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B-A-HONS in Geography at Maharaja Purna Chandra Autonomous College
Mayurbhanj, Odisha
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About the Specialization
What is Geography at Maharaja Purna Chandra Autonomous College Mayurbhanj?
This B.A. Hons Geography program at Maharaja Purna Chandra Autonomous College offers a deep understanding of Earth''''s physical and human landscapes. It integrates diverse fields like geomorphology, climatology, and Geographic Information Systems (GIS), providing a holistic perspective. This program is highly relevant in India for urban planning, environmental management, and resource assessment, meeting the growing demand for skilled spatial analysis experts across various sectors.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for curious students with a 10+2 background, passionate about Earth sciences, environmental challenges, and the intricate relationship between society and space. It suits fresh graduates seeking entry into fields like urban planning, disaster management, or environmental consultancy. It also attracts those interested in research, academia, or pursuing a career in teaching geography in India.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can pursue diverse career paths in India, including urban planning assistant, GIS analyst, environmental consultant, cartographer, or researcher in government and private firms. Entry-level salaries typically range from INR 3-5 LPA, growing significantly with experience and specialized skills. Growth trajectories exist in government bodies, NGOs, and private companies focusing on infrastructure, climate, and sustainable development initiatives.
Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Master Core Concepts with Visual Aids- (Semester 1-2)
Focus on building a strong foundation in physical geography (geomorphology, climatology) and cartography. Actively use maps, globes, and online satellite imagery (e.g., Google Earth) to visualize concepts. Regularly practice drawing maps and projections to enhance spatial understanding and data representation skills.
Tools & Resources
Google Earth, Survey of India maps, Physical and political atlases, Relevant YouTube channels for visual explanations
Career Connection
Strong foundational knowledge is crucial for advanced studies and analytical roles in urban planning, disaster management, and environmental science.
Develop Practical Skills in Mapping & Statistics- (Semester 1-2)
Dedicate time to hands-on practice for cartographic techniques and basic statistical methods. Utilize free software like QGIS for initial map creation and Microsoft Excel for data analysis and visualization. Form study groups to collaboratively solve problems, interpret statistical outputs, and enhance practical application.
Tools & Resources
QGIS (open-source GIS software), Microsoft Excel, NCERT Geography practical books, College lab resources
Career Connection
Proficiency in mapping and basic statistics is highly valued in roles like GIS technician, data analyst, and research assistant in various Indian industries.
Engage with Local Environmental Issues- (Semester 1-2)
Beyond academic study, observe local environmental challenges such as water pollution, deforestation, or waste management within Mayurbhanj or Odisha. Participate in college environmental clubs or local awareness drives. This helps connect theoretical knowledge of environmental studies with real-world Indian contexts and challenges.
Tools & Resources
Local NGOs, College environmental cell, News articles on regional environmental concerns
Career Connection
Develops a practical understanding of environmental challenges, useful for careers in environmental consultancy, policy analysis, and NGO work in India.
Intermediate Stage
Intensify Fieldwork and Research Methodology- (Semester 3-5)
Actively engage in all fieldwork components and research methodology courses. Take initiative to design small-scale local surveys or projects using the acquired skills. Document observations meticulously, practice data collection, and rigorously prepare research reports, focusing on local case studies.
Tools & Resources
GPS devices (smartphone GPS apps), Survey apps, Statistical software (e.g., SPSS trial, R for beginners), College field trip opportunities
Career Connection
Essential for becoming proficient in primary data collection and analysis, crucial for roles in research, urban planning, and development agencies across India.
Explore Geographic Information Systems (GIS) & Remote Sensing- (Semester 4-5)
Beyond the dedicated practical paper, seek additional online tutorials and work on personal mini-projects in GIS and Remote Sensing. Use open-source data from Indian portals like Bhuvan (ISRO) or OpenStreetMap to create maps and analyze spatial patterns related to local issues.
Tools & Resources
QGIS, Google Earth Engine, Bhuvan portal (ISRO), Sentinel Hub, Online courses (e.g., Coursera, NPTEL on GIS)
Career Connection
Develops highly sought-after technical skills for GIS analyst, remote sensing specialist, and mapping roles in various government and private sectors in India.
Network with Local Planners and Environmentalists- (Semester 3-5)
Attend local seminars, workshops, or public talks related to urban planning, environmental conservation, or disaster management in Odisha. Connect with faculty members who have industry contacts. This provides valuable insights into real-world applications and potential internship opportunities in the Indian context.
Tools & Resources
College career cell, Local government planning departments, Environmental organizations in Mayurbhanj/Odisha
Career Connection
Builds a professional network, offers mentorship opportunities, and helps identify potential career paths and internships in relevant Indian organizations.
Advanced Stage
Undertake a Comprehensive Project/Dissertation- (Semester 6)
Choose a research topic of interest early in Semester 6 for the project report/dissertation. Conduct thorough literature reviews, apply learned methodologies, and analyze data independently. Focus on a topic relevant to the Indian context, such as regional disparities, local resource management, or disaster risk assessment.
Tools & Resources
Academic databases (JSTOR, Google Scholar), Statistical software, GIS software, Guidance from faculty advisors
Career Connection
Demonstrates research capabilities, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills, highly valued for postgraduate studies, research roles, and policy-making positions in India.
Prepare for Higher Education or Specific Job Roles- (Semester 6)
Research postgraduate programs in Geography, Remote Sensing, Urban Planning, or Environmental Science in India. If aiming for jobs, identify target companies/organizations and prepare a tailored resume and portfolio showcasing fieldwork, GIS projects, and research. Actively practice interview skills and aptitude tests.
Tools & Resources
University prospectuses, NTA-NET/UGC JRF exam syllabus, LinkedIn, Online job portals (Naukri.com, Indeed India)
Career Connection
Strategic planning for immediate post-graduation steps, whether academic or professional, leading to successful career transitions into a competitive Indian job market.
Participate in Interdisciplinary Skill-Building Workshops- (Semester 6)
Look for workshops that blend geography with other disciplines, such as data science for social good, climate modeling, or urban informatics. These interdisciplinary skills are increasingly valuable in the Indian job market for holistic problem-solving and addressing complex development challenges.
Tools & Resources
University skill development centers, Professional bodies (e.g., Indian Institute of Remote Sensing workshops), Online platforms offering specialized short courses
Career Connection
Broadens skill set beyond core geography, making graduates more versatile and competitive for emerging roles in data-driven decision-making and sustainable development in India.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- Passed +2 examination in Arts/Science/Commerce or equivalent thereto having Geography as a subject with 40% marks in aggregate or 50% in Geography.
Duration: 6 semesters / 3 years
Credits: 148 Credits
Assessment: Internal: 25% (20% Mid Semester, 5% Attendance), External: 75% (End Semester Examination)
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester 1
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GGC-1 | GEOMORPHOLOGY | Core | 6 | Nature of Geomorphology, Earth''''s Interior and Plate Tectonics, Rocks and Rock Cycle, Denudation Processes (Weathering, Mass Wasting), Fluvial and Glacial Landforms, Coastal and Arid Landforms |
| GGC-2 | CARTOGRAPHIC TECHNIQUES (PRACTICAL) | Core (Practical) | 6 | Definition and Scope of Cartography, Map Scales and their Types, Map Projections (Conical, Cylindrical, Zenithal), Topographical Maps (Indian and British), Weather Maps and their Interpretation, Field Survey Techniques |
| GE-1 | Generic Elective-1 | Generic Elective | 6 | |
| AECC-1 | ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES | Ability Enhancement Compulsory Course | 4 | Multidisciplinary Nature of Environmental Studies, Ecosystems and their Structure, Biodiversity and its Conservation, Environmental Pollution (Air, Water, Soil), Social Issues and the Environment, Human Population and the Environment |
Semester 2
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GGC-3 | CLIMATOLOGY | Core | 6 | Nature and Scope of Climatology, Composition and Structure of Atmosphere, Insolation and Heat Budget, Temperature Distribution and Inversions, Atmospheric Pressure and Winds, Air Masses, Fronts and Cyclones |
| GGC-4 | STATISTICAL METHODS IN GEOGRAPHY (PRACTICAL) | Core (Practical) | 6 | Nature and Significance of Statistical Methods, Data Collection and Presentation, Measures of Central Tendency (Mean, Median, Mode), Measures of Dispersion (Range, Quartile Deviation, Standard Deviation), Correlation Analysis, Regression Analysis |
| GE-2 | Generic Elective-2 | Generic Elective | 6 | |
| AECC-2 | ENGLISH / MIL COMMUNICATION | Ability Enhancement Compulsory Course | 4 | Reading Comprehension, Writing Skills (Paragraph, Essay, Letter), Grammar and Vocabulary, Communication Skills, Official Language Communication |
Semester 3
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GGC-5 | ENVIRONMENTAL GEOGRAPHY | Core | 6 | Environment and its Components, Ecosystems and Ecological Balance, Biodiversity Hotspots and Conservation, Natural Hazards and Disasters, Environmental Problems (Deforestation, Desertification), Environmental Management and Policies |
| GGC-6 | GEOGRAPHY OF INDIA | Core | 6 | India: Physiographic Divisions, Drainage System and Climate, Soils and Natural Vegetation, Agriculture and Green Revolution, Mineral Resources and Industries, Population Distribution and Growth |
| GGC-7 | FIELD WORK & RESEARCH METHODOLOGY (PRACTICAL) | Core (Practical) | 6 | Nature of Geographic Research, Research Design and Hypothesis Formulation, Data Collection Methods (Primary, Secondary), Sampling Techniques, Questionnaire Design and Interviewing, Field Survey and Report Writing |
| SEC-1 | Skill Enhancement Course-1 | Skill Enhancement Course | 4 | |
| GE-3 | Generic Elective-3 | Generic Elective | 6 |
Semester 4
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GGC-8 | GEOGRAPHIC THOUGHT | Core | 6 | Nature and Scope of Geographic Thought, Ancient and Medieval Geography, Modern Geographical Thought, Dualisms in Geography, Quantitative Revolution and Behaviouralism, Radical, Humanistic, and Feminist Geography |
| GGC-9 | ECONOMIC GEOGRAPHY | Core | 6 | Nature and Scope of Economic Geography, Primary Economic Activities (Agriculture, Forestry, Fishing), Secondary Economic Activities (Manufacturing, Industry), Industrial Location Theories (Weber, Losch), Tertiary Activities (Transport, Trade), Global Economic Development and Disparities |
| GGC-10 | REGIONAL PLANNING & DEVELOPMENT | Core | 6 | Concepts of Region and Regional Planning, Theories of Regional Development, Indicators of Regional Disparities, Regional Planning in India (Five Year Plans), Approaches to Regional Development, Sustainable Development Goals |
| SEC-2 | Skill Enhancement Course-2 | Skill Enhancement Course | 4 | |
| GE-4 | Generic Elective-4 | Generic Elective | 6 |
Semester 5
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GGC-11 | POPULATION & SETTLEMENT GEOGRAPHY | Core | 6 | Nature and Scope of Population Geography, Population Distribution and Density, Population Growth Theories and Trends, Population Migration and its Consequences, Rural Settlement Patterns and Morphology, Urbanization and Urban Systems |
| GGC-12 | REMOTE SENSING & GIS (PRACTICAL) | Core (Practical) | 6 | Principles of Remote Sensing, Electromagnetic Radiation and Spectral Signatures, Satellite Remote Sensing Platforms, Image Interpretation Techniques, Concepts of GIS and Data Models, Spatial Analysis and Applications of GIS |
| DSE-1 | Discipline Specific Elective-1 | Discipline Specific Elective | 6 | |
| DSE-2 | Discipline Specific Elective-2 | Discipline Specific Elective | 6 |
Semester 6
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GGC-13 | DISASTER MANAGEMENT | Core | 6 | Concepts of Hazard, Disaster, Vulnerability, Types of Disasters (Natural and Man-made), Disaster Cycle (Preparedness, Response, Recovery), Hazard Mapping and Risk Assessment, Disaster Mitigation Strategies, Role of GIS in Disaster Management |
| GGC-14 | PROJECT REPORT/DISSERTATION/VIVA VOCE | Core (Project) | 6 | Identification of Research Problem, Literature Review and Objectives, Research Methodology and Data Collection, Data Analysis and Interpretation, Report Writing and Presentation, Viva Voce Examination |
| DSE-3 | Discipline Specific Elective-3 | Discipline Specific Elective | 6 | |
| DSE-4 | Discipline Specific Elective-4 | Discipline Specific Elective | 6 |
