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M-SC-AGRICULTURE in Agricultural Meteorology at Assam Agricultural University
Jorhat, Assam
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About the Specialization
What is Agricultural Meteorology at Assam Agricultural University Jorhat?
This Agricultural Meteorology program at Assam Agricultural University focuses on the critical interplay between weather, climate, and agricultural systems. It equips students with advanced knowledge in atmospheric sciences and their application to crop production, pest management, and natural resource conservation, directly addressing the diverse agro-climatic challenges faced across India.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for Bachelor''''s graduates in Agriculture, Horticulture, Forestry, or Agricultural Engineering seeking entry into specialized agrometeorological roles. It also suits professionals in agricultural extension or research looking to enhance their analytical and forecasting skills to address climate impacts on farming.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect diverse India-specific career paths, including Agrometeorologist in government bodies (IMD, ICAR), researchers in agricultural universities, or consultants for agri-tech startups. Entry-level salaries range from INR 4-7 LPA, growing significantly with experience in this high-demand niche.
Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Master Core Meteorological Principles- (Semester 1-2)
Focus on developing a strong understanding of atmospheric physics, dynamics, and instrumentation. Utilize online resources like NPTEL courses on meteorology, and practice with weather data available from IMD to build foundational knowledge crucial for advanced modeling and analysis.
Tools & Resources
NPTEL courses on Meteorology, IMD (India Meteorological Department) weather data, Textbooks on Climatology and Atmospheric Science
Career Connection
Strong fundamentals are essential for scientific roles in IMD, ICAR, and private agri-tech firms focusing on weather analytics.
Hands-on Instrument Proficiency- (Semester 1-2)
Actively engage in practical sessions involving weather instruments (e.g., Stevenson screen, anemometer, rain gauge). Seek opportunities at the university''''s agrometeorological observatory to understand data collection, calibration, and maintenance, vital for fieldwork and research positions.
Tools & Resources
University''''s Agrometeorological Observatory, Practical lab manuals, Instrument handbooks
Career Connection
Develops practical skills highly valued by meteorological departments, research institutes, and agricultural consultancies.
Build Statistical and Programming Skills- (Semester 1-2)
Start learning basic statistical software (R, Python) and data handling techniques early. Join university workshops on statistical analysis and data visualization, as these are indispensable for interpreting meteorological datasets, running climate models, and data-driven decision making.
Tools & Resources
R/Python programming tutorials, Statistical software like SPSS/SAS (if available), DataCamp, Coursera courses on data science
Career Connection
Crucial for research, data analysis, and modeling roles across agricultural and environmental sectors, enhancing employability in agri-informatics.
Intermediate Stage
Specialize in Crop-Weather Modeling- (Semester 2-3)
Deep dive into crop growth models and their application. Collaborate with faculty on ongoing research projects using models like DSSAT or WOFOST, attending advanced workshops and exploring case studies relevant to Indian cropping systems to gain practical expertise.
Tools & Resources
DSSAT (Decision Support System for Agrotechnology Transfer), WOFOST (WOrld FOod STudies) model, Research papers on crop modeling, Faculty research projects
Career Connection
Positions in agri-tech, research, and government agencies involved in yield forecasting, climate impact assessment, and precision agriculture.
Engage in Remote Sensing & GIS Projects- (Semester 2-3)
Work on projects that utilize satellite imagery and GIS tools for agricultural applications like drought monitoring, yield estimation, or precision farming. Explore platforms like Google Earth Engine or QGIS for hands-on experience, which is critical for roles in agri-tech companies and government mapping agencies.
Tools & Resources
QGIS/ArcGIS software, Google Earth Engine, Satellite data archives (e.g., ESA, NASA), University GIS lab resources
Career Connection
Highly sought-after skills for roles in remote sensing departments, GIS consultancies, and digital agriculture platforms.
Network with Industry & Academia- (Semester 2-3)
Attend national agrometeorological conferences, workshops, and guest lectures (e.g., organized by IMD, ICAR institutes). Actively connect with professionals and researchers to understand current industry trends, identify research gaps, and explore potential career opportunities within India''''s agricultural ecosystem.
Tools & Resources
Conferences (e.g., ISAE, AAMS), Webinars by ICAR institutes, IMD, LinkedIn for professional networking
Career Connection
Builds professional connections for internships, mentorship, and future job placements, opening doors to diverse roles.
Advanced Stage
Research & Thesis Excellence- (Semester 3-4)
Dedicate significant effort to the M.Sc. thesis, aiming for publishable quality. Work closely with the advisor, meticulously collect and analyze data, and refine scientific writing and presentation skills for the final defense and future research roles in academic or government institutions.
Tools & Resources
Research methodology books, Academic writing guides, Reference management software (Mendeley, Zotero), Statistical software for analysis
Career Connection
A strong thesis can lead to research positions, PhD opportunities, and enhances credibility for scientific and analytical roles.
Prepare for Professional Opportunities- (Semester 3-4)
Actively prepare for competitive exams for government positions (e.g., ASRB-NET for lectureship/research, Scientist positions in ICAR, IMD) or interviews for private sector roles. Focus on understanding current agricultural policies, climate change initiatives, and the economic aspects of meteorology in India.
Tools & Resources
Previous year question papers (ASRB-NET), Current affairs related to agriculture/climate, Mock interviews and resume workshops, Company-specific interview prep materials
Career Connection
Directly impacts success in securing coveted government jobs, research fellowships, or private sector roles in agricultural advisory and innovation.
Develop Communication & Leadership- (Semester 3-4)
Participate actively in seminars, present research findings, and take on leadership roles in departmental or university-level activities. Effective communication of complex meteorological information to farmers, policymakers, and interdisciplinary teams is a key skill for a successful career in agrometeorology and public service.
Tools & Resources
Presentation software (PowerPoint, Prezi), Public speaking workshops, Group project leadership opportunities, Networking events with policy makers
Career Connection
Essential for roles requiring farmer outreach, policy advocacy, project management, and interdisciplinary collaboration.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- B.Sc. (Agri.) / B.Sc. (Horti.) / B.Sc. (Forestry) / B.Sc. (Seri.) / B.Tech (Agri. Engg.) or an equivalent examination with a minimum OGPA of 2.60 out of 4.00 or 60% aggregate marks (from AAU Prospectus 2023-24)
Duration: 4 semesters / 2 years
Credits: 60 Credits
Assessment: Internal: 30%, External: 70%
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester 1
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AEM 501 | Agricultural Climatology | Core (Major) | 4 | Atmospheric composition & structure, Solar radiation & Heat balance, Temperature, wind, and pressure, Evaporation, transpiration, precipitation, Climate classification |
| AEM 502 | Meteorological Instrumentation and Measurement | Core (Major) | 3 | Principles of meteorological instruments, Radiation measurement techniques, Temperature and humidity sensors, Wind and precipitation gauges, Automatic Weather Stations |
| AEM 503 | Boundary Layer Meteorology | Core (Major) | 3 | Atmospheric boundary layer structure, Surface energy balance components, Turbulence and atmospheric stability, Wind and temperature profiles, Air pollution meteorology |
| PGS 501 | Library and Information Services | Compulsory Non-Credit | 1 | Library resources & services, Information retrieval systems, Digital libraries & e-resources, Reference management tools, Academic integrity & plagiarism |
Semester 2
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AEM 504 | Physics of Biosphere | Core (Major) | 4 | Energy budget of plant canopies, Radiation interception by plants, Photosynthesis and respiration processes, Transpiration and water use efficiency, Microclimate modification techniques |
| AEM 505 | Remote Sensing and GIS in Agrometeorology | Core (Major) | 3 | Principles of remote sensing, Electromagnetic radiation interaction, Image processing & interpretation, GIS concepts & spatial analysis, Applications in crop and drought monitoring |
| AEM 506 | Synoptic and Dynamic Meteorology | Core (Major) | 3 | General atmospheric circulation, Monsoons, cyclones, anticyclones, Weather forecasting principles, Numerical weather prediction models, Satellite meteorology basics |
| PGS 503 | Technical Writing and Communications Skills | Compulsory Non-Credit | 1 | Scientific writing fundamentals, Research paper & thesis structure, Oral presentation skills, Grant proposal writing, Effective academic communication |
Semester 3
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AEM 507 | Crop Weather Modeling | Core (Major) | 3 | Principles of crop growth models, Empirical and mechanistic models, Model calibration and validation, Decision support systems in agriculture, Yield forecasting applications |
| AEM 508 | Weather Forecasting and Climate Change | Core (Major) | 3 | Short, medium, and long-range forecasting, Climate variability and global warming, Impacts of climate change on agriculture, Adaptation and mitigation strategies, Carbon sequestration in agroecosystems |
| AEM 509 | Statistical Methods in Agrometeorology | Core (Major) | 3 | Probability and frequency distributions, Regression and correlation analysis, ANOVA and experimental designs, Time series analysis, Applications of statistical software |
| AEM 591 | Master''''s Seminar | Compulsory | 1 | Scientific literature review, Research problem identification, Oral presentation techniques, Effective communication of research, Question and answer skills |
| AEM 599 | Master''''s Research | Research | 20 | Research problem formulation, Hypothesis development & testing, Experimental design & methodology, Data collection, analysis & interpretation, Thesis writing and submission |
Semester 4
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AEM 599 | Master''''s Research (Continuation) | Research | (Continuation of 20 credits from Sem 3) | Thesis finalization and editing, Viva-Voce examination preparation, Scientific data presentation, Addressing research challenges, Ethical considerations in research |
