AAS101HAAS201H

Physics of Agricultural Systems and Environment

L-T-P3-0-0 Credits3 Session2026-27 TypeTheory
Appears in 2 semesters

B.Tech Agricultural Engineering · Sem 1 (Physics / Chemistry, code AAS101H) · B.Tech Agricultural Engineering · Sem 2 (Physics / Chemistry, code AAS201H)

Syllabus

5 units · weightage in %
Unit1

Unit 1

20%

Fundamentals of Quantum Mechanics Wave-particle duality, de-Broglie concept of matter waves, wave packet, phase velocity and group velocity, Schrödinger wave equations (time-dependent and independent), particle confined in one dimensional box, wave function and its physical interpretation.

Unit2

Unit 2

20%

Thermal Physics in Agriculture Laws of thermodynamics, conduction, convection, radiation, soil temperature, and heat transfer in soil, energy balance, evaporation.

Unit3

Unit 3

20%

Superconductivity and Nano-materials Superconductors: Temperature dependence of resistivity and critical field in superconducting materials, Meissner effect, Type I and Type II superconductors, high temperature superconductors, application of superconductors. Nano-materials: Introduction and properties of nano-materials, basic concept of quantum dots, quantum wires and quantum well, top down and bottom-up approaches of nanofabrication, applications of nano-materials.

Unit4

Unit 4

20%

Environmental Physics Solar radiation, crop interaction, microclimate, weather parameters, greenhouse effect, climate change, air and water pollution.

Unit5

Unit 5

20%

Photonics Fiber Optics: Fundamental idea about optical fiber, propagation mechanism, acceptance angle and cone, numerical aperture, attenuation and attenuation coefficient in fiber. Laser: Interaction of radiation with matter (absorption, spontaneous and stimulated emission), principle of laser operation, Einstein’s coefficients, Ruby laser, He-Ne laser, laser applications.

Course Objectives5 points
  • To understand the foundational concepts and principles of quantum mechanics.
  • To apply the laws of thermodynamics to understand the principles of energy conversion and transfer in agricultural systems.
  • To explore the fundamental properties and phenomena of superconductivity and diverse applications of nano-materials, in advanced technological contexts.
  • To analyze the interactions between solar radiation, crop growth, and microclimate parameters to predict and mitigate the effects of environmental stressors on agricultural productivity and sustainability.
  • To comprehend the principles and applications of photonics.
Course Outcomes (COs)5 outcomes

After completion of the course student will be able to:

  1. CO1Understand the foundational concepts and principles of quantum mechanics.K2
  2. CO2Apply the laws of thermodynamics to understand the principles of energy conversion and transfer in agricultural systems.K3
  3. CO3Explore the fundamental properties and phenomena of superconductivity and diverse applications of nano-materials, in advanced technological contexts.K2
  4. CO4Interpret the interactions between solar radiation, crop growth, and microclimate parameters to predict and mitigate the effects of environmental stressors on agricultural productivity and sustainability.K3
  5. CO5Comprehend the principles and applications of photonics.K3

Suggested Textbooks / Reference Books

  1. Engineering Physics: Theory and Practical- Katiyar and Pandey (Wiley India)
  2. Principles of Agricultural Engineering – A.M. Michael & T.P. Ojha
  3. Introduction to Quantum Mechanics – David J. Griffiths (Prentice Hall)
  4. Engineering Physics: Theory and Practical- Katiyar and Pandey (Wiley India)
  5. Engineering Physics Theory and Experiments-Srivastava and Yadav (New Age International)
  6. Concepts of Modern Physics - Aurthur Beiser (Mc-Graw Hill)
  7. Engineering Physics - S K Gupta (Krishna Prakashan)

Online Resources

  1. NPTEL Courses on Soil Physics and Environmental Engineering
  2. FAO and ICAR digital resources
  3. Research papers and recent developments in smart agriculture and climate studies

Additional References

  1. Relevant review articles, research papers, and handouts on latest developments are included.

Official AKTU syllabus

This subject is on page 8, 9, 10, 11 of the original AKTU PDF.

Official AKTU syllabus PDF ↗