Rohtak; GB Pant University of Agriculture & Technology, Pant Nagar; University of Lucknow; Narendra Dev University of Agriculture & Tech, Faizabad (UP); Pt Ravi Shankar Shukla University, Raipur (MP); and Jiwaji University, Gwalior.

A Assuming that you’re sufficiently qualified for the job, and that you’ve done your homework on the company, you have little to worry about. Remember that an interview is a show-and-tell session. Be sure of what you have to offer so that you can convey your positive can-do attitude and strengths. Here are a few do’s and don’ts from the interview codebook:

• Don’t try to control the interview, let the interviewer remain in control of the flow of questioning.

• Don’t discuss your personal philosophies, politics or religion.

• Don’t bring up the issue of salary, fringe benefits or leave policies. Almost all employers will call you back for a second interview if they are considering you for employment. Let the employer approach the subject first.

• Don’t criticise or bad-mouth your present/previous employer. It’s in bad taste. Don’t site money as the reason for leaving your job. Unless it’s much below the industry average or if there’s been a freeze on increments.

• Don’t chew gum or smoke a cigarette while on an interview.

• Do dress appropriately. Button up your shirt, wear a tie and jacket. Avoid loud contrasting colours.

• Do ask a question if you have one, but don’t make one up for lack of something to say.

• Do go by yourself. If someone accompanies you to bolster your courage fine, but don’t take mummyji, papaji or best friend into the office with you.

• Do be enthusiastic. Many interviewees don’t wish to appear overly eager, so they adopt an air of nonchalance which can be mistaken for lack of interest or apathy.

• Do convey the value you place to being associated with a better and larger firm in terms of challenge and exposure to complex demands to add better value to your current profile.

• Do thank your interviewer politely before you leave. If he hasn’t indicated when you may expect to hear from the organisation, do go ahead and ask. It’s better to know if you still stand a chance rather than worry the rest of the week.

When it’s all over go home and relax. Remember, at the end of the day, it’s just an interview, not an interrogation. Best of luck.

— by Pervin Malhotra, Director, CARING

Please send in your query, preferably on a postcard, along with your full name, complete address and academic qualifications to: Editor, Jobs and Careers, The Tribune, Sector 29, Chandigarh-160020, or at careerguide@tribuneindia.com