The close interaction
between physics and life sciences has led to the meaningful contribution
in many areas --- fundamental mechanism and theory of brain functions,
biophysical phenomenon like DNA using techniques of quantum physics. The
emphasis on medical physics reflects concern with the health sector in
promoting the use of radiation, radioisotopes and other advanced
techniques in the diagnosis and therapy of diseases not easily amenable
to conventional treatment. The main subject of Ninth College was medical
physics and it was discussed by Dr. M.F. Cotrall, Dr. D.T.Silvester and
Dr. W. Porschen.
Physicists and Chemists
have played an extremely important role in the development of modern
biology. During the Sixth College, modern biology was included as a
topic with a view to introduce the community of scientists to the
current excitements of this field and to highlight the ever increasing
role of this subject in solving human needs and curing human ailments.
Prof. Dertinger introduced the largely non-biologist audience to the
fundamental concepts of biology describing how a physicist looks at a
living cell, cell structure and its formation in healthy and cancerous
states. Dr. J. Bradbury discussed the medical use of the particle
accelerators and meson facility used to treat cancer patients. Dr. R.
Roberts and Dr. A.J.Bokhari jointly covered the subject of gene
manipulations. Topics like gene cloning, DNA breaking,gene formation
attracted many participants to initiate studies on the extremely
fascinating area of scientific research. During Eighth College as well,
Prof. G.A. Buehler and Prof. A.R. Faruqui discussed biophysical systems
and demonstrated their applications in time resolved studies on
contracting muscles on millisecond time scale.
The focus on geophysics is
motivated by the need to disseminate a broad and general understanding
of the structure and the dynamics of the planet we live upon and from
whose resources we draw our sustenance. The study of tectonic movements
is also of great practical importance in the systematic and scientific
exploitation of natural resources. Geophysics presents a number of
aspects of interest within the context of INSC. Our knowledge of the
interior of the earth is gained by the systematic application of well
established bodies of classical physics to the particular problems of
the properties of earth. During the First College, Prof. A.H. Cook spoke
at length on the interior of the earth, properties of the planetary
materials, movements at the surface of the earth and the applications of
geophysics. Professor Cook concluded by saying:
"In looking at the many important
direct applications of geophysics, we should not loose sight of the
way in which a knowledge of geophysics enables man to understand the
world in which he lives, even though he may be unable to influence
it, and so to satisfy, and at the same time to feed his curiosity
about the condition of the world below and around us".
Dynamic earth, its
structure, thermal and chemical evolution, plate tectonic theory,
earthquake mechanism and prediction induced seismicity etc. were the
topics discussed in the later colleges and we had Professor Willmore, T.
Spohn, R.D. Adams and Ota Kulhankle on our faculty.
For the exploitation of
natural resources, it requires cooperation between scientists of
different disciplines and engineers. Physics has reached an exciting
level, from which further progress is possible and able to contribute to
many aspects of physical and geophysical knowledge and techniques
essential for exploitation of natural resources. We had the honour of
having Sir George Deacon on our faculty to discuss many aspects of
oceans and ocean waves. Dr. Charnock was the speaker on this topic in
the Second College.
One of the major concerns
of the modern day science and technology is the protection and
preservation of the environment. It is a global concern, in both
industrialised and developing countries. Work relating to atmospheric
phenomenon, climatic systems and the climatic change and the adverse
environmental impacts caused by the production and consumption of
conventional fuels and waste disposal were the topics discussed at
various sessions. Our speakers include Dr. Aad Van Ulden, Ishaq Mirza,
A.M.Khan and K.R. Smith.
