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B-A in Geography at Basdev Singh Mahila Mahavidyalaya, Tarwai, Meja
Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh
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About the Specialization
What is Geography at Basdev Singh Mahila Mahavidyalaya, Tarwai, Meja Prayagraj?
This Geography program at Basdev Singh Mahila Mahavidyalaya focuses on understanding the Earth''''s physical and human landscapes through systematic study. It emphasizes spatial analysis, environmental issues, and socio-economic patterns in an Indian context. The program integrates theoretical knowledge with practical skills in mapping, surveying, and GIS, addressing growing demand for skilled geographers in regional planning and resource management within India.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for 10+2 graduates with an interest in environmental science, social studies, and data analysis. It suits individuals aspiring to careers in urban planning, disaster management, environmental consulting, and teaching. It also benefits those seeking to understand India''''s diverse geographical challenges and contribute to sustainable development initiatives at local and national levels.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect diverse career paths in government sectors (e.g., Census, Survey of India, UPSC), NGOs working on environment and development, and private firms specializing in GIS or urban planning. Entry-level salaries range from INR 2.5-4 LPA, growing significantly with experience. Opportunities include urban planners, environmental consultants, cartographers, data analysts, and researchers, contributing to India''''s infrastructure and resource planning.
Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Master Core Geographical Concepts- (Semester 1-2)
Actively engage with lectures and textbooks on physical and human geography. Form study groups to discuss complex topics like geomorphology or population dynamics. Create concept maps and diagrams for better retention.
Tools & Resources
NCERT Geography books (Class 11, 12), Standard university textbooks (e.g., Savindra Singh for Physical Geography), Online educational videos
Career Connection
A strong theoretical foundation is crucial for understanding advanced topics and performing well in competitive exams like UPSC, which often feature geography questions.
Develop Practical Mapping and Surveying Skills- (Semester 1-2)
Pay close attention during practical sessions for cartography and surveying. Practice drawing different map projections, using surveying instruments like prismatic compass and chain. Participate actively in field trips to gain hands-on experience.
Tools & Resources
Surveying equipment (available in college lab), Atlas (Oxford/Orient BlackSwan), QGIS (open-source GIS software for initial exposure)
Career Connection
These skills are directly applicable in roles like cartographers, land surveyors, and GIS technicians in government departments, private surveying firms, and urban planning agencies.
Cultivate Environmental Awareness- (Semester 1-2)
Read environmental news, journals, and participate in college environmental clubs or initiatives. Understand local environmental issues in Prayagraj and Uttar Pradesh. Discuss the impact of human activities on the environment with peers and faculty.
Tools & Resources
The Hindu/Indian Express (Environmental Section), Down To Earth magazine, Local environmental NGOs
Career Connection
This awareness is vital for careers in environmental consulting, disaster management, and working with NGOs focused on sustainability and conservation.
Intermediate Stage
Enhance Statistical Analysis Abilities- (Semester 3-4)
Focus on understanding statistical methods like correlation, regression, and data representation. Practice using software for data analysis. Apply these methods to geographical datasets for better interpretation.
Tools & Resources
Microsoft Excel, Basic statistical software (e.g., R-Studio or SPSS for data handling), Online tutorials for statistical geography
Career Connection
Statistical skills are highly valued in roles involving data analysis, demography, and geographical research, making graduates more competitive in the job market.
Engage with Indian Geography and Regional Planning- (Semester 3-4)
Deep dive into the geography of India, focusing on regional disparities, resource distribution, and development challenges. Seek out case studies on successful and unsuccessful regional planning initiatives in different Indian states. Attend workshops on urban and rural development.
Tools & Resources
Geography of India by D.R. Khullar/R.C. Tiwari, Reports by NITI Aayog or state planning commissions, Documentaries on Indian development
Career Connection
This knowledge is indispensable for roles in government planning departments, regional development agencies, and think tanks focused on Indian policy.
Explore GIS and Remote Sensing Applications- (Semester 3-4)
Beyond theoretical knowledge, try to get practical exposure to GIS software. Undertake small projects that involve mapping geographical data using these tools. Look for online courses or college workshops on advanced GIS.
Tools & Resources
QGIS (open-source), Google Earth Engine, ISRO''''s Bhuvan portal
Career Connection
Proficiency in GIS and Remote Sensing opens doors to high-demand careers in geospatial technology, urban planning, disaster management, and environmental monitoring.
Advanced Stage
Undertake Impactful Project/Dissertation Work- (Semester 5-6)
Choose a relevant geographical problem for your final year project or dissertation. Conduct thorough field visits, collect primary data, and analyze findings rigorously. Aim for a topic that addresses a local or regional issue in Uttar Pradesh or India.
Tools & Resources
Research methodology books, Survey tools (questionnaires, interviews), Statistical software for data analysis, Geographic mapping software
Career Connection
A well-executed project showcases research capabilities and problem-solving skills, highly valued by employers, especially for roles in research, policy analysis, and specialized consulting.
Seek Internships and Field Experience- (Semester 5-6)
Actively look for internships with government departments (e.g., District Planning Office, Irrigation Department), NGOs working on rural development or environment, or private companies in GIS. Even short-term field-based projects can provide invaluable experience.
Tools & Resources
College placement cell, Online internship platforms (Internshala, LinkedIn), Networking with faculty and alumni
Career Connection
Internships provide real-world exposure, professional networking opportunities, and often lead directly to placement offers, making graduates job-ready.
Prepare for Competitive Examinations/Higher Studies- (Semester 5-6)
Start preparing for competitive exams like UPSC Civil Services, State PCS, or entrance exams for Master''''s programs in Geography or related fields. Focus on general studies, essay writing, and optional geography papers. Consider coaching or self-study with mock tests.
Tools & Resources
UPSC/State PCS syllabus, Previous year question papers, Online coaching platforms, Geography reference books
Career Connection
Many graduates aspire to careers in public service or academia; early preparation significantly increases success rates for these highly competitive pathways in India.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- 10+2 (Intermediate) in any stream from a recognized board (As per university norms)
Duration: 3 years / 6 semesters (leading to a B.A. Degree)
Credits: Minimum 120 credits for 3-year B.A. Degree Credits
Assessment: Internal: 25%, External: 75%
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester 1
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GEOMAJ0101T | Physical Geography | Major Core Theory | 4 | Geotectonics and Earth''''s Interior, Rocks and Landforms, Atmosphere and Weather, Oceanography and Marine Life, Biogeography and Ecosystems, Major Climatic Zones |
| GEOMAJ0101P | Cartography Techniques (Practical) | Major Core Practical | 2 | Scales and their Construction, Map Projections (Zenithal, Conical, Cylindrical), Topographical Maps (India, UK), Weather Maps and Symbols, Thematic Maps and Data Representation, Introduction to GPS and its Applications |
Semester 2
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GEOMAJ0201T | Human Geography | Major Core Theory | 4 | Nature and Scope of Human Geography, Man-Environment Relationship, Population Distribution and Growth, Rural and Urban Settlements, Economic Activities and Resource Utilization, Cultural Regions and Human Adaptation |
| GEOMAJ0201P | Thematic Cartography and Surveying (Practical) | Major Core Practical | 2 | Statistical Data Representation, Choropleth and Isopleth Mapping, Introduction to Remote Sensing, Basics of Geographic Information System (GIS), Chain and Tape Surveying, Prismatic Compass Surveying |
Semester 3
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GEOMAJ0301T | Environmental Geography | Major Core Theory | 4 | Environmental Concepts and Principles, Ecology and Ecosystems, Environmental Problems and Degradation, Pollution (Air, Water, Noise, Soil), Environmental Conservation and Management, Disaster Management (Theoretical Aspects) |
| GEOMAJ0301P | Statistical Methods in Geography (Practical) | Major Core Practical | 2 | Data Collection and Organization, Measures of Central Tendency (Mean, Median, Mode), Measures of Dispersion (Range, Standard Deviation), Correlation and Regression Analysis, Sampling Techniques, Graphical Representation of Data |
Semester 4
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GEOMAJ0401T | Geography of India | Major Core Theory | 4 | Physiographic Divisions of India, Climate and Monsoon Patterns, Soils and Natural Vegetation, Water Resources and Irrigation, Agriculture and Green Revolution, Industries and Industrial Regions |
| GEOMAJ0401P | Advanced Surveying (Practical) | Major Core Practical | 2 | Plane Table Surveying, Dumpy Level Surveying, Theodolite Surveying, Total Station Introduction, Global Positioning System (GPS) Applications, Contour Mapping |
Semester 5
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GEOMAJ0501T | Regional Planning and Development | Major Core Theory | 4 | Concepts of Region and Regionalization, Approaches to Regional Planning, Planning Regions of India, Rural Development Schemes in India, Urban Planning and Challenges, Sustainable Development Goals |
| GEOMAJ0502T | Disaster Management | Major Elective Theory (Option 1 for Major 2) | 4 | Types of Natural and Man-Made Disasters, Disaster Preparedness and Mitigation, Early Warning Systems, Disaster Response and Recovery, Role of Government and NGOs in Disaster Management, Case Studies of Disasters in India |
| GEOMAJ0501P | Project Work / Field Study (Practical) | Major Core Project | 3 | Research Problem Identification, Data Collection Methods (Primary & Secondary), Field Observation and Mapping, Data Analysis and Interpretation, Report Writing and Documentation, Presentation and Viva-Voce |
Semester 6
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GEOMAJ0601T | Applied Geography | Major Core Theory | 4 | Scope and Significance of Applied Geography, Urban and Rural Planning Applications, Population Analysis and Planning, Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA), GIS and Remote Sensing in Planning, Resource Management |
| GEOMAJ0602T | Economic Geography | Major Elective Theory (Option 1 for Major 2) | 4 | Nature and Scope of Economic Geography, Primary Economic Activities (Agriculture, Mining), Secondary Economic Activities (Manufacturing Industries), Tertiary Activities (Trade, Transport, Services), Industrial Locational Theories (Weber, Losch), Globalization and Regional Disparities |
| GEOMAJ0601P | Dissertation / Internship (Practical) | Major Core Dissertation/Internship | 3 | In-depth Research Methodology, Advanced Data Collection and Analysis, Literature Review and Hypothesis Testing, Internship Report Writing (if applicable), Academic Dissertation Formulation, Final Presentation and Viva-Voce |
