Course Structure

The first three semesters contain a number of courses, which have classroom as well as practical components. There is an equal emphasis on developing both theoretical as well as practical skills. Classroom lectures, lab work, group discussions, and field visits are all part of this hands-on experiential learning.

Classroom lectures: Each course has 10 to 30 hours of classroom lectures and discussions based on topical books and peer reviewed scientific papers. There are about 20 working days a month, with 3-5 lecture hours in a day.

Practicals: Hands-on practicals include:

• Laboratory practicals e.g. Statistics, Conservation genetics , GIS and Remote Sensing
• Short visits to local conservation/research organizations and field research stations
• Extended field visits to a variety of ecosystems and protected areas across the country

Assignments: Assignments help students understand and apply techniques learnt in a course and include, in addition to standard homework, student seminars, review papers and short field projects.

Guest lectures: Guest lectures are often case studies, which give the students an in depth understanding of the application of theory and methods to address a specific problem.

Evaluation: Students are evaluated based on classroom interactions, assignments, term papers and seminars. Written examinations may also be part of certain courses (such as Mathematics and Statistics). A minimum score of 40% is required to pass a course.

Field Trips:

Students spend a significant part of their time visiting different wilderness areas to gain skills required to conduct rigorous field work and independent scientific studies. Past field trips have included visits to the Bhadra Tiger Reserve, Bandipur Tiger Reserve, Nagarahole Tiger Reserve, Sikkim, Nannaj Grasslands, Periyar Tiger Reserve, Sanjay Gandhi National Park and the Andaman Islands.