On January 16, 2025, 14 students from the 6th Semester B.Sc. Physics program, accompanied by Dr. Ranjuraj K (Head of Department and Assistant Professor of Physics), visited the National Institute of Technology (NIT), Calicut. The primary aim of this visit was to provide students with exposure to advanced research and academic facilities, interact with faculty, and gain insights into the latest developments in the field of physics. The visit was enriched with lab tours, research scholar interactions, and informative sessions conducted by esteemed faculty members of NIT.

Activities:

1. Lab Visits and Research Scholar Interactions:The students were given a tour of various physics laboratories at NIT Calicut, where ongoing research projects were showcased. The visit was expertly coordinated by Dr. Raman Namboothiri, a faculty member from the Physics Department. Research scholars in the department presented their work and explained the innovative ideas, experiments, and findings being pursued in the labs. The interaction allowed students to gain first-hand knowledge of how academic concepts are applied to real-world research.
2. Awareness Session by Dr. Raman Namboothiri:After the lab visits, Dr. Raman Namboothiri conducted an awareness session for the students. The session focused on the various research opportunities available to physics students at NIT, as well as the broader scope of higher education and career prospects in physics. He emphasized the importance of research in advancing knowledge and how students could potentially contribute to this field through their academic work.
3. Session by Dr. A. Sujith, NIT Chemistry Department:In addition to the physics-focused activities, Dr. A. Sujith, a faculty member from the Chemistry Department, gave an insightful presentation using a PowerPoint (PPT). His session covered various interdisciplinary aspects of chemistry and physics, exploring the connection between the two disciplines. Following the presentation, an interactive session was held where students had the opportunity to ask questions and engage in discussions on topics of interest. The session was well-received by the students, who appreciated the opportunity to learn from another department's perspective.
4. Extended Trip to Bangalore, Chikmagalur, and Coorg:After the NIT Calicut visit, the students' academic trip extended for another three days, which included visits to Bangalore, Chikmagalur, and Coorg. The extended trip included students from the Chemistry and Mathematics departments as well, making the group a total of 20 students. This leg of the trip allowed the students to visit prominent academic institutions, attend workshops, and explore the natural beauty of the regions.

Educational Benefits:

• The visit provided students with an invaluable learning experience by exposing them to state-of-the-art research labs and projects in the Physics Department of NIT Calicut.
• The interaction with research scholars gave students insights into the application of theoretical knowledge to practical research.
• The awareness and interactive sessions conducted by faculty members from both the Physics and Chemistry departments broadened students' understanding of interdisciplinary connections and career prospects.
• The extended trip to Bangalore, Chikmagalur, and Coorg allowed students to visit institutions outside NIT, giving them a wider perspective on academic and research opportunities across the country.

Conclusion:

The NIT Calicut visit on January 16, 2025, was a highly successful and enriching experience for the 6th Semester B.Sc. Physics students. The exposure to advanced research labs, interaction with faculty and research scholars, and the informative sessions contributed to a deeper understanding of the practical and academic aspects of physics. The extended trip further added to the educational value, providing students with a broader view of their academic future and career paths. The visit was an excellent opportunity for students to gain insights into cutting-edge research and the future possibilities in the fields of Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics.