Student Name Form Class Semester 2 English: Fill & Download for Free

I was doing my homework when I saw this...Here it goes:① How my school looks like:It is a boarding school founded by a business man who wanted to pay back the town, but years later, the school was taken over by our local government due to some unknown reasons. For the students whose homes are far away, it is obvious to live in the school dormitory, but for those whose houses are nearby, such as myself, can choose to either live in school or our own home. I chose the former one when I first entered high school, but two years later, I got tired of the drama (hostile environment between 12 girls) in my dorm, so I moved back to my home when I started the last semester in my high school this year.This is an on-the-whole photo of my school.(The students on it were performing the result of their 3-days military training, which is required for every senior1 student every year. I, too went through that two years ago and our class benefited a lot from it.)The next one is the view of when we enter the front gate of our school.(I think I only saw this fountain working twice during these last 2 and a half years. And behind it is the basketball playground and the teachers’ dormitory.)One of the most beautiful things we are proud of is our playground, which can be seen in my first uploaded photo.(added: It is said that our school authorities pay 5 million yuan on the construction of it, and still in debt. Once there were two students in my grade who rode their bikes on the playground and received serious punishments.)Seeing this photos just lightens my mood.(o´ω`o)②Here is my daily schedule:Wake up at 6.15 a.m.Be out for school at 6.45 a.m (then I walk for 10–15mins to the bus station and get on a bus at around 7.05 a.m. The bus fee is 2 yuan)Get to school at 7.15–7.20 usually. (If I get to school later than 7.30,I will have to show my school ID to the superiors of our school and then they will write down my class and my name and post them out by the end of the week, which is the last thing I hope to happen, because my headmaster (every class has one headmaster) is very strict in punctuality, and also I don't want to disappoint him.)Then at 7.30 a.m., begins my first class of the day. Each class lasts 40mins, and sometimes my teachers will delay it.And our break between class is 10mins long.At 9.00a.m,we have a 20-mins break,which is the time for all of our students to get to the playground to do a compulsory stretching in the purpose of relaxing ourselves.At 11.40a.m. we finally come to an end of 5 morning classes, which we get really excited about.11.40–2.00 p.m. is a lunch and sleeping break for us, but some of the boarding students might make use of the time to take showers and do laundry, since there are 12 people in each dorm and it would be too crowded if they all showered in the evening or morning. For me, I used to be one of them, but now I just go to have lunch(I’ll discuss our food later), and read books and sleep on my desk in classroom.In the afternoon, we still have 4 more lessons to go. We also have a long break in the afternoon to do some massages to our eyes, which is also compulsory but we just ignore it.Finally, a day in the school ends at 5.15 p.m.What a relief.③Here comes what I study:In senior 1 we are required to study Chinese, Math, English, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Politics, History and Geography, all 9 subjects. And the teachers always want us to cover all of them and be excellent in all of them, which is too much for me. And I just don't learn physics well!!By the end of senior 1, each of us are required to choose a catagory between science and arts (the science catagory contains physics, chemistry and biology, and the other one contains politics, history and geography. Chinese, math and English are compulsory subjects.)Since I was super bad at science, I chose the arts, which I think turned out to be the right path for me.Entering senior2, we were divided into two types of classes and students, so we were no longer had the same class when we were in senior 1. I think this grade is the most interesting one in high school, because we’ve changed from all the stupidity and we don't have the urge burden of Gaokao. And everyone turned to be more mature this year. And we also held and took part in many activities this year (I’ll get to that later.)－－－－－－－－－－－－－－－－－－－－－－It's a school night and it very late and I have to get up, like I said above, at 6.15 a.m. So, I’ll get back to this answer later. I still have lots of photos I want to share. Stay tuned! Thank you!Hey guys, thank you so much for your upvotes and comments, I am truly grateful for you reading and that I got to share my life with you.I am currently on my lunch break.Below is a photo shot after my math class.And here is my lunch today (•౪• )(my occasional dessert( ^ω^))Today is Friday and I have a big test coming up tomorrow, so I need to study really hard these days. Therefore, I can't finish this answer until tomorrow night (Staurday), and pardon me for not replying or answering sonner.And also stay tuned, I’ll be back. Thank you all!!!－－－－－－－－－－－－－－－－－－－－－－I am Back.() also a little upset because I didn't do well in my exam today.)Well,there are also P.E class,music class,art class,computer class(mostly teach Photoshop skills.)The above are traditional Chinese paintings that I painted in senior 2.Our art teacher at that time is a huge-sized guy with super white skin and a wild name.We adore him so much that every time he enters the classroom the whole class would stand up and call out super super loud by saying Teacher in Chinese and everyone would be so thrilled that we all have this big smile on our face.And everytime he would be so shy and smile back at us.(He is the cutest teacher with the appearance that doesn't fit his personality and the most artistic and talented teacher I have ever met.)He taught so many traditional Chinese art forms to us and other students from other class were so envy because they were taught by other teachers and they just taught this boring stretch that often required high-level art skills.(I’ve been through that in senior 1.)Above are the stone he taught us how to write our names in the stones using tools like knives,also traditional Chinese art form.▲By the end of that semester,he personally gather all our stones and print them in a traditional Chinese paper and!!! exhibit them in the art exhibition in our school hall!!!!▲These are the content of my math notebook(I have to take notebook because I am terribly bad at math.For example,I once got 50 scores in math,and got 139 scores in English,both of which are 150 full-scores !!!)(｡ŏ_ŏ)▲This is the English paper that were tested by us this afternoon.(Can you get all of them right?Well,I didn't.)▼This is the content of my English composition notebook since we have to write a letter as a composition in Every English Test.And what is more interesting is that each letter is asked to be written in the name of Li Hua.So try not to name yourself Li Hua when your are in China because the name is almost nightmares to the students who are bad at English.haha.(^∇^)▲And also that is the English newspaper we use to put our knowledge into practice.We actually have to by them.About 40 yuan two semesters,namely a year.④How we ive in our dorm.As you can see in the picture above,we have 6 two-stories bed in each dorm,which means each dorm has 12 people.We were having a party(kind of?) to say goodbye to the art student(the first one on the right) because she needed to go to somewhere else for training.Because for students like her,they actually have two major tests to take to be admitted to college.One is art or music,the other is the test that all of us need to take(Gaokao).Though the appearance of my school looks amazingly great,but the living conditions are not so favorable.We have only one bathroom,yes,that's right,for 12 people.And we don't have air-conditioner,only two fans for the hot summer.And when we need to shower,we have to grab our baket or basin for hot water using Water Card that every boarding students have.▲water cardAnd the water is provided on after-class time only.About that shower problem between 12 people,we kind of have a deal that some of us shower at noon and some of us shower in the evening.Therefore,it's not such a big problem for us,and other dorms kind of do it too.Our school authorities don't allow any electricity in any dorm due to safety consideration.But last year they decided that we need to have a dryer for clothes in rainy days so right now each dorm has one clothes dryer.You probably wonder,where can we charge our phones?Well,our school makes it a policy that every student mustn’t bring their phones,but as the saying goes,where there is ‘resistance’,there is rebellion.Many of us still bring cellphones to school.And the school just can't do anything about it because they don't have proofs.But if you use your cellphone in class or in night-class(we study on our own in the classroom) and get caught by on-call teachers or superiors,they will take your phone away and return it at the end of the semester and they make you write a letter of apology and promise that you wont do it again.Luckily,I never got caught,though I never use my phone in class.(´∀`)As hard as the living conditions may be,I find living in the dorm interesting.I could get away from my kind of control freak parents(I know that they care about me too much and are looking out for me.)Not only can I bulid a better personality and become more independent but also I can keep pace with my study.It's like a coin,having two sides.⑤What we eatFinally,we get to the chapter of Food!!!!We Chinese people have an saying that goes like,Food is our sky,which really stress the importance of what food is to us.Our school has three canteens,all in the same building,operate by different contractors.▼Below is a picture of one of my recent lunches.I think mine is more delicious but also,it cost more.Mine is 8 yuan and the other is about 1–2 yuan cheaper than mine.I think the food in our school is fine.You can try eating the same three canteens for three years,then you’ll realize my ‘fine’ is actually very nice.The food here is just some typical Chinese food,nothing really super delicious or disgusting.I eat my whole senior 1 year in the school,then in senior 2,I got sosososo tired of food inside so I just explore the amazing world of food outside.ps: We don't have a habit of bringing lunches from home to school.And I don't exactly know why.When I was in elementary school,I did bring my lunches from home to school.And I don't know how the I abandon the habit and when…confused…(´｀;)？▲Once,I came up with a new style of food that combines two dishes,and I find its color really cheer me up!!!!Now in senior 3,I eat almost every meal outside of school.For instance,▼(A special food tha we call Shaobing.The guy who is making it is quite good at what he does.His shaobing has a special taste that no others can compare to.He’s been here selling Shaobing for so many years,and so many students in our school have his cellphone number so that they can order earlier and save some time,including me.There was once,he went to his hometown and his father was here to do business and we immediately go to others’ to have meals.He is very good)▲This is what we call a fensi that is spicy and sour.I love it,too.If we want to eat it,we’ll need to take a bus to get to the store.▲This is actually a very fancy lunch for us students.During school days,we almost don't go that far to eat.We happened to take a compulsory body-check in the hospital nearby so we just went for it.▲This pizza is not a lunch or meal eaten near the school,me and my sister just felt like having pizza that day(in winter break)▲That was Spring Festival,my friends and I went out for dinner.It's Japanese food.▲Sometimes I can't do my homework at home because there are too much distrustion,I go to a cafe enjoy the quietness.⑥Our activitiesOur activities is quite a lot,I think.First,we have a students’union,which consists of 8 departments,everyone who just enter senior 1 can apply for them,and then be interviewed by senior2 and 3 students,then are admitted to them.There are some informal clubs,too,such gituar,Chinese opera,football,basketball and so on.However,as for me,I joined none of them in senior 1.Because back then,right after school days started,I fell ill,seriously ill.I was at the doctor’s for a whole week.Therefore,I lost the best window of joining one of them.But I don't feel sorry at all. Because being seriously sick at that time made me cherish the health I have now,and besides,with so much homework,I wouldn't have the time to get involved anyway.Second,our school held many activities every year,such as singing contest,the show of the New Year and chorus singing competition and so on.I once attended the singing contest in senior2,but was passed down.And it turned out that I lost for a reason,the people who won were just amazing.But later in senior 2,my deskmate and I made up a show that we call ‘Xiangsheng’,which was also a traditional Chinese art form.I think it is like a stand-up comedy but is presented by two people. so we created the show and sign up for a on-stage show to welcome the coming New Year.And we won!!!I believed how the teachers described our show was constantly using the words ‘amazing’ ‘good’ ‘extraordinary’.And the teachers and superiors even asked us to come back to perform another show like this!!!But in senior 3 we are really busy and my partner and I also kind of became distant,so we never perform the show again.But it was such an unusual experience for me.I remember those light were shining on me,and all those camera and all those cheers and applause.How brave was I.▲That was my costume.In the second semester of senior 2,my class attended a chorus singing contest.We practice it so hard and learned about so much about team spirit.Eventually,we won the third place.Our music teacher took credit for it,too,since she taught us very well.▲That was our whole class on stage.And the guy who is recording is our headteacher,who is super caring and super responsible for us.He is the guy that always be there for us when we are upset and taught us so many things about geography.He always welcomes and encourages students to talk our problems to him and gives advice on both study and daily life.We love him.▲That was a show targeted for us students for relaxe purpose. It aimed at celebrating the 19th China Communist Party.The people performing were professional,which was really rare-seen for us.It's said that our headmaster pulled some strings to get it done.We also held sports meeting every two years.Students who have talent in this field can take part in it. The sports meeting usually lasts three days.And it contains a opening,competitions and a closing.We held one when I was in senior 1.And so this year we held one,too.It was a lot of fun.Behind us is our slogan.And just not long ago,we held another oath-taken activity to inspire us senior3 students to fight for our future.⑥Our uniformsWell,Our school uniforms is very diverse.They are different from boys and girls.They are different from the ones with collars and the ones that don't…..▲The people in it were my schoolmates,who studied here many years ago.Back then our school uniforms were the most distinctive ones in my city.But then due to some political reasons I think,we changed our uniform into the normal ones with collars,which people were not very happy about. So the school changed it back,only it is no longer the same as the beautiful ones on the photo.⑦▲This is me went shopping for fruits this afternoon on my way home.I just can't resist this beautiful and delicious fruits!!!!(≧∇≦)/－－－－－－－－－－－－－－－－－－－－－－This is the end of my answer.But don't worry,I may still add more when I am free.May be after 70days,when I finish my high school,finish my College Entrance Examination,I’ll come back to share with you guys how I feel.Thanks for all of you to read this answer and give comments.Thanks Kelly Teng for correcting my grammar and spellings.Thanks a lot!!!!!oh,this time, stay tuned or not,your choice!!!!ヽ(*≧ω≦)ﾉBye,you guys.It's a pleasure to meet all of you.Update:Our school,with the government,held an amazing concert tonight for us students.When it came to a part where my teacher sang a very classic and well-known to people here,we(3000+ students) all held up our lights of the phones and sang along.It's our school’s first-ever concert held in the evening.And tonight many of us are joking about having the principal here to make use of the opportunity to take away our phones.And of course he didn't and wouldn't do that.Because he really devoted himself to create a nice learning atmosphere rather than boring and dull life. In fact,he pulled many strings to make this an amazing evening,including the last one I referred to above.UpdateTwo months after the exam and the results, I got a notice from my teacher that I was required to be present of our award ceremony and to pick my parts of award! Though my exam kind of sucks, I do score high in English,like ‘the highest since our school was established’ high. It’s 147(out of 150) and so I went and got my ¥1000 bunus and went up the stage and gained applause in front of approximately 1000+ people.By the way, the sky that day is stunning! Like it’s giving us congratulations too.

Now that is a question asking for a lot of details! While the courses part is something that I have not gone in too much depth (I talked about physics courses in the core years here: Anshuman Acharya's answer to Does the first two years ciricullum of physics in IISER cover almost entire physics of class 11 and 12? ), I assumed that I have talked enough about my projects. However, I realised that in answers like this: Anshuman Acharya's answer to As a BS-MS student from IISER, what are some of your internship experiences? , I have focussed more on the “experience” of the project, rather than the project itself.So I shall try to do that in this (very long!) answer, and I hope it is helpful. Do note that I have yet not completed my 5th year (it is yet to formally begin, although I have begun working on my Master’s thesis). So I shall have to edit this answer later, for adding in the details of 2 electives that we take in our 5th year, here at IISER Mohali. For details about the courses mentioned in this answer, do go through the Courses of Study at IISER Mohali available online[1] .*****************************COURSES OF STUDY******************************CORE YEARS:1st Semester:BIO101 - Cellular Basis of Life : This was a basic introduction to cellular biology, and was aimed at ensuring that regardless of whether you have studied biology in 11th and 12th or not, you can exit from this course at an equal footing.BIO111 - Biology Lab 1: This was basically the practical aspects of what was done in the theory class. So it was definitely more interesting, although staring down the microscopes to look at the cells was often headache inducing for me!CHM101 - Chemistry of Elements and Chemical Transformations: Basically a crash course for chemistry, with some new concepts thrown in to do away with some of the random rules and base it on more logical reasoning. It has both organic and inorganic chemistry.CHM111 - Chemistry Lab 1: Quite simply, this is the practical side of the theory course. So put on your lab coats, and start creating colourful liquids/puffs of smoke!HSS101 - Language Skills A or B: The class is divided into 2 parts, based on some evaluation, as well as your personal choice. While A covers basic English skills and grammar, B is more advanced, and given the instructor, is actually a crash course into critical thinking, analysis and even a dash of philosophy. And yes, we know that calling A as Basic and B as Advanced was a huge missed opportunity.IDC101 - Introduction to Computers: Should rename the course to introduction to Python, because that’s what it is all about.MTH101 - Symmetry: In mathematics, if they call it something short and sweet like “symmetry”, know that something fishy is going on. This course is an introduction to group theory, and abstract mathematics in general. It is an equal opportunity for everyone to realise how less they know in mathematics, regardless of their subject combination in 11th and 12th. ;)PHY101 - Mechanics : Covers everything from Newtonian, to some aspects of Special Relativity. Consider it a crash course, but with a good teacher, it can help you relearn physics in a more intuitive way.PHY111 - Physics Lab 1 : Not just a practical side of the course. This course will be your introduction to the importance of, and the measurement of errors in any experiment. Be prepared for a crazy first lab (not sure if that can be done for the Monsoon semester of 2020), where you shall repeat a very simple measurement several times. Also, be prepared for the results of this seemingly weird task.2nd Semester:BIO102 - Gene Expression and Development : Introduction to developmental biology. PCM background people may find it a bit annoying.BIO112 - Biology Lab 2 : Probably you have been hearing a lot about PCR testing for CoVID? You would learn that in this course, apart from other techniques.CHM102 - Atoms, Molecules and Symmetry : AKA Introduction to Quantum chemistry. Definitely mind blowing if taught well. Can become overwhelming if it is taught more rigorously though.CHM112 - Chemistry Lab 2 : Titrations and crystallisations of various types.HSS102 - History of Science: Evident from the name. It is a history of how science evolved over the centuries, from the early civilisations in Greece, India, and Egypt, to the 20th century.IDC102 - Hands on Electronics : Has theory as well as lab classes. Basically learn a good variety of circuits (amplifiers, integrators, differentiators, etc.) which is fun when it works and frustrating when it doesn’t.MTH102 - Analysis in One Variable : You think you know limits, differentiation, etc.? No you don’t. This course reminds us that we have often just accepted some rules without understanding the justification behind them. Transforms mathematics from a tool to an exploration.PHY102 - Electromagnetism: Fairly evident from the name.PHY112 - Physics Lab 2: Goes hand in hand with the theory course.3rd Semester:BIO201 - Genetics and Evolution : Introduction to the subject. Has a good amount of probability, statistics, and even computation (you will use software to run simulations for fast-tracked evolution, for example!).BIO211 - Biology Lab 3: Goes hand in hand with the theory course, and has the same instructor.CHM201 - Spectroscopic and other Physical Methods : Will learn the theory behind various spectroscopy techniques, and how to read the results. Rigorous but fun.CHM211 - Chemistry Lab 3: Practical course to go along with the theory. Shall basically perform the spectroscopy techniques discussed.IDC211 - Workshop Training : You will learn how to build stuff with your hands! Wood, metal and even electronics.IDC elective - I chose IDC205 Differential Equations for Scientists from the set of options offered. Fairly evident what it is about.MTH201 - Curves and Surfaces : 3 dimensional geometry, in other words. Is very fascinating, once you are able to visualise what is being taught.PHY201 - Waves and Optics : Again self-evident by the name.PHY211 - Physics Lab 3 : Lab course to go with the theory one.4th Semester:BIO202 - Behaviour and Ecology : Quite an interesting course, topics covered is evident by the name.BIO212 - Biology Lab 4 : AKA Bird Watching across campus! Apart from other activities, a major part of this lab is roaming around campus to discover the various species of birds here. As during this time, the campus is also visited by migratory birds, this can become really fascinating. Feel free to guess the number of species my group discovered (and we didn’t find them all!) in the comments. :)CHM202 - Energetics and Dynamics of Chemical Reactions : AKA Thermodynamics.CHM212 - Chemistry Lab 4 : Goes hand in hand with the course.HSS202 - Philosophy of Science : Explores the philosophical contexts of what science is about, and introductory discussions based on that.IDC elective - I chose IDC201 Introduction to Astronomy from the electives offered. Fairly self-evident.MTH202 - Probability and Statistics : Self-evident by the name.PHY202 - Thermodynamics and Statistical Physics : An in-depth look into the subject, with special focus on topics like entropy.PHY212 - Physics Lab 4 : Lab course to go with the theory one.MAJOR YEARS:5th Semester:PHY301 - Classical mechanics : AKA Lagrnangian and Hamiltonian Mechanics. Changes your perspective entirely. Say goodbye to any confusion that may have lingered from first semester.PHY302 - Quantum mechanics : An introductory course, but fairly rigorous.PHY303 - Electrodynamics : Jackson is your frenemy. Naturally rigorous.PHY310 - Mathematical Methods for Physicists 1 : An interesting course going into topics like complex algebra, conformal mapping, contour integrals, differential equations, etc.PHY311 - Advanced Optics Lab : Self-evident. Quite rigorous, but enjoyable if you like working with your hands.IDC351 - Seminar (Attending) : Teaches you how to take notes in seminars, and make concise reports on the same.6th Semester:PHY304 - Statistical Mechanics : Will make PHY202 look extremely basic. Also an introduction to dealing with bosonic and fermionic systems.PHY306 - Advanced Quantum Mechanics : Arms you with the techniques with which you can approach a lot of things. Want to prove existence of antimatter? It shall be done. Explain properties of the atom/any particle in a concise way? Done.PHY312 - Advanced Electronics Lab : Remember IDC102? This is the lab that uses the entire course in the first 1–2 labs, and then builds upon that. In the end, you shall work on a unique research project to showcase your understanding built through this lab.PHY elective - I chose PHY422 Computational Methods in Physics 1, which was an introductory course in numerical analysis, interpolation, and solving of ordinary and partial differential equations.Open elective - I chose a Humanities course, HSS622 Cities: Urban Theory and Laboratory, as we need to do 2 humanities courses in our major years. The best part of the course was that we could roam around Chandigarh and choose a topic as a project based on what we observe in the city, and correlate it with the theory taught.IDC352 - Seminar (Attending) : Continuation of IDC351, in order to include more variety of seminars.7th Semester (Heaviest, as has one extra course)PHY401 - Nuclear and Particle Physics: A bit theory heavy, but still fascinating.PHY402 - Solid State Physics : Your introduction to condensed matter physics. Quite rigorous, but covers a lot of fascinating theories.PHY403 - Atomic and Molecular Physics : A continuation of the Advanced Quantum Mechanics course, to wrap up quantum mechanics. For further exploration, electives can be taken.PHY411 - Nuclear Physics Lab : Ever thought of dealing with radioactive substances and studying their properties? You can do that here!Open elective - I chose PHY638 Physics of Fluids, which is pretty self-evident.Open elective - I chose CHM619 Numerical Methods in Chemistry, which starts from the basics covered in Computational Methods in Physics 1, and develops them further. Application is not limited to chemistry.IDC451 - Seminar (Delivering) : This course required us to actually deliver a seminar with time limits, followed by questions from peers and professors. Delivered a seminar on my third year summer project.8th Semester (Cut short due to the pandemic)PHY elective - I chose PHY635 Gravitation and Cosmology, which is basically a rigorous introduction to General Relativity, and builds upon that to concepts in cosomology.PHY elective - I chose PHY637 Astrophysics, which is a more in-depth study of topics in observational astrophysics, building upon concepts in IDC201 and PHY638.Open elective - I chose my second humanities course, HSS602 Social Theory. Explores the ideas of various philosophers and thinkers, based on which our society is shaped. We wrote articles on news reports which showed the theory in action. My best moment was when I predicted that US shall try to escalate a war with Iran, but Iran shall not let it happen, through one of my articles. :)Open elective - I chose PHY425 Computational Methods in Physics 2, which builds upon the concepts taught in PHY422, going more in-depth in dealing with ODEs and PDEs, integration techniques like Runge-Kutta, Fourier transforms, etc.IDC452 - Seminar (Delivering) : We were supposed to select a paper and deliver a timed seminar based on it. However, this was changed to just a slideshow along with a brief summary of what we would have said for each slide, due to the pandemic.9th Semester (Online)Open elective - I chose IDC402 Nonlinear dynamics, chaos and complex systems, which was a fascinating course. We basically worked with discrete and continuous dynamical equations, that can be used to model physical phenomena. Thus, the course involved theoretical analyses and building of small simulations, which made for a fun combination that could be effectively carried out despite the semester being fully online. We also had to do a term paper, on a topic of our interest, and I worked on simulating the behaviour of the “van der Pol oscillator”.PRJ501 - Master’s thesis project : This was just the graded part of the Master’s thesis project that we are doing in our final year.10th Semester (Online)Open elective - I chose PHY654 Astrophysics II: Galaxies and Cosmology, which was a continuation of the PHY637 and PHY635. It starts off with an understanding of the Milky Way galaxy, then moving out gradually to larger scales. Thus, the course finally ended at cosmological scales and study of large scale structures. We also had to work on a term paper/review project, and I worked on “Supermassive Black Holes: From Active Galactic Nuclei to SgrA*”, write a short report on it, and finally give a presentation on the same to the Astronomy group in the Physics department at IISER Mohali.PRJ501 - Master’s thesis project : This was just the graded part of the Master’s thesis project that we are doing in our final year.***********************************PROJECTS**********************************I have detailed the reading projects mentioned below (1, 2 and 4) in this answer: Anshuman Acharya's answer to What is reading project in IISER?Did a reading project with a professor at IISER Mohali on Interactions of Light with Matter in the first half of the winter break after first semester.Did a reading project with a professor at NISER on the Standard Model of Particle Physics in the second half of the winter break after first semester. I was back at home (then at Bhubaneswar, currently parents live in New Delhi), and needed the work!Did my first summer internship at TIFR Mumbai, in the field of experimental soft condensed matter physics. I had to build an apparatus which could be subject to multiple forces, in order to study the transition between sliding and rolling friction in glass granules kept inside, and the effects generated by the same. I also developed a program to track the motions of individual glass granules.Did a reading project on Direct Large Scale N-Body Simulations of Planetesimal Dynamics, with a professor at the University of Maryland, the USA.Took part in the Touch the Jovian Moon Competition organised by LPSC, ISRO. Our team became a national level finalist, however, we couldn’t go for the finals as our summer internship dates clashed with the date of the final. We had to choose a moon of Jupiter, and develop a well-researched scientific proposal to launch a rover on the moon, taking into consideration all aspects of travel, science to be done, goals, timeframe, etc.Did my second summer internship at the University of California, Santa Barbara, the USA, on the Effect of various UV backgrounds (generated by quasars) on the Circumgalactic Medium. The Circumgalactic Medium refers to the diffused gas clouds around galaxies, which can come in between us and a quasar. When that happens, the quasar’s UV radiation excites atoms in the cloud, which can be observed as absorption spectra. This gives us an idea about not just the galaxy, but also the quasar behind it. However, we know many quasars and many galaxies. Can we develop a code that can predict their properties, solely based on the observed spectra, when everything else is unknown? That was the goal of my project. Currently working on a paper for the same.Was a part of the core team of the SWAN Pulsar Imaging Challenge by RRI. I was mainly in-charge of testing the data collection and parsing code.Did my third summer internship as a DAAD WISE fellow, at the University of Heidelberg, Germany, on the Properties of Loss Cone Stars in a Cosmological Galaxy Merger Scenario, where I was in-charge of analysing data generated by an N-body simulation of a galaxy merger, where each galaxy has a Super Massive Black Hole. These 2 SMBHs form a binary, and eventually merge, due to interactions with stars, dark matter, etc. present in the galaxies. I had to study these interactions and analyse how they evolved. We are in the process of submitting a paper on our work for the same.Was supposed to do my fourth summer internship and Master’s thesis at the Center for Astrophysics, Harvard and Smithsonian, with full funding from a research grant by Chandra. However, due to the pandemic, I am currently pursuing it remotely. Primarily, I am studying an exoplanet system consisting of a Sun-like star and a hot Jupiter, to understand if and how interactions between them could be affecting the stellar X-ray activity of the star. In particular, I am focussing on coronal X-ray activity, using data from the Chandra X-ray Observatory satellite.That wraps up this very long answer covering almost all aspects of academics that I have experienced in IISER. There is certainly more to IISER than just academics, but perhaps that would be better put in another answer.For those who find the answer too long, I apologise. Do note that the questioner did ask for a detailed answer though! ;)Footnotes[1] https://www.iisermohali.ac.in/course-structure

Assumptions and Purpose:Oh this is a good one. I will assume American education standards, and a general, all-purpose high school of, let’s say, 5000. It’s a mixture of relatively well-off kids and relatively economically disadvantaged kids, with a diverse set of backgrounds. The focus is to prep them for university and or careers.Physical Structure and Organization:The school is formed in a gigantic ring of classrooms, with vast open space in the middle, in the middle of which is a smaller ring of store, restaurant, and study space. It’s located at walking distance or within an Ivy League university. It’s an open campus, but alcohol and substances are strictly prohibited. Trees are required, and an emphasis is made on lack of closed spaces. Open spaces are emphasized.Classes start at 8:45, but only electives are allowed before 10:00 and after 4:00. Extra-curricular activities can fill slots on the schedule as 1/3 a class per quarter or semester if you are a sports player or an officer, but students must at least take 4 classes if in quarter system or 6 if semester. So if want to do football, and also chess and music clubs, you can take only 3 classes. However, you’re not allowed more than 4 extra-curriculars a year. Holidays follow standard organization, with Thanksgiving break starting on Tuesday and 2 weeks of spring break, and a month of winter break.Privileges depend on your GPA. For example, a 3.5 average is required for University classes. However, since you can pick most of your classes, this shouldn’t be as much of a problem. High school classes can act as GPA boosters, with a relatively easy introduction to the material. However, those with higher GPAs are recommended to take more difficult courses. Only GPAs are sent in to universities as a rule. Also, students choose to take or not take classes in order to self-study, with certain classes marked as optional entirely. For example, a fourth year of English classes can be ditched in favor of another science classes. However, generally, students are recommended to take a few of each, with a recommended course set for each students provided (also auto-enrolled if they choose).Facilities:Each classroom will be equipped with a blackboard, a whiteboard, and HDMI cable capable projector. School will have Wi-Fi access, with the students accessing most common websites like Facebook, etc. However, using the school Wi-Fi means abiding by school rules. Desks will not, in any circumstance, be tiny slabs of wood. They will be large conference tables, with outlets for internet access. A sofa will be provided in each room, but no food in the room.A computer lab with both Macs and PCs are included, along with a few Linux machines. There’s also a set of iPads. A 3D printing lab, along with a CNC equipped machine shop and a electronics lab, is also included, as well as a basic biology and chemistry lab. Strict requirements must be fulfilled to have access to these labs, including MSDS sheets for any substances introduced, PPE, etc. (All of this is to equip students in terms of dealing with modern technology and basic laboratory practices). An online repository of textbooks is included, along with access to practice problems.Gym and pool are included, along with a small skate park, and a gaming room. We will ditch the cafeteria food for a nice restaurant in the middle, and allow the students who are nearby to go home before lunch, and come back if they get permission.Most importantly, a large, three-story university sized library with research papers and many books will be provided. A coffee-house will be next to it.Classes:Classes are split into four categories, Test-Prep, Living, Sciences, Social Studies, and Arts. Students can choose between quarter and semester system every year.Test-Prep: Here, students are taught how to take tests. Namely, the SAT, AP, and ACT courses. For SAT and ACT courses, these are either combined in a semester class, or put in separate quarter classes. AP classes will be taught with the aim of getting as many people 5s as possible. AP English Composition for example will be focused on deep analysis of texts, while AP Calculus will be focused on Calculus. The AP courses will also count in their respective Sciences and Arts.Living: Here’s where I break the law most clearly (other than free textbooks online). You are taught driving in a driving class. The high school government class will teach you how to pay taxes, while the high school finance class will teach you how to pay your taxes. The machining class will teach you how to machine. A special English class, known as professional writing, will teach how to write emails, resumes, lab reports, etc, as well as teach you how to present yourself, pick a career, etc. The programming class is a programming class. It’s not theory; you will program, at a level expected of entry-level college students. You can’t take more than a couple Living classes per quarter, however, and they are only offered in quarter schedules. Sex education is taught with a emphasis on safe sex and health education, though definitely not required. Work-study is included here.Sciences: STEM classes. AP Calculus required beforehand for University Physics class, while for Biology it’s AP Statistics. Quarter classes include Geometry, Algebra, and Pre-algebra reinforcement. Semester classes are reserved for slower students, since they need more time, and will include an extra Pre-Calculus class. Slower classes will have more HW and be a smaller class size. Faster classes will be similar to that taught in university. The best students in this subject can specialize in STEM, and can take university calculus.Physics, Biology and Chemistry will not be focused on memorization. There will be lab classes attached to each, with the expectation that good lab reports are written. However, for these classes, especially at the University or AP levels, there will be less emphasis on massive amounts of problems and greater emphasis on experiments, theory, and understanding.Engineering classes will focus on design. Engineering practice, team projects, competitions, etc. Engineers will teach these classes as rule, with field trips to industrial workplaces or tours of start-up companies. These classes will have little writing, but a lot a design work, projects, etc. Specialized engineers can either act as consultants for a robotics team, design and create solutions to local community problems, and take university classes in this area.Biology specializations are meant for students who want to become doctors. AP Anatomy and Physiology is taught, along with extra bio-chemistry courses. A bioinformatics course is also included, along with an intro to biotechnology.Chemistry and Physics will also have their own specialization for those interested.Class organization and choice:Students are free to choose a specialization every quarter, allowing them to focus on one type of class only. Students who successively keep at the same specialization will be allowed into lower-division classes in the nearby university. HW and lectures are flipped. HW will mostly revolve around reading, no more than 6 or 7 problems or a single essay every two weeks. On the other hand, quality is expected to be higher. The exception is the sciences, where problems will be skill-based. Websites like Khan Academy will be utilized in order to test student skills, along with quizzes. Teachers will be professionals in the field rather than focused on education, with accredited teachers and teacher aides helping to grade and set curriculum. HW is restricted to due once a week. Classes will be rotating, and difficulty levels will be preset. University, followed by AP level, followed by normal high school classes. There will be several lab classes, and they will be the hardest classes; the requirement is Statistics at least at the AP level, and students will put that knowledge to use.Teachers will not grade the majority of work. Computers and TAs will do that. Teachers will focus on the direction of the class, and focus on helping those in need. TAs will be chosen from students with high GPAs and less classes. The classes will not go over 35.There’s probably a lot more I can write here, but I think that’s enough for now.