Karnatak Science College

Karnatak Science College, Dharwad, is a prestigious Institute in the North Karnataka region of India. The Karnatak Science College is the Constituent Science College of Karnatak University Dharwad^[1] and offers basic and applied courses in science for post graduate, undergraduate and the pre-university levels.

The Karnatak Science College, Dharwad, was originally part of the Karnatak College Dharwad (KCD), which was established in 1917, by the then-Government of Bombay. The Karnatak College was established from the painstaking efforts of Diwan Bahaddur S K Rodda (CIE), Rao Bahaddur R C Artal, Sir Siddappa T Kambli. Diwan Bahaddur S K Rodda, a member of the Bombay Legislative Council on behalf of Southern Division, for three terms, undertook a vigorous campaign to collect two lakh of Rupees for the foundation of Karnatak College. Rao Bahaddur R C Artal, one of the founders of the Lingayat Education Association, Dharwad, collected one hundred thousand of rupees toward the establishment of the Karnatak College. Sir Siddappa T Kambli, Minister of Education, Government of Bombay, was deeply involved in improving the education facilities in North Karnataka. He was responsible for the transfer of materials, apparatus, equipment and library books from the closed Deccan College, Poona, to the Karnatak College, Dharwad. The staff, students and alumni of Karnatak College (Arts & Science) remember the efforts made by these pioneers by celebrating Founder's day every year.

The Karnatak University took over the college in 1958, to be run as a model college, for administrative convenience. Late Prin. G.S. Paramasiviah was the first Principal of the bifurcated science college, and served as Principal from 1958 to 1968. Dr. J C Uttangi (1968-1976), Prof. H R Ladwa (1976-1981), Dr. N L Dipali (1981-1992) & Prof. R S Bhoosnurmath (1994-1998) are some of the stalwarts who occupied the post of Principal of Karnatak Science college, Dharwad. Presently, mulimani, Professor of forensics science, is the Principal.

History

G.S. Paramasivaiah was a student of the Nobel-laureate Sir CV Raman was the first Principal of the Karnatak Science College.. He was also the Secretary of KLE Society Belgaum. He played an important role in founding of Karnatak University.

In 1947, the Government of Bombay Province made attempts to establish a university in Bombay Karnataka. As per the resolution No.7914 of Education and Industries Department, the Government of Bombay, a committee was constituted on 17 April 1947 to make recommendations regarding form, scope, constitution and jurisdiction of a university for Karnataka (which meant Bombay Karnataka because Bombay Karnataka was a southern part of Bombay Province). The Lingayat educationalists like Prof. G.S. Paramasivaiah along with Prof S.S. Basavanal and Dr. S.C Nandimath were associated with the committee. The Karnatak University came into existence in 1949.

The Karnatak College Dharwad (KCD) is considered to be the nucleus of Karnatak University since the college ran most of the postgraduate (PG) courses in the beginning, before the PG departments were shifted to a new location at Pavatenagar, Dharwad. Even now, research work is going on in several departments and many of the teaching staff are recognized guides for PhD and M.Phil and principal investigators of research projects.

The college has a huge campus, centrally located in Dharwad City, housing several magnificent buildings, a botanical garden, and a spacious sports ground. The distinguishing feature of the college is that each department has its own library, reading room, a museum/store room and well-equipped laboratories. Equal emphasis is given to student activities outside the classroom viz. sports & cultural activities. (There is a physical instructor to coach students for all sports activities.) Students from all over North Karnataka, from different backgrounds, are admitted here. There is a good competition for seats (admission), the fees being modest and facilities good.

Students are encouraged to take up extracurricular activities, with the help of the Karnatak Science College Gymkhana. The Gymkhana has various departments, for example, Sports Department – including Cricket, Volleyball, Basketball, Hockey, Indian Games, Tennis, football, Badminton & indoor games among others – Cultural & Youth Festival Department, the Miscellany Department which brings out the college magazine Varnasaptaka annually, the Debate & Wall paper department, and the Reading Room department. The college has a Science Association, in addition to Study Circles in different departments.

Departments

The college has eight departments. Additionally courses are offered in Industrial Fisheries, Biotechnology, Microbiology, Genetics, Electronics and Computer Science (as optional subjects). For example, Computer Science & Electronics subjects are taught in the Department of Physics as optional subjects. There are combinations like PME (Physics, Mathematics, Electronics), PMCs (Physics, Mathematics, Computer Science) and so on (total of 27 combinations). There is an arrangement wherein faculty from the Language, Statistics & Mathematics Departments of Karnatak Arts College, Dharwad (KACD) teach courses in the Karnatak Science College, Dharwad (KSCD). This is possible because the Arts & Science Colleges are Constituent Colleges of Karnatak University, Dharwad were bifurcated on 16th september, 1958 from the original entity in the region, the famous Karnatak College, Dharwad (KCD).

Department of Physics

The Department of Physics is housed in a majestic building facing the college road. The department offers Physics, Electronics & Computer Science courses. The Department of Physics was established in 1917 in the undivided Karnatak College, Dharwad (KCD). To keep pace with the latest developments, Electronics was introduced as an optional subject in 1994 and Computer Science in 1995. The department has three lecture halls, five laboratories, an independent library, and one computer lab with internet facility. Some staff members of the Department have taken active interest in applied research.

The department conducts sky watching programs, special lectures, seminars, personality development courses and workshops for students and the general public through the Physics Study Circle (Einstein Study Circle). The Einstein Study Circle, Department of Physics, Karnatak Science College, Dharwad, is involved in activities like arranging lectures and workshops, conducting competitions – quiz, debate, seminars and personality development and people skills program. Students are encouraged to display articles in the wall paper of the Einstein Study Circle, named "COSMOS". For further details, follow the links on Einstein Study Circle, listed below.

Now head of the department is  Mr. M.R Ranganath

Department of Chemistry

Department of Chemistry was established in 1924 under the leadership of eminent chemist Prof. Alim Chandani. Later the department grew to the greater height with efforts of Prof.K.S.Naragund. Since then it has trodden the path of more than nine decades. The department has sufficient number of well arranged 04 class rooms with ICT facility for presentation of curricular activities during the class. It has well managed and adequately equipped 04 laboratories with sufficient area to accommodate about 60 to 70 students in a batch. Department offers a wide range of degree options to suit the interests and future plans of our diverse and multi-talented students. The various subject combinations having chemistry as one of the optional in three B.Sc. Course are PCM, CBZ, CZBt, CBBt, CBGen, CBMicr, CBIf, CBGeo, CZGen, CZMicr, CZIf, CZFSc, CGeoGeog, CAnthFsc etc.,

Biotechnology Division, the Dream Child of Chemistry Department was established in 2002 with necessary infrastructure and equipments catering to the needs of students. Biotechnology is one of the optional subjects in B.Sc. life science combinations. Five students of Biotechnology have won the prizes in the National Level Symposium on Recent Advances in Biotechnology and more than 15 students have participated in National level Seminars and presented models in state level Science Exhibition so far. Two students have won the State level Bioscience quiz, conducted by department of Science and Technology, Govt. of Karnataka.

In addition to the undergraduate Chemistry and Biotechnology, the department has Post Graduate studies in General Chemistry, established in 2009 under self finance scheme with 20 students intake capacity. Faculty members guided several project works to PG Chemistry.

From the day of inception, the department has a group of committed teachers who have been trying to instill interest in teaching and learning chemistry and inspire the students to take up higher studies and research in chemistry.

Now, the department is enriched with 10 Scholarly Teachers with doctoral degree, two faculty members have experienced with post doctoral from USA. Faculty members progressively involved in various research areas viz., Metal complexes, Reaction Dynamics, Organic Synthesis, Synthetic and Medicinal Chemistry, Polymer science, Analytical Chemistry, Oleo chemistry, Bio-fuel, Electrochemistry - Corrosion Science, Biomedical research etc,. The teachers have the zeal and enthusiasm in expanding their knowledge to maintain a good academic standard and the results have been excellent. Department has a committed and skilled supporting staff. The staff has adapted to cater to the needs of the department and have developed basic skills. They actively share along with faculty members. Most of the in-house maintenance is done by the supporting Staff.

Apart from teaching, faculties are actively involved in research activities. Eight out of ten faculty members are guiding the students under Ph.D. programme. Department possesses several sophisticated instruments like U.V-Visible Spectrophotometer having Peltier cooled temperature controlling system, electrochemical work station, Rota evaporators etc. along with basic research amenities required for research activities. Karnatak University’s University Scientific Instrument Centre (USIC) is another major source for technical support. Department is rated as one of the best for its teaching and research activities. Department received research project funds by VGST, UGC, DST, etc. Faculty members published their research work in reputed and high impact factor journals.

  Dr. S.M.Tuwar and Dr.Rajesh G. Kalkhambkar received the Best Research paper publication Award from VGST, DST, Bangalore and Young Scientist award from ICS, Kolkata in the conference held at Chandigarh respectively. This reflects the recognition of promise, creativity and excellence in their research work and scientific zeal. Recently, department has conducted UGC-KSTA sponsored national level conference entitled “Present Scenario of Chemical Sciences and its Technological Perspectives-2014” (PSCSTP-14) on Oct.10th & 11th  2014. Dr.S.D.Dhumwad and Dr.K.S.Katagi were as Convener and Organizing Secretary respectively.

Hence, department always strives to provide a working environment which allows all staff and students to contribute fully to flourish and excel in the academics both in teaching-learning and research. Department had excelled the academic excellence in the leadership of Ex- Principals, Dr.N.L Dipali, Prof. R. S. Salimath, Prof. N.P.Umapati, Dr. H. A. Katti, Dr. V.H.Arali who also happened to be the Ex staff and Heads of Chemistry Department.

    Presently, the Department is headed by 'Dr. Suresh M. Tuwar.'

       The Department of Chemistry occupies a major chunk of the main building of the college.  The department carries out co-curricular activities through the Madame Curie Study Circle.

Department of Criminology & Forensic Science

Department of Criminology and Forensic Science was established in 1965 due to the efforts of the then Inspector General of Police Government of Mysore, Shri. S. N. Hosali, I.P.S., who requested the Vice-Chancellors of various Universities in the State to introduce this subject at graduate level. Dr. D. C. Pawate, the then Vice-Chancellor of Karnatak University, Dharwad, favorably responded to his request and the subject was introduced as a major subject at B. Sc. level in 1965-66.

Students were selected for admission under the supervision of the then Principal Dr. G. S. Parmashivaiah. Subsequently, Shri. K. P. Venkatesh Murthy the Vice- Principal Central Detective Training School, Calcutta was sent to Karnatak University on deputation to Head the Department. Central Detective Training Schools of Hyderabad and Calcutta, Karnatak Medical College, Hubli, Tata Institute of Social Sciences, Bombay, Central and State Forensic Science Laboratories, Prison Departments of different States, Judicial and Police Departments of Karnataka State are actively co operating and encouraging for training the students by permitting them to visit their institutions as a part of their practical curriculum.

This subject was introduced in B.A. course during 1968-69. Post-Graduation course in Criminology and Forensic Science started during 1970 and was shifted to university campus as an independent P.G. Department in 1979-80.

The department had hosted XV Annual Conference of the Indian Society of Criminology in 1986. Eminent scholars in the field of Criminology and Forensic Sciences attended the conference. A Gold Medal has been instituted in the name of the founder Head of the Department, Prof. K. P. VenkateshMurthy out of the savings of the conference fund and also the contributions made by staff members and students of the department to be awarded to a student of BA/B. Sc., who secures highest marks in aggregate in theory papers of all the six semesters.

Following are the highlights of Department

All the staff members are quite competent to teach the subject both in Kannada and English medium. Three of them are Ph.D. degree holders and two are recognized as Research guide for M.Phil and Ph.D. Programme. Three teachers are the Members of Board of Studies.

The students of different socio economic background get admission to the course and admissions are made as per the University rules in which roster system is maintained.

Faculty was actively involved in bringing about certain modifications in the syllabus during 2004-05.

The success rate of students for both BA and B. Sc courses is around 95%.

Department has well - equipped class rooms, laboratories and a museum with rare collections. Department has a separate library with a collection of more than 1000 books and journals.

ICT facilities are used in teaching - learning process. Modern teaching methods are practiced in the department. The teaching methods include Charts, Models, Seminars, Role plays etc.

The faculty attends the personal and academic problems of the students and counseling is also done.

Dr. J.L.Kalyan who has been honored with two national awards “SHIKSHA RATTAN PURASKAR” in 2011and fellow of Indian Society of Criminology in 2015 heading the department. The department has Laboratory Assistant, an Artist, two computer operators and two attendants working on daily wages.

The department has organized State level seminars, symposium and workshops in which the faculty and students took active part in the deliberations.

This department is also housed on the first floor of the main building. It has a well-maintained museum and faculty active in research and consultancy. It has its own "Geology Study Circle".

Presently, the Department is headed by 'Dr. J.L.Kalyan.'

Department of Geography

Department of Geography was established in 1937, under the stewardship of Dr. C. D. Deshpande in the undivided Karnatak College , Dharwad. The subject was introduced for B.Sc. subsidiary in 1946 and B.A general in 1947. With increase in number of students and addition of apparatus and equipments necessitated accommodation and that necessitated the shifting of the department to an independent building.

There was a postgraduate department in 1952. Prof. L.S.Bhat, A.R.Shanbhag and M.S.Honrao took advantage of the course and obtained their post graduation. Later, it was shifted to Karnatak University campus and started functioning independently as post graduate department of Geography in 1961. At the same time the under graduate section of Geology was separated.

Besides teaching, the staff members actively took part in research work, publication and writing books. Many of the staff members obtained their Ph.D. Soon after shifting the PG course to university campus, many Eminent have given services in teaching and learning process Viz., Prof. V.S.Bhadrapur, (Smt). S.I.Hullur, S.G.Kadaramandalagi, Prof. C.D.Deshpande, R.V.Joshi, M.S.Honrao, L.S.Bhat, L.Y.Kulkarni, D.G.Kulkarni, Prof. V.R.Prabhu, Prof.(Dr). P.D.Mahadev, Ramachandran, N.B.K.Reddy, N.C.Vijayaraj Dr.M.F.Karennavar, S.S.Nanjannavar, Prof. V.B.Kaddi, Dr.B.H.Hymavarhi Reddy, Dr.S.R.Patil, Dr.V.K.Gajare, Dr.M.G.Pujar, R.S.Shettar, Dr.G.V.Togarsi, (Smt). Poornima Prasad, Dr.S.F.Korishettar, Dr.Y.M.Madar.

The department offers Geography as an optional subject both in BA and B.Sc. Courses with the combination of three subjects like Geology, Geography, Botany, (GGB), Anthropology, Geography, F.Sc and Criminology (AGF.Sc), and Geology, Geography and Computer Science (GGCS) for B.Sc., and B.A with twenty subject combinations namely Geography, English, Computer Applications (GECPL); Economics, Anthropology, Geography (EAG), English Sociology, Geography (ESG), English, History, Geography (EHG), etc.

Department of Geography has an active study circle, named as Dr.C.D.Deshpande study circle and academic activities of the department are conducted through the study circle to encourage pursuits of geography. On rotation basis the senior teacher from the department is appointed as a chairman who looks after the activities of the academic year.

Special feature of the department: Department has well maintained museum having unique 3D models of relief features, weather instruments 3D maps and research level globes.

Presently, the Department is headed by 'Mr.R.Y.Budihal'

OBJECTIVES;

To provide a discussion forum for lively and friendly interaction between students and teachers.

To create awareness of the burning environmental problems and strategies to overcome such problem.

To create awareness among the students about the sustainable use and management of the natural issues.

To create a platform for environment- friendly discussion and interaction among the students.

To organize conference / seminars / workshops and extension programmes.

To understand the physico-cultural forms, processes and structures. Complex environment systems on the surface of the earth thereby empowering and enriching our students with skills of decision making and planning for human welfare.

Creating interest in the earth as their abode geographical studies among the students.

Creating research-sense and promoting rational thinking among the students.

ACTIVITIES;

With the intension of enhancing the knowledge of the students and arousing their interest in further study of Geography various special lectures by eminent scholars are arranged on different topics namely, Environment issues, Resource management, Planning, Urban and Rural Problems and prospectus etc. equal importance is also given to seminars by students. It provides better stage for student to identify their teaching abilities, subject knowledge and communication skill. Debate, quiz competition, essay writing competitions are regularly conducted and prizes are given to winners in the valedictory function of the department.

Department of Zoology

Department of Zoology was established in the year 1934. This department has a prestige of starting PG course in zoology, which was later on shifted to Karnatak University, Dharwad. The department has spacious building with a library, 3 lecture halls, 4 student laboratories, 3 well equipped Research laboratories and one of the largest museums in the entire North Karnataka, which is one of the best museums of the nation. It is well furnished with large collection of specimens. Department organizes seminars, workshops, training programmes, awareness camps, invited talks, field trips and study tours. Teachers are actively involved in research and guide Ph.D. students. B.Sc. students are encouraged to take up small research projects and to present papers in various seminars and conferences.

This department has two sister departments, one, the Industrial fish & fisheries established in the year, 1995. This vocational course expertise the students to prepare fish aquaria, rearing of ornamental fish, fish farming, fish preservation and induced breeding of fishes and also involves study tours and hands on training from the field.

Another sister department, Microbiology was established in the year, 1997. It has a well equipped laboratory with all equipment necessary for study of Microbial techniques, medical microbiology, food preservation and food processing technologies.

This department has the pride of producing eminent personalities in the different fields of Life sciences. Students are placed in various positions in different sectors.

Presently, the Department is headed by 'Dr(Mrs.) Mangala Naik

Department of Botany

Department of Botany is housed in a spacious independent building in the midst of lush green vegetation, which provides a congenial environment for student for study. The department was housed in Zoology building since 1937 and subsequently moved to its independent building in 1951. The Botany subject was introduced at the subsidiary level of the graduate course in science. Prof. D. V. Shinde was the first to teach the subject. Prof. L.K. Gunjikar joined him in 1937. Efforts of Prof. P. W. Gideon to introduced Botany as a principal subject in 1938 were turned down by the government of Bombay as the Second World War had started. Efforts were resumed in 1946 after the Second World War and the government gave sanction to teach Botany as a principal subject in 1948. The credit for this must go to Wrangler Dr. D. C. Pavate, then the director of public instructions. Prof. (Ms). E. Gonzalves headed the department in the independent building from 1951.

Botany was taught at both B.Sc. and M.Sc. levels, and latter P.G. Department was shifted to an independent building at Karnatak University Campus. At present, Department hosts the students for B.Sc., M.Phil., and Ph.D. Degrees courses. Department has 3 well equipped laboratories, preparation room, museum where rare and endangered plant species have been preserved, independent seating rooms cum research laboratories for all the staff members, an instrumentation/research laboratory, a meeting hall, a library with good collection of books, a beautiful botanical garden where plants required for daily practical are grown, a fernery to maintain fern species. In the recent past, the demand for the subject has been considerably increased as depicted through the students inflow. The department has dedicated and well experienced teaching and technical staff members to facilitate the teaching and learning processes. Students after their graduation, majority of the students enter in to higher education, some get recruited, and some students go for competitive examinations. The department has strong alumni who regularly visit the department and give valuable suggestion to improve. Some alumni donated books to the departmental library and are made available to the staff and students as reference books.

Looking in to the needs, an applied subject GENETICS was introduced in the department during academic year 2000-01 and 30 students have been admitted each year. All the graduates with genetics subject were well placed in the society and many students have continued their higher education. There is a dedicated laboratory for the subject with good number of equipments suitable for conducting the molecular biology experiments. Alumni of Genetics subject are well placed in the national / international research laboratories/organizations/Universities etc.

The student evaluation is made through internal assessment tests during each semester. Department regularly conducts study tours for students to ensure the training in identifying plants, studying different vegetations, maintenance of biodiversity. Botanical Study tours were conducted regularly for B.Sc. 1st and 5th semesters. During the study tours students will be taken to various research institutions and provide them the platform to interact with the scientist to create scientific motivation. The students are also encouraged to take research activities along with their B.Sc. course.

Many staff members have ongoing research projects with financial support from different funding agencies. Staff members are regularly attending and publishing research papers in national and international conference / journals to cope up with recent developments in their respective fields of study. All the staff members are the resource persons at conferences/ Science exhibitions/KRVP programmes/teachers and students training programmes.

Presently, the Department is headed by 'Dr. C.G.Patil'

Bachelor of Computer Application & Bachelor of Computer Science

Department of Computer Science, Karnatak Science College, Dharwad was established in the year 1998 with BCA course and B.Sc. (CS) course in the year 2001 to provide a quality education in very low cost to aspirants. It possesses adequate infrastructure, computing facilities, well equipped laboratories to meet the curriculum requirements. In a very short span of its existence, department earned the reputation as one of the best learning centers in Karnataka. Functioning of all the academic activities are taking place in a new magnificent building of its own. Department gives thrust, and encourages students to demonstrate creative talents based on realistic approaches. An all round development of student is aimed at with emphasis on the computer applications.

Observing the emergence of computer science as the new discipline and looking at the explosive growth in the field of information science and technology, introduced new course leading to B.Sc.(Computer Science) in the year 2001-02. This course has been designed and developed to meet the need for human resource in the area of information technology and informatics. Introduction of project works in the curriculum of VI semester of this course are helping the students to get them exposed to the requirements of the industry. Department has earned fame not only for its excellent academic standards and discipline of the students but also for its developmental activities. This course provides opportunities for advanced studies. All round development of students is aimed at with emphasis on the computer applications, projects, practical trainings and seminars. Students are given enough scope to develop innovative ideas and creative thinking.

Three years course of BCA and B.Sc.(CS) graduates can join professional courses like MCA and M.Sc.(CS) or any other institution dealing with MBA. They will have ample of opportunities in joining various organizations and also very well trained to take-up independent business. The R & D establishment of the Government as well as private organizations require BCA and B.Sc.(CS) graduates. They can also join software development firms or any institute dealing with information technology. The course prepares students who desire to join any business organization, industry and other prestigious institutes as Hardware/Software personnel. In couple of years, placement record of the institution has been excellent.

Presently, the Department is headed by 'Mrs.R.Ambika.'

References

1. "Constituent colleges". Karnataka University. Retrieved 28 May 2013.

External links

• Karnatak Science College, KSCD
• Einstein Study Circle, KSCD
• Physics Study Circle, KSCD
• Physics Department KSCD
• from KUD website

Coordinates: 15°26′11″N 74°59′14″E / 15.4364°N 74.9872°E