Department of Computational and Data Sciences (CDS) Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore

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Department of Computational and Data Sciences (CDS)

Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore


Research Admission Procedure
PhD Jan 2020 Cycle

Research activities at CDS are categorized into two streams:


Computational Science (CD-CP) and Computer and Data systems (CD-
CS). The candidate must apply for CDS and the department committee
will shortlist the candidates for a research interview based on their
GATE Score and/or B.Tech./M.Tech. scores. The shortlisted candidates
must attend an interview, which consists of a written component and
an oral interview. Candidates must carefully review their eligibility
and labs they are interested in, and choose one stream, either CD-CP
(Computational Science) or CD-CS (Computer and Data System). This is
done at the time of interview by filling the combined preference
sheet. The written and oral topics will be different for these two
streams. Please refer to the appropriate brochure carefully before the
interview so that you may prepare accordingly and fill the combined
preference sheet when you arrive at the interview. 

Computational Science (CD-CP) 

PhD, Jan 2020 Cycle Admission Brochure
This brochure provides information on the Research Admission process into the
Computational Science Stream (CDS-CP) of CDS for 2019. It describes the research
laboratories in the CDS-CP stream which are accepting students this year, and the
topics for the written and oral components of the research interview. A combined
Preference Sheet appended at the end of this brochure must be filled and signed
by you when you appear for the interview.

A. Research Streams at CDS


Research activities at CDS are categorized into two streams: Computational
Science (CDS-CP) and Computer and Data systems (CDS-CS). Research admissions
are conducted separately for each stream, so please refer the appropriate
brochure. This brochure is only for Computational Science.
B. Research Admission Process – Computational Science Stream (CD-
CP)
The interview process for the Computational Science stream has two stages:
Written and Oral (both conducted on the same day).
1. Written component (Duration: 30 minutes): Total Points 5x2=10
(a) Two mandatory questions: one will be from polynomials, functions, plotting,
etc and another will be a programming question
(b) Answer any three out of four questions asked from basic engineering
mathematics on following topics: Linear Algebra/Matrices, Probability and
Statistics, and Differential Equations.
2. Oral Interview: Candidates who are successful in the written component will
attend an oral interview before a CDS-CP faculty committee. In the oral interview,
you will be questioned on the basic subjects, and based on your choice of an
advanced topic and lab preferences:             
Basic Area Subjects: Programming fundamentals; Linear Algebra; Numerical
Methods; Ordinary Differential Equations; Probability & Statistics. Final year
undergraduate level preparation is required.
Advanced Topics: Matrix Algebra, Numerical and Functional Analysis, Numerical
Solution of Differential and Differential-Algebraic Equations, Finite Element
Methods, Signal Processing, Computational Biology and Structural Bioinformatics,
Graph Algorithms, Structural Biology and Bioinformatics, Computational Fluid
Dynamics.

C. List of labs that accept students
1. Medical Imaging Group (MIG)
Faculty: Phaneendra Yalavarthy; http://cds.iisc.ac.in/faculty/yalavarthy/MIG/
The research group works on developing computational methods/models in
medical imaging. The recent focus has been toward deep learning methods for
medical image reconstruction and analysis. Significant portion of the research
work in the lab is dedicated toward clinically relevant work with an emphasis on
fast imaging methods.

2. Biomolecular Computation Laboratory


Faculty: Debnath Pal; pallab.serc.iisc.ernet.in/lab.php  
The focus of Biomolecular Computation Lab is to understand biological function at
multiple scales. Towards this goal we work at molecular level and pathway level
and develop methods and algorithms to understand biochemical function better.
The scope of work spans the areas of genomics, proteomics and metabolomics. We
also work on bio-molecules to understand sequence, structure function
relationships, their interactions and dynamics. There is opportunity to do research
problems in real-life projects in cancer, diabetes, neurodegeneration etc., where
intensive bio-computational analysis is required.

3. Structural Biology & Bio-Computing Lab


Faculty: K. Sekar; physics.iisc.ernet.in/~dichome/sekhome/index.html
The research group focuses on solving three-dimensional crystal structures of
protein molecules using X-ray crystallography and molecular dynamics simulations.
Further, we are also interested in data mining of protein sequences and structures.

4. Computational Mathematics Group


Faculty: Sashikumaar Ganesan; http://cds.iisc.ac.in/faculty/sashi/    
The research group focuses on the development and advancement of robust
numerical (finite element) methods and solver for solving partial differential
equations (PDEs) that describe incompressible fluid flows and species
concentration and/or energy in complex systems. The group also works on
implementing efficient parallel algorithms for high-performance computing.
5. Computational & Statistical Physics Lab
Faculty: Murugesan Venkatapathi; http://cds.iisc.ac.in/faculty/murugesh/
This group is suited for students interested in physics, or mathematical analysis, or
scientific algorithms. Examples of our recent results include a theory of strong-
coupling of emitters with dissipating matter, computational method for quantum
N-body problems in emission, analysis of polynomial recurrence relations and fast
computing methods for eigenvalue problems, methods of estimation to substitute
Markov-Chain-Monte-Carlo (MCMC) sampling, and error estimators for linear
solvers.

6. QUEST (Quantifying Uncertainty in Engineering, Science and Technology) Lab


Faculty: Deepak Subramani; http://cds.iisc.ac.in/faculty/deepakns/
The goal of our research is to build holistic science-based data-driven
computational solutions to complex engineering and environmental
problems. Example applications include climate change, cyclone predictions,
coastal hazard management, and optimal vehicle routing. Pursuant to our goal, we
develop and apply fundamental theories, numerical schemes and software
systems. We invite students who are interested in any of the following topics:
numerical solution of stochastic partial differential equations, uncertainty
quantification, Bayesian and deep learning of dynamical systems, fluid dynamics of
the atmosphere and oceans, and path planning of autonomous vehicles in dynamic
environments.

7.  Computational Flow Physics Lab


Faculty: Konduri Aditya; http://cds.iisc.ac.in/faculty/konduriadi/
The research group focuses  on the simulation and analysis of multi-scale multi-
physics fluid flow problems that leverage high performance computing (HPC)
platforms. Specifically, the work would involve development of HPC centric
numerical methods and algorithms for solving partial differential equations,
application of machine learning methods to analyze and model data generated
from simulations, and investigation of turbulent flow problems that arise in
combustion systems (gas turbine and scramjet engines), high-speed aerodynamics
and environmental flows. 
8. Computational Nano-physics Group (CNPG)

Faculty: Phani Motamarri; https://sites.google.com/view/cnpg/home

The group's broad research interests are centered around advancing the current
predictive capabilities of computation-based design of materials using first
principles-based quantum mechanical methods, with applications geared towards
design of stronger light-weight materials, clean-energy, and next generation bio-
molecular electronic devices. In particular, the focus will be on developing
mathematical techniques and scalable computational algorithms that can leverage
the latest heterogeneous parallel computing architectures and future exa-scale
machines for ab-initio material modeling. Research combines ideas from
condensed matter theory, materials science, solid mechanics, adaptive finite
element methods, numerical linear algebra and a heavy dose of high-performance
computing.
Preference Sheet – Research Admissions Jan 2020 Cycle
Written and Oral Interview for Computational Science (CD-CP) and 

Computer and Data Systems (CD-CS) are SEPARATE.
Candidates may attend ONLY ONE of CD-CP or CD-CS interview.
Eligibility for CD-CP: BE / B Tech or equivalent degree in any discipline or M Sc or
equivalent degree in Mathematical Sciences; Physical Sciences; Electronics;
Instrumentation; Computer Science or Master’s in Computer Application. In all
cases: a background in Mathematics and Programming is required
Eligibility for CD-CS: BE / B Tech or equivalent degree in Computer Science/
Engineering; Information Technology/Science; Electrical and Communication
Engineering; Electrical Engineering or Master’s degree in Computer Science;
Computer Application or Electronics. In all cases: a background in Programming is
required

• Carefully review the Brochures, and Research Lab descriptions and websites
before filling in this Preference Sheet.
• You may choose only one stream (CD-CP or CD-CS), and up to three labs in
that stream.
• The stream chosen here is binding and cannot be changed after the
written interview.
• Choose the lab(s) whose research areas most closely match your own
interests.
• You may change your lab preference during oral interview.

1. Research Stream (Tick Only One): [ ] CD-CP [ ] CD-CS

2. Name:
_________________________________________________________________

3. Application No:
__________________________________________________________

4. Program (Select all that apply):   [  ] Ph.D.

5. External Research Program candidate? (Tick one) [  ] No [  ] Yes

6. Rank up to three research labs in your selected stream using numbers 1, 2 and
3.
If you selected CD-CP stream above: If you selected CD-CS stream above:
[   ] Medical Imaging Group [ ] MARS Lab
[   ] Biomolecular Computation [ ] Video Analytics Lab
Laboratory [ ] DREAM Lab
[   ] Structural Biology & Bio-Computing
Lab
[   ] Computational Mathematics Group
[   ] Computational & Statistical Physics
Lab
[ ] QUEST Lab
[ ] Computational Flow Physics Lab
[ ] Computational Nano-Physics Group

I have read and understood the brochure and the instructions before filling in this
preference sheet.
Signature: ____________________ Date: ______________ Place:
_______________

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