Dated 12th Sep, 2001

I would like to know whether the single sitting degree scheme examination conducted by various universities, is recognised and is equivalent to 10+2+3 or 10+2+2?

Anand

Assam

According to the recommendations of the University Grants Commission (UGC), all one-sitting bachelor's degree programmes have been discontinued. Hence, institutions that claim to offer such degrees are invalid, and the bachelors' degree done though one sitting is not considered equivalent to a degree done on a regular basis.

I have completed my graduation with microbiology, biochemistry, food and nutrition as the optional subjects. I would like to take-up a master's course in food sciences. Please list the universities offering the course and clarify whether I am eligible for the course?

Suresh Babu. M,

Via Email

Food technology deals with foodstuffs, storage, research, quality control, etc. Food manufacturing industries employ as testers and use their expertise to monitor the storage, hygiene, temperatures and lastly, experimenting on new products. Govind Ballabh Pant University of Agriculture and Technology, Pantnagar; Central Food Technological Research Institute, Mysore (http://www.cftri.com) and Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar offer an M.Sc in food technology. You need to have a bachelors' degree in science with chemistry or agriculture / engineering / technology as one of the subjects to apply for the course. Mathematics as one of the subjects in PUC / higher secondary level or at degree level is mandatory to seek admission. For further details you can correspond with the respective university/institute.

I am pursuing M.Sc in marine biology and am interested in pursuing a career in this field. Please provide more information about the concerned subject and the job opportunities for the course, especially in biological oceanography. Also clarify whether I am eligible for the GATE and NET examinations?

Devendra Raju

Behrampur

Marine biology includes the study of marine organisms, their behaviour, and their interactions with the environment. A specialisation in biological oceanography focuses on marine organisms and how marine microbes, plants, and animals interact with each other and with the physical, chemical, and geological processes in the ocean. Many job opportunities for marine biologists exist with scientific research institutions (universities) and various government agencies. Private companies which are engaged in searching for economic sea floor deposits, investigating areas for sea farming, and evaluating natural energy production from waves, currents, and tides also hire candidates qualified in marine sciences. Your work profile will include developing ecologically sound methods of harvesting seafood and studying biological responses to pollution. Because marine biology is the most popular subject in oceanography (and because the larger marine animals have such wide appeal), it is currently the most competitive sector of oceanography. You are eligible to apply for both, the GATE and NET examinations.

I have completed my graduation and I am interested in pursuing MCS (corporate secretaryship). Kindly name the universities offering a course in the subject. My sister who is doing her 12th standard is also interested in pursuing a course in BCS (corporate secretaryship). Can she pursue this course after her 12th standard? If so, what is the eligibility criterion?

K. L. Geetha

Kolkatta

Admission is open to anyone who has passed the graduate examination of any Indian university or has any other equivalent qualification, or those who have taken the foundation examination. After 10+2, a student is eligible to take the foundation course. The Institute of Secretaries of India has now introduced foundation courses for intermediate students or those possessing an equivalent qualification. Students who have passed the senior secondary (or any equivalent) examination in any stream can join the course. Students who have appeared or enrolled themselves for appearing in the senior secondary (or any equivalent) examination are also eligible for provisional enrolment. However, proof of passing the said examination is required to be furnished within 6 months of the provisional enrolment. For more details you can correspond with The Institute of Secretaries of India, ICSI House, 22, Institutional Area, Lodhi Road, New Delhi.

I am doing my final year graduation and want to take-up a course in jewellery designing. Kindly provide the details regarding the course and the address of the institutes offering it. What are the career prospects in this field?

Ram Singh

Gorakhpur

A jewellery designer can begin by working with jewellery houses or work as a freelancer. Working full-time with firms or other established designers usually require the designer to conform to their standards and client profiles.

However, if one sets up one's own line of products, the chances of carving an individual niche are much more. The National Institute of Fashion Technology Hauz Khaz, New Delhi - 110016. (www.niftindia.com), Srimati Nathibai Damodar Tranining (SNDT), University for Women, Sir Vithaldas Vidyavihar, Juhu Rd, Santa Cruz (W), Mumbai; Indian Diamond Institute, Sumol Dairy St, Katargram GIDC, P O Patel Nagar, Surat - 395008 Gujarat; Dr Dhamambal Govt. Polytechnic for Women, Tharamani, Chennai; Gemmological Institute of India 29, Gurukul Chambers, 187-189, Mumbadevi Road, Mumbai 400002; St Xavier's College Gemmology Division, Department of Geology Mahapalika Marg, Mumbai; Jewellery Product Development Centre D-15, Commerce Centre, Tardeo, Mumbai; Gem and Jewellery Export Promotion Council, Rajasthan Bhavan, Jaipur; Gemstones Artisans Training School Jhalana Mahal, Jaipur 302017; Jewellery Export Promotion Council D-15 Commerce Centre, Tardeo, Mumbai 400034, and the Jewellery Design and Technology Institute (JDTI) Noida, Uttar Pradesh offer a course in jewellery designing.

I am an engineering graduate in mechanical engineering. Though I have done courses like C, C++, Oracle, Visual Basic 6.0, I could not get a job in any software company. All the companies ask for a minimum of two years of experience. I want to know if doing an MBA from IGNOU can enhance my job prospects. Also, let me know if any university offers M.Tech. (computer science) through the distance education mode and if I am eligible for the MS course that BITS, Pilani offers.

K. Rajeev

Jharkand

The IT industry requires a minimum of two years of experience especially if they take in people outside of campus recruitment. The course that you plan on doing from IGNOU is recognised countrywide.

You are indeed eligible to apply for the course being offered at BITS, Pilani. Apart from BITS, JNTU and Annamalai University also offer a three-year integrated MS course.

Questions regarding career concerns must be addressed to Career Community.com Ltd, PO Box No. 2178, Secunderabad-500003, email to faqs@careercommunity.co.in