Undergraduate Research Programme

Aiming to prepare students for graduate school and research-driven careers, the University’s Undergraduate Research Programme (UGRP) allows students to explore topics in depth. Participants can conduct independent research under faculty supervision or contribute to faculty-led projects, fostering a close working relationship with professors. Some past and present UGRP projects are listed below.

List of Undergraduate Research Programme

Setting up a Radio Telescope (BOSE antenna) at Ahmedabad University- Phase I

Students built a mount of horn antenna in the workshop, assembled telescope components (Pyramidal Horn, Electronics), tested the electronics with preliminary observation, characterised the site for the telescope, and helped set up the telescope.

Understanding Transit Method for Exoplanet Detection and TESS Data

Develop an understanding of the fundamentals of exoplanet detection by reading literature, and getting exposed to data repositories, statistical methods, and codes to analyse transit light-curves.

Understanding Bayesian Extinction and Stellar Tool (BEAST)

Install, run and test BEAST - a Bayesian method based tool to estimate stellar parameters using spectral energy distribution diagrams.

A Pendulum with Two Balls of Different Masses to Study Time-reversal

Build a model to predict the frequency of steady point and verify the same frequency by building Newton's cradle with balls of two different masses to demonstrate the time-reversal symmetry

An Analog Double Differentiator for Electron Distribution Function Measurement in Plasma

This project focuses on developing advanced signal processing techniques for plasma electron energy distribution. The goal is to enhance data precision through novel analog differentiation methods.

Development of Saturation Absorption Spectroscopy Setup for Laser Frequency Locking

The aim of this project is to build SAS setup using an external cavity diode-laser of wavelength 780 nm resonant to rubidium D2 line. Due to Doppler Effect, the individual hyperfine transitions of alkali atoms are not well resolved. Saturated absorption spectroscopy (SAS) is an experimental technique which is widely used to find the position of individual transitions by eliminating the Doppler Effect.

Development of a Two-level Atomic Model Based on the Density-matrix Formalism

The aim of this project is to build a theoretical model for a two-level atom interacting with a light-field and a magnetic field. This is done by first calculating the total Hamiltonian of the system which is the sum of unperturbed Hamiltonian, light-atom interaction Hamiltonian and magnetic field-atom interaction Hamiltonian, and then the time-evolution of the system will be found by solving the Liouville equation.

Setting up a Radio Telescope (BOSE antenna) at Ahmedabad University- Phase II

Develop a mechanical design for the existing Pyramial Horn for manufacturing of 2nd Horn in Ahmedabad, and developing a mechanical design for iron-mount with better mechanical advantage compared with the first telescope along with investigating the stress-strain on the mount using simulations.

Measurement and Analysis of Key Meteorological Parameters using Low-Cost Sensors

The project aims to ulitise low-cost meteorological sensors e.g. BME680 and DHT22 for outdoor measurements and evaluate their performance when compared with standard measurements.

Study of Air Quality Using Low-Cost Sensor and Regulatory Grade Measurements

Air Quality is a critical parameter which need to be monitored regularly. Low-cost air quality sensors offers a viable alternative to expensive research grade instruments for such monitoring but they need to be characterised for their performance against standard regulatory grade instruments.

Time-series Analysis of Meteorological Data

Analysis of two years of meteorological measurmements carried on-campus and derive meaningful scientific insights from these measurements. Some examples: identify heat wave days; extreme rainfall events; number of rainy days; etc.

Automating a Weather Station

Routine measurement of meteorological parameters such as temperature, wind speed etc. are important for developing an understanding of the regional climate and how it evolves. The selected candidate/s will work on a suite of meteorological sensors, understand the physics behind their measurement technique, and using programming tools communicate, control, and monitor the instrument.

Air Quality Sensors and Their Intercomparison

To work on multiple air quality sensors, study their measurement techniques, and do a scientific inter-comparison of them under different environmental conditions and analyse the data using statistical techniques.

Evaluating the performance of low-cost air quality sensors

Brief of Project

IoT-based Air Quality Sensor Network

To work on IoT-based Air Quality Index measuring instruments deployed on Campus, understand the physics behind their measurement technique, and use programming tools to communicate, control, and monitor the instrument. They also developed data logging and visualisation interfaces

Centralise Monitoring of IoT-based Low-cost Sensors using LoRaWAN

To work on LoRaWAN (low power wide area networking) technique to connect a network of low-cost sensors deployed on Campus and log data on a centralised server.

Cloud-based Centralise Data Repository for a Large IoT-based Sensor Network

To work on a city-scale low-cost sensor network, develop programmes for sensor identification, data mapping, and data logging that include provisions for alternate data backup, data identification, management, and data statistics generation.

3D Design of an Air Quality Monitoring Device

Brief of Project

Developing a Low-cost Sensor Device for NOx and O₃ Measurements

Develop an air quality device using low-cost sensors that measure NOx and O3 and integrate it with a microcontroller, allowing continuous storage/transmission of the air quality data.

Study of Fire Events Over India Using Satellite Data

Analyse satellite data of fire events and explore connections between fire events, pollutant emissions, and meteorological parameters.

LoRaWAN-based Low-cost Sensor Monitoring of Air Quality

Utilise the LoRaWAN technique to establish a network of low-cost air quality sensors across the University campus. It set up a centralised logging system on a dedicated server to collect data, creating a bi-directional communication system for efficient, real-time monitoring of air quality.

Satellite-based Rainfall Estimation Across India

Rainfall estimation is essential for agriculture, city planning, etc. Satellites provide real-time rainfall estimates over large geographical areas, including remote and inaccessible regions. The selected candidate(s) will work on analysing satellite data to estimate rainfall in different regions.

Air Quality Sensors Comparison Study

Brief of Project

Designing a Mechanical Aerodynamic Air Inlet

An aerodynamic inlet is a mechanical interface to ensure laminar airflow in a tube. As part of this project, a mechanical inlet will be designed, fabricated in the workshop, and tested in the field.

Development of Low-cost Gas Sensor-based Devices

High levels of oxides of Nitrogen (NOx) and other trace gases, can lead to the formation of harmful pollutants like nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and contribute to respiratory problems. Monitoring it helps identify sources of pollution and assess compliance with air quality standards.