Atomic & Molecular Physics Course | IIT Kharagpur | Prof. Amal Kumar Das
Course Details
| Exam Registration | 217 |
|---|---|
| Course Status | Ongoing |
| Course Type | Core |
| Language | English |
| Duration | 12 weeks |
| Categories | Physics |
| Credit Points | 3 |
| Level | Undergraduate |
| Start Date | 19 Jan 2026 |
| End Date | 10 Apr 2026 |
| Enrollment Ends | 02 Feb 2026 |
| Exam Registration Ends | 20 Feb 2026 |
| Exam Date | 25 Apr 2026 IST |
| NCrF Level | 4.5 — 8.0 |
Unlocking the Universe: A Deep Dive into Atomic and Molecular Physics
Welcome to a fascinating journey into the very building blocks of our universe. This comprehensive blog introduces you to a detailed 12-week undergraduate course on Atomic and Molecular Physics, expertly crafted and delivered by Prof. Amal Kumar Das from the prestigious Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kharagpur. Whether you are a physics student, an aspiring engineer, or a science enthusiast, this course serves as a cornerstone for understanding the fundamental nature of all matter.
Meet Your Instructor: Prof. Amal Kumar Das
Learning from an experienced academic is crucial for grasping complex subjects. Prof. Das brings a wealth of knowledge and a distinguished career to this course:
- Academic Credentials: Holds a B.Sc. (Hons) and M.Sc. in Physics (1994), followed by a Ph.D. in Experimental Physics and Material Science from the Institute of Physics, Bhubaneswar.
- International Research Experience: Conducted post-doctoral research at the Paul Drude Institute in Berlin, Germany.
- Teaching Expertise: Joined IIT Kharagpur as a faculty member in 2004. With over two decades of experience, he has taught a wide range of subjects and laboratory experiments to undergraduate (B.Tech/B.Sc.), postgraduate (M.Sc.), and Ph.D. students.
- Dedicated Educator: Prior to IIT, he dedicated four years to teaching experimental physics to B.Sc. students at Malda College, North Bengal University, ensuring a strong foundational approach in his pedagogy.
Why Study Atomic and Molecular Physics?
Atoms and molecules are the fundamental units of all matter in the universe. The state and properties of everything around us—solids, liquids, gases, and plasmas—are governed by the electronic structure of these tiny entities. This course illuminates the individual properties (electronic, magnetic, optical) of atoms and molecules, which are often strikingly different from the collective properties of the bulk materials they form. By building this prerequisite knowledge, the course lays a essential foundation for advanced studies and innovation across all science and engineering fields, from quantum computing and nanotechnology to chemistry and material science.
Course Overview at a Glance
| Duration | Level | Category |
|---|---|---|
| 12 Weeks | Undergraduate | Physics |
Detailed 12-Week Course Layout
The course is meticulously structured to take you from historical discoveries to modern quantum mechanical treatments and applications.
Weeks 1-4: Foundations of Atomic Structure
- Week 1: Experimental observations and theoretical developments leading to the discovery of atomic constituents.
- Week 2: Evolution of atomic models: Thomson, Rutherford, and the revolutionary Bohr model.
- Week 3: Deep dive into the detailed structure of an atom.
- Week 4: Advanced concepts: Magnetic quantum number, Bohr magneton, LS coupling, total angular momentum, and the g-factor.
Weeks 5-8: Quantum Mechanics and Advanced Atomic Theory
- Week 5: Understanding atomic spectra and the complexities of multi-electron atoms.
- Week 6: Introduction to the quantum mechanical treatment of atomic systems.
- Week 7: Quantum mechanical analysis of hydrogen-like atoms.
- Week 8: Behavior of hydrogen-like atoms in external magnetic fields.
Weeks 9-12: Molecular Physics and Spectroscopy
- Week 9: Physics of molecules, focusing on molecular rotation.
- Week 10: Exploring molecular vibrations.
- Week 11: Electronic spectra of molecules.
- Week 12: Culmination with techniques in Atomic and Molecular Spectroscopy, including Raman Spectroscopy and Resonance Spectroscopy.
Who Should Enroll?
This course is perfectly suited for:
- Undergraduate students pursuing Physics, Chemistry, or Engineering.
- Postgraduate students seeking to solidify their foundational knowledge.
- Teachers and educators looking for a structured resource.
- Any curious mind eager to understand the principles governing the material world.
Embark on this 12-week intellectual adventure with Prof. Amal Kumar Das and build the strong conceptual framework needed to explore the frontiers of modern physics and its applications. The journey from the nucleus to the molecule awaits!
Enroll Now →