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BACHELOR-OF-ARTS in Geography 2 3 4 8 at Mariani College
Jorhat, Assam
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About the Specialization
What is Geography [2, 3, 4, 8] at Mariani College Jorhat?
This Geography program at Mariani College, Jorhat, affiliated with Dibrugarh University, offers a comprehensive exploration of Earth''''s physical and human landscapes. It focuses on developing a deep understanding of environmental processes, societal interactions with space, and regional development, highly relevant in India''''s diverse geographical context. The program emphasizes both theoretical knowledge and practical skills, preparing students for diverse challenges.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for high school graduates with a keen interest in environmental studies, social sciences, and spatial analysis. It caters to those aspiring to careers in urban planning, disaster management, environmental consulting, and academic research. Individuals looking to understand India''''s complex socio-geographic dynamics will find this specialization particularly rewarding.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect to pursue career paths in government agencies (e.g., survey departments, environmental protection), NGOs focused on development and conservation, urban planning firms, and educational institutions in India. Entry-level salaries typically range from INR 2.5 to 4.5 lakhs annually, with significant growth potential up to INR 8-15 lakhs for experienced professionals in roles like GIS analysts, urban planners, or researchers.
Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Master Geographical Concepts & Terminology- (Semester 1-2)
Dedicate time to thoroughly understand fundamental concepts in Geomorphology, Climatology, and Oceanography. Regularly review definitions, theories, and models. Form study groups to discuss complex topics and clarify doubts, strengthening your foundational knowledge for future advanced courses.
Tools & Resources
NCERT Geography textbooks (Class 11, 12), Standard Indian Geography textbooks by Khullar, Singh, Online geographical glossaries
Career Connection
A strong foundation in core geographical principles is crucial for advanced studies and analytical roles in environmental and urban planning, ensuring you can interpret complex spatial data effectively.
Develop Essential Cartographic & Practical Skills- (Semester 1-2)
Actively engage in all practical sessions, focusing on mastering map reading, surveying, and data plotting. Practice drawing various map projections, interpreting topographical sheets, and using weather instruments. Seek additional practice using online tutorials for basic map software.
Tools & Resources
Surveying equipment (college lab), Topographical maps (Survey of India), Basic GIS tutorials (QGIS)
Career Connection
Proficiency in practical cartography and data handling is a direct asset for roles in GIS, remote sensing, urban mapping, and field surveys, which are high-demand areas in India.
Cultivate Scientific Observation & Reporting- (Semester 1-2)
Start keeping a scientific journal to record observations from field trips, practical exercises, and even daily environmental phenomena. Practice writing concise and clear reports for practicals, focusing on methodology, results, and interpretation, which builds critical scientific communication skills.
Tools & Resources
Field notebook, Scientific report templates, Peer feedback on assignments
Career Connection
Clear communication of findings is vital in all professional roles, from research to policy-making, enabling you to present data-driven insights persuasively.
Intermediate Stage
Engage with Socio-Economic & Environmental Issues- (Semester 3-5)
Actively read newspapers, academic journals, and government reports on Indian socio-economic and environmental challenges (e.g., NITI Aayog reports, Ministry of Environment reports). Participate in college debates or seminars related to population growth, regional disparities, or climate change to deepen understanding.
Tools & Resources
The Hindu/Indian Express, Down To Earth magazine, Government of India official websites
Career Connection
Understanding real-world issues allows you to connect theoretical knowledge to practical solutions, making you a more valuable asset in policy analysis, urban planning, and NGO work in India.
Explore Basic GIS and Remote Sensing- (Semester 3-5)
Beyond classroom practicals, take initiative to learn foundational concepts and software like QGIS. Explore online courses or free tutorials to understand spatial data analysis, georeferencing, and map creation, applying them to small personal projects like mapping local areas.
Tools & Resources
QGIS (open-source software), Coursera/NPTEL introductory GIS courses, YouTube tutorials on GIS basics
Career Connection
GIS and Remote Sensing are critical skills for virtually all modern geographical careers in India, including urban development, disaster management, and environmental monitoring, significantly enhancing employability.
Participate in Fieldwork & Local Studies- (Semester 3-5)
Volunteer for or organize small-scale fieldwork projects, even within the local community. Conduct surveys, collect primary data on local geography (e.g., land use patterns, population density). Document findings and present them, fostering practical research experience.
Tools & Resources
GPS device or smartphone GPS apps, Questionnaires and survey tools, Local government data
Career Connection
Direct fieldwork experience is highly valued by employers in urban planning, disaster management, and rural development, demonstrating practical problem-solving and data collection abilities.
Advanced Stage
Undertake a Comprehensive Research Project- (Semester 6)
Choose a relevant topic for your final year project/dissertation, ideally with an India-specific context (e.g., urban sprawl in Jorhat, flood vulnerability in Assam). Apply theoretical knowledge and practical skills in data collection, analysis, and report writing, aiming for a high-quality academic output.
Tools & Resources
Academic journals (e.g., Geographical Review of India), Statistical software (Excel, R, Python basics), Library resources
Career Connection
A well-executed research project showcases your analytical, critical thinking, and independent work skills, highly sought after in research institutions, consultancies, and postgraduate studies.
Network and Seek Internship Opportunities- (Semester 6)
Attend university career fairs, departmental alumni events, and professional workshops in geography or related fields. Actively seek internships with government bodies (e.g., Survey of India, Urban Development Authorities) or private firms specializing in GIS, environmental consulting, or urban planning during breaks.
Tools & Resources
LinkedIn profiles, University career services, Professional associations (e.g., National Association of Geographers, India)
Career Connection
Networking and internships provide invaluable industry exposure, practical experience, and often lead directly to placement opportunities or stronger recommendations for future roles.
Prepare for Higher Education or Specific Career Paths- (Semester 6)
Based on your interests (e.g., urban planning, environmental management, teaching), research relevant master''''s programs or specific job requirements. Focus on strengthening particular skills like advanced GIS, statistical analysis, or communication, and prepare for competitive exams (e.g., UPSC, state PSCs) if aiming for government jobs.
Tools & Resources
GRE/UPSC study materials, Advanced GIS/Statistical software courses, Mentorship from faculty
Career Connection
Proactive career planning and targeted skill development significantly improve your chances of securing desired roles or gaining admission to prestigious postgraduate programs, ensuring a smooth transition post-graduation.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- 10+2 (Higher Secondary) pass in any stream from a recognized board/council
Duration: 3 years (6 semesters)
Credits: 72 (for Geography Core and Discipline Specific Elective subjects only) Credits
Assessment: Internal: 20%, External: 80%
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester 1
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GEOC-101T | Geomorphology (Theory) | Core | 4 | Nature and Scope of Geomorphology, Earth''''s Interior and Plate Tectonics, Weathering and Mass Movements, Fluvial and Glacial Geomorphic Processes, Coastal and Karst Topography |
| GEOC-102P | Geomorphology Practical | Core | 2 | Topographical Map Analysis, Contour Mapping and Profiles, Scale and Map Projections, Weather Map Reading, Basic Surveying Techniques |
Semester 2
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GEOC-201T | Climatology (Theory) | Core | 4 | Atmospheric Composition and Structure, Insolation and Temperature Distribution, Atmospheric Pressure and Winds, Humidity, Condensation and Precipitation, Air Masses, Fronts, and Cyclones, Climate Classification Systems |
| GEOC-202P | Climatology Practical | Core | 2 | Weather Instruments and Observations, Plotting and Interpretation of Weather Data, Climatic Diagrams (e.g., Climatograph), Isoline Mapping of Climatic Elements, Cartographic Representation of Climatic Data |
Semester 3
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GEOC-301T | Oceanography (Theory) | Core | 4 | Nature and Scope of Oceanography, Ocean Bottom Relief Features, Temperature and Salinity of Oceans, Ocean Currents, Tides, and Waves, Marine Resources and Deposits, Coral Reefs and Atolls |
| GEOC-302P | Oceanography Practical | Core | 2 | Oceanographic Map Interpretation, Tidal Prediction and Analysis, Sea Level Changes and Coastal Features, Mapping of Oceanographic Data, Bathymetric Chart Analysis |
| GEOC-303T | Environmental Geography (Theory) | Core | 4 | Components of Environment and Ecosystems, Human-Environment Relationship, Environmental Degradation and Pollution, Climate Change and Global Warming, Environmental Conservation and Management, Environmental Policies and Ethics |
| GEOC-304P | Environmental Geography Practical | Core | 2 | Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA), Waste Management Practices and Mapping, Pollution Mapping and Analysis, Application of Remote Sensing and GIS in Environment, Case Studies in Environmental Management |
Semester 4
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GEOC-401T | Economic Geography (Theory) | Core | 4 | Nature and Scope of Economic Geography, Primary, Secondary, Tertiary Economic Activities, Resource Geography and Utilization, Agricultural Systems and Localization, Industrial Location Theories and Patterns, Transport, Trade, and Globalization |
| GEOC-402P | Economic Geography Practical | Core | 2 | Mapping of Economic Activities, Resource Distribution and Consumption Mapping, Industrial Concentration Indices, Trade Flow Diagrams and Analysis, Data Representation Techniques |
| GEOC-403T | Population Geography (Theory) | Core | 4 | Nature and Scope of Population Geography, Population Distribution and Density Patterns, Theories of Population Growth, Population Composition and Structure, Migration Types and Patterns, Population Problems and Policies |
| GEOC-404P | Population Geography Practical | Core | 2 | Population Data Representation (Choropleth, Dot maps), Age-Sex Pyramids and Interpretation, Demographic Indicators Calculation, Migration Mapping and Analysis, Population Projection Techniques |
Semester 5
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GEOC-501T | Regional Planning and Development (Theory) | Core | 4 | Concepts of Region and Regionalization, Regional Disparities and Imbalances, Theories of Regional Development, Approaches to Regional Planning, Regional Planning in India, Sustainable Development Goals |
| GEOC-502P | Regional Planning and Development Practical | Core | 2 | Delimitation of Planning Regions, Indicators of Regional Development, Regional Disparity Analysis, Case Studies in Regional Planning, Data Interpretation for Planning |
| GEOC-503T | Geography of India (Theory) | Core | 4 | Physiographic Divisions and Drainage System, Climate, Soils, and Natural Vegetation of India, Water and Mineral Resources, Agriculture and Green Revolution, Industrial Development and Regions, Population Characteristics and Regional Development Issues |
| GEOD-501T | Disaster Management (Theory) | Discipline Specific Elective (Option 1) | 4 | Concept of Disaster and Hazards, Types of Disasters (Natural and Anthropogenic), Vulnerability and Risk Assessment, Disaster Cycle and Mitigation Strategies, Disaster Management Framework in India, Early Warning Systems and Preparedness |
| GEOD-502P | Disaster Management Practical | Discipline Specific Elective (Option 1) | 2 | Hazard Zonation Mapping, Disaster Risk Assessment Techniques, Community-Based Disaster Management Planning, Emergency Preparedness and Response Simulation, GIS Applications in Disaster Management |
| GEDT-503 | Social Geography (Theory) | Discipline Specific Elective (Option 2) | 4 | Scope and Development of Social Geography, Social Well-being and Quality of Life, Population Characteristics and Social Structure, Cultural Landscapes and Identity, Spatial Patterns of Society, Social Planning and Development |
| GEDP-504 | Social Geography Practical | Discipline Specific Elective (Option 2) | 2 | Socio-Economic Mapping and Indicators, Analysis of Quality of Life Data, Delineation of Cultural Regions, Spatial Analysis of Social Issues, Fieldwork Techniques in Social Geography |
Semester 6
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GEOC-601T | Urban Geography (Theory) | Core | 4 | Urbanization Processes and Trends, Urban Systems and Hierarchies, Urban Structure and Land Use Models, Urban Problems and Challenges in India, Urban Planning Concepts and Policies, Smart Cities Initiatives |
| GEOC-602P | Urban Geography Practical | Core | 2 | Urban Land Use Mapping, Functional Classification of Cities, Urban Fringe and Slum Area Analysis, Measurement of Urbanization Trends, Preparation of Urban Plans |
| GEOC-603 | Project Work/Dissertation | Core | 6 | Research Topic Selection and Formulation, Literature Review and Research Design, Data Collection and Analysis Techniques, Report Writing and Documentation, Presentation and Viva Voce |
| GEOD-601T | Remote Sensing and GIS (Theory) | Discipline Specific Elective (Option 1) | 4 | Principles of Remote Sensing, Electromagnetic Spectrum and Sensors, Satellite Systems and Image Interpretation, Components and Functionality of GIS, Spatial Data Models and Database Management, Applications of RS and GIS |
| GEOD-602P | Remote Sensing and GIS Practical | Discipline Specific Elective (Option 1) | 2 | Image Rectification and Enhancement, Digital Image Processing Basics, Georeferencing and Map Projection, GIS Software (e.g., QGIS/ArcGIS) Operations, Spatial Analysis and Data Visualization, Application-specific Case Studies |
| GEDT-603 | Political Geography (Theory) | Discipline Specific Elective (Option 2) | 4 | Nature and Scope of Political Geography, State, Nation, and Nation-State Concepts, Frontiers, Boundaries, and Territories, Electoral Geography and Geopolitics, International Relations and Global Power, Resources and Conflict |
| GEDP-604 | Political Geography Practical | Discipline Specific Elective (Option 2) | 2 | Mapping Electoral Data and Analysis, Geopolitical Analysis of World Regions, Boundary Dispute Mapping, Spatial Representation of Political Phenomena, Case Studies in Political Geography |
