Conservation Ecology

CONSERVATION ECOLOGY

Term 2008 Term Duration: 3 months Basic qualification: Graduation

OVERVIEW
The centre is a joint venture of Darrang College and WWF-India set up in the memory of late Pankaj Sarmah, a alumnus of Darrang College and a dedicated worker of WWF-India.

The objective of the Centre is 
“To generate a group of dedicated people who can work for conservation, planning, implementation and for creating a conservation friendly society with dedication and value addition”

The course is meticulously divided into seven units starting from basic concepts of conservation ecology to modern cutting edge technology in the study and management of conservation issues. The course will focus on interactions and perturbations, including those resulting from human-induced global changes. Human dependence on ecosystems and activities of men in altering systems at local, regional and global scales is being emphasized. Field trips and activities will be an essential part of the course to give hands in handling of equipments like GPS and other documentation devices. Data gathering, data entry, analysis, presentation and documentation in the form of technical reports, assignments, short report / note will be done to enhance the skills of young conservation lovers.

During the course wide exposure will be given for interaction with scientist and experts in conservation ecology. Extension Lectures and presentations from such resource persons will be arranged from time to time.

For this a basic understanding of ecology and college level chemistry and biology as background for this course is desirable. For any further clarification about the course please contact the Course Coordinator.

The goals of the course are:
• To teach the basic principles and concepts of conservation ecology
• To introduce the current uncertainties and controversies in conservation ecology.
• To increase the awareness of human-induced global changes and how they are affecting ecosystem processes in the regional and global level.

Message from the Principal, Darrang College
‘Conservation Studies is of paramount importance for this
part of North East India, which is rich in biotic resources and its
diversities. The Centre for Conservation Studies is established in
memory of our former student Late Pankaj Sarmah, to create a
dedicated band of conservation workers. I wish all success of the
center’.

Dr. Joysankar Hazarika
Principal, Darrang College

• To increase awareness of human dependency on natural
resources
• To motivate and to keep informed about the regional and
global environmental problems; and for preparing action plans
to solve such problems.
• To acquaint the student with the use of latest scientific
technologies in the field of conservation.

COURSE METHODOLOGY AND SYLLABUS
Interactive classroom as well as outdoor activities will be
emphasized. Lectures will be presented using handout materials
and audio-visuals and eventually questions will be asked
prompting and motivating participation. It is expected that
students will participate actively through questions, answers or
comments during the class. Students will be taken for field
demonstrations and practical learning.

Students will learn by:
1. Active participation in doing basic research work on any
interesting subject.
2. Observation and analytical discussion through videos, CDs,
and readings.
3. Creating comparative tables, rich pictures and other pedagogical
tools.
4. Participating in field trips.

On site practicing exercises are designed to allow students to open up their minds for a better and deeper understanding of ecology and the real world.
The required text for the course will be provided in the form of lecture notes or reprints from time to time. There will also be required readings from the primary literature that will supplement lecture materials. The purpose of the course is to expose the learners to both classic and current ideas.

GRADING AND COURSE REQUIREMENTS:

In class participation:
Participation in class discussions will be graded. Our expectation is to keep abreast of reading reference books; readings from the primary literature and lecture materials and designing each class with prepared questions and to prepare the learners to participate in discussions to full fill our motto of preparing a dedicated band of people for the cause of conserving our lovely habitat- the earth.

Out Class Participation:
Out class participation will be in the form of field trips, visit to forest reserves, places of ecological importance, training on out door photography.

Grading pattern will be based on the following pattern:

Selection Procedure:
The number of seats is limited to five only for the current session. The CCS reserves the right of increasing the no. of seats if suitable candidates are found. Selection of candidates will be based on- general merit, group discussion and personal interview. Sponsored candidates will also be accommodated.

Course Fees:
Rs. 5000 (Rupees five thousand only), which includes:
i. Tution fees
ii. Field trip
iii. GPS training
iv. Photography
v. Computer training
vi. Communication Skill training
vii. Internet Facility
viii. Caution Money

The fees will be payable in Cash, DD or Bankers Cheque
in favour of Principal, Darrang College payable at SBI, Tezpur.

Application forms can be obtained from
1. Principal, Darrang College, Tezpur 784 001.
Ph. 03712 220014 (O), 09435521589 (M)

2. Coordinator, NBL Conservation Programme,
WWF-India, Parvati Nagar, Tezpur 784 001.
Ph. 03712 260132 (O), 9435380626 (M).

Important Dates:
1. Issue of Admission Forms : From 5th of March, 2008
2. Last Date of Submission of Forms: 25th March, 2008
3. Date of Admission: 27th March, 2008
4. Commencement of Classes: 31st March, 2008.

Lecture Venue:
Centre for Conservation Studies
Pankaj Sarmah Memorial Building
Darrang College, Tezpur- 784001

Course Coordinator:
Bidhan Borah
Department of Botany, Darrang College, Tezpur
Email: bidhanborah@gmail.com  
Tel.no.: +919435521589