Bhubaneswar, April 3: The National Institute of Science Education and Research (Niser) has started a Centre for Fundamental Studies in order to popularise mathematics and physics through trainings, outreach programs and similar activities.

The centre aspires to host both national and international events around the year and provide the best training to students in mainstream mathematics and allied subjects such as physics.

It will also promote strong interaction between mathematics and physics by having vigorous visitors' programmes, organising workshops, conferences at the frontiers of overlapping areas.

This summer, the Centre for Fundamental Studies is organising a training programme in mathematics at NISER.

The main objective of the training programme is to promote independent learning among students and provide solid foundation to mastering the art of doing mathematics on their own.

The students will be trained by a group of mathematicians drawn from leading institutes from across the country.

"Identified young and talented students will be trained and motivated to pursue mathematics as their career," Niser registrar A.K. Naik said.

The programme will be at three levels - Level 1, Level 2 and Level 3.

The subject matter at all the levels will be courses that normally form basic and core of the curriculum of the respective degrees offered in Indian universities.

This may, for instance, include linear algebra, algebra, analysis and geometry and so on.

This apart, there will be seminars conducted by the students.

Plans are also in place to have special lectures by eminent senior mathematicians.

While Level 1 will constitute students after their second year of MSc (integrated) or second year of BSc, Level 2 includes students after their third year of MSc (integrated) or third year of BSc.

Level 3 includes students after their fourth year of MSc (integrated) or first year of MSc in any of the colleges, universities or institutes with mathematics as one of their subjects.

The selection will be purely on merit, based on consistently good academic performance and the recommendation letter to be obtained by the candidate from his teacher of mathematics or mathematics professor closely acquainted with the candidate, said an official.

"It is mandatory for selected students to stay for the entire duration of the programme," the official added.