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Q I want to pursue a career in artificial intelligence programming (robotics). What courses should I pursue and what are the prospects in India? — Adrivit Mukherjee A The word ‘Robot’ has been derived from a Czech word ‘Robit’, which means ‘work’ and ‘Robota’ which of Slav origin, meaning ‘menial’ or ‘slave labour.’ Robots that perform heart surgery, retrieve landmines and assemble cars are commonplace today. However, in India companies still shy away from using robots for performing repetitive, boring or unpleasant tasks. Jobs like riveting, welding, assembling, spray painting, cutting and fixing of components are efficiently handled by robots. To enter this field you need to study mechanical, electrical or computer engineering to begin with. In fact, a sound knowledge of all the three fields is an ideal prerequisite. Specialised courses i.e., artificial intelligence, robotics, advanced robotics systems, intelligent control, image processing, neural networks and fuzzy logic are offered at the IITs, BITS-Pilani and other engineering colleges. Further specialisation can be done at the postgraduate level. The study of robotics will prepare you to apply basic engineering principles and technical skills to support engineers and other professionals engaged in the developing and using robots. It will include instruction in design, operational testing, system maintenance and repair. Robotics, however, is a long-term, research-oriented career. Someone stepping in to the field today would have to plan and work towards results he would probably achieve a few years later. Organisations like BHEL, BARC and CAIR take in fresh graduates as scientists. Here are some of the colleges that offer courses in robotics:
Jadavpur University, PO Jadavpur University, Kolkata 700032 (WB) (www.jadavpur.edu). Course: ME Robotics. Cochin University of Science & Technology (CUSAT), Kochi (Ker) offers M.Sc in Electronics Science (with specialisation in Artificial Intelligence and Robotics). Eligibility: BSc (1st div) with Electronics / Computer Science & Physics (with Electronics). www.cusat.ac.in Veermata Jijabai Technological Institute, HR Mahajani Marg, Matunga, Mumbai-400019 offers a 1-year Post Diploma in Robotics & Automation. Birla Institute of Technology & Science (BITS), Pilani-333031 (www.bitspilani.ac.in), ME in Computer Science (with Robotics as a subject) and also offers MS in Robotics & Intelligent Systems as an off-campus distance learning programme. IIT Kanpur, Center for Robotics & Mechatronics, Northern Lab Bldg, Kanpur-208 016 (UP) amit@ www.iitk.ac.in. Course: ME (Robotics & Robot Applications). University of Hyderabad, Course: M.Tech. Artificial Intelligence and Robotics. Thapar Institute of Engineering & Technology, Patiala Course: CAD / CAM and Robotics. Osmania University, Hyderabad, University College of Engineering ME/ M.Tech Automation and Robotics. MS University, Baroda Course: Master programme with specialisation in automatic control and robotics). Besides these, Mechanical engineering, electrical engineering and computer science departments at the IITs- Mumbai, Delhi, Kharagpur, Madras, IISc, Bangalore, as well as some of the NITs offer Robotics as part of their courses. World of opportunities
Q I am keen on pursuing MA in International Relations. Which are the good institutes to pursue it from and what are the job prospects? — Rony James A Although International Relations forms part of the Masters in Political Science courses which are offered at a large number of universities, only a handful of universities offer a specific Masters in IR: Jawaharlal Nehru University, School of International Studies, New Mehrauli Road, New Delhi 110067 Course: MA in Politics (specialisation in International Studies). MA Economics (with specialisation on World Economy) (www.jnu.ac.in)
Jadavpur University, PO Jadavpur University, Kolkata 700032, WB (www.jadavpur.edu) Dr Bhim Rao Ambedkar University, Agra 282004 (www.brauagra.ac.in) Course: International Affairs. Jiwaji University, Vidya Vihar, Gwalior 474011, MP (www.jiwaji.edu) Mahatma Gandhi University, Priyadarshini Hills PO, Kottayam 686560, Kerala (www.mguniversity.edu) Pondicherry University, R Venkataraman Nagar, Kalapet, Pondicherry 605014. After completing your curse you could opt for research, PR or liaison-related work in embassies, Ministry of External Affairs, international trade organisations, or international organisations such as the UN and its specialised agencies like the
UNDP, UNICEF, ILO etc, that require experts in international studies to man their special desks or work on projects related to issues of global concern. These posts are, however, few and rarely advertised and therefore, accessed mainly on the basis of
“contacts” and networking. Senior faculty of reputed universities like JNU who co-ordinate such projects on behalf of these agencies, take on 2-3 promising students as researchers, so make sure you are in their “good books” if you wish to land an assignment. Since a great deal of statistical modeling is required, number crunching skills
are an asset. Journalism — both print and electronic is another popular avenue for those who have specialised in this subject. IR will hold you in good stead if you want to be a foreign correspondent or international policy analyst. International Studies also forms a significant part of the UPSC curriculum. You could take Political Science as an Optional paper for the Civil Services Exam provided you combine it with a scoring optional subject like Anthropology, Psychology or Sociology (though Sociology is not as scoring as compared to the other two). For the academically inclined, another option
is teaching. — The writer is a noted career consultant 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-160030, or at careers@tribunemail.com
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