

B-SC-HOME-SCIENCE in Extension And Communication at S. M. Patel College of Home Science


Anand, Gujarat
.png&w=1920&q=75)
About the Specialization
What is Extension and Communication at S. M. Patel College of Home Science Anand?
This Extension and Communication program at S. M. Patel College of Home Science, Anand, focuses on equipping students with skills to disseminate knowledge effectively in various community settings. It addresses critical issues in rural and urban development, public health, and social welfare, preparing graduates to act as change agents in Indian society. The program uniquely blends home science principles with communication strategies to empower individuals and communities.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for fresh graduates passionate about community engagement and social impact, seeking entry into development sectors, NGOs, and government outreach initiatives. It also suits working professionals from allied fields like social work or education looking to upskill in specialized communication techniques, and career changers transitioning to roles focused on behavioral change and public awareness in India.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect diverse career paths in India, including roles as Extension Officers, Communication Specialists, Rural Development Coordinators, Project Managers in NGOs, and Social Mobilizers. Entry-level salaries typically range from INR 2.5 to 4 LPA, growing significantly with experience. The program aligns with national development goals, fostering professionals capable of driving positive social change and contributing to schemes like Swachh Bharat Abhiyan or National Health Mission.

Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Build Strong Interdisciplinary Foundations- (Semester 1-2)
Actively engage with core Home Science subjects like human physiology, food science, and child development, understanding their interconnectedness. Attend introductory seminars and guest lectures to broaden perspectives beyond textbooks and utilize library resources for in-depth understanding.
Tools & Resources
College library, Departmental workshops, Peer study groups, Online resources for core subjects
Career Connection
A strong base in diverse home science disciplines provides a holistic understanding of community needs, crucial for effective extension and communication strategies in later stages.
Develop Fundamental Communication and Environmental Awareness- (Semester 1-2)
Focus on enhancing communication skills through practice sessions, presentations, and group discussions as part of the English Communication Skills course. Simultaneously, internalize concepts from Environmental Studies to develop an eco-conscious perspective, essential for sustainable development communication.
Tools & Resources
Communication labs, Public speaking clubs, Environmental awareness campaigns, Local nature clubs
Career Connection
Effective communication is paramount for any extension professional, and environmental literacy prepares graduates for roles in sustainable development and public health communication.
Cultivate Practical Application Mindset- (Semester 1-2)
Approach practical sessions in food science, textiles, and design with curiosity and a problem-solving attitude. Document observations, experiment with techniques, and seek feedback to refine practical skills, which are foundational for community-based interventions.
Tools & Resources
College laboratories, Practical manuals, Peer collaboration during experiments, Faculty mentorship
Career Connection
Hands-on experience in these areas enables credibility and capability when demonstrating techniques or introducing new practices in community settings, enhancing outreach effectiveness.
Intermediate Stage
Engage in Community-Focused Field Exposure- (Semester 3-5)
Seek out opportunities for field visits, volunteering, or short projects related to Extension Education, Family and Community Nutrition, or Community Development. Observe real-world challenges and communication gaps in local communities to gain practical insights into the application of theoretical knowledge.
Tools & Resources
Local NGOs, Village panchayats, Primary health centers, College''''s extension department, NSS/NCC units
Career Connection
Direct community exposure builds empathy, practical problem-solving skills, and a realistic understanding of ground-level development work, making graduates highly suitable for field roles.
Master Digital Tools for Outreach and Data Management- (Semester 3-5)
Go beyond basic computer applications by learning to use presentation software effectively for workshops, basic data analysis tools for community surveys, and engaging digital platforms for content creation (e.g., Canva for posters, basic video editing for awareness clips).
Tools & Resources
Online tutorials (YouTube, Coursera free courses), College computer labs, MS Excel, PowerPoint, Canva
Career Connection
Proficiency in digital tools is essential for modern extension work, enabling wider reach, data-driven decision-making, and professional content creation for campaigns.
Network with Professionals and Participate in Workshops- (Semester 3-5)
Attend workshops, seminars, and guest lectures organized by the college or external organizations on topics like consumer protection, entrepreneurial development, or advanced nutrition. Engage with guest speakers and faculty to build a professional network and explore career avenues.
Tools & Resources
College career services, Alumni network, Professional association events, LinkedIn
Career Connection
Networking opens doors to internships, mentorship, and job opportunities, while workshops provide exposure to industry best practices and emerging trends in development and communication.
Advanced Stage
Conduct Impactful Research and Project Work- (Semester 6-8)
Approach the Project Work/Dissertation with a focus on real-world problems in extension and communication. Develop strong research questions, execute data collection diligently, and present findings in a clear, actionable manner, demonstrating research capabilities.
Tools & Resources
Research methodology books, Statistical software (e.g., SPSS, R for basics), Survey tools (Google Forms), Academic databases
Career Connection
A well-executed project/dissertation showcases analytical skills, problem-solving abilities, and the capacity to contribute to evidence-based development, highly valued by employers and for higher studies.
Specialize in Communication and Media Production- (Semester 7-8)
Actively participate in practical sessions for communication theories and media production. Develop skills in scriptwriting, audio/video production, and graphic design for development communication. Create a portfolio of communication materials to showcase your abilities.
Tools & Resources
Audio/video editing software (e.g., Audacity, Shotcut, Adobe Spark), Graphic design tools (Canva, GIMP), College media lab, Local community radio stations for exposure
Career Connection
This specialization directly prepares students for roles in media houses, advertising agencies, or NGO communication departments, creating compelling content for social causes.
Maximize Internship for Professional Integration- (Semester 8)
Treat the internship as a critical opportunity for professional growth. Proactively seek responsibilities, learn from mentors, contribute meaningfully to the host organization, and document experiences thoroughly. Focus on understanding organizational dynamics and developing job-specific competencies.
Tools & Resources
Internship coordinator, Professional mentors, Daily logbooks, Industry reports
Career Connection
A strong internship experience often leads to pre-placement offers, robust professional references, and a competitive edge in the job market, demonstrating readiness for the development and communication sector.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- Candidate should have passed Higher Secondary Examination (12th Standard) with minimum 40% marks.
Duration: 4 Years (8 Semesters)
Credits: 244 Credits
Assessment: Internal: 30%, External: 70%
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester 1
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| HSO101C01 | Fundamentals of Human Physiology | Core | 4 | Introduction to Human Body, Digestive System, Respiratory System, Circulatory System, Excretory System |
| HSO102C01 | Fundamentals of Family Resource Management | Core | 4 | Introduction to Family Resources, Management Process, Decision Making, Time Management, Energy Management |
| HSO103C01 | Introduction to Human Development | Core | 4 | Introduction to Human Development, Stages of Development, Principles of Growth, Influence of Heredity and Environment, Theories of Development |
| HSO104C01 | Fundamentals of Food Science | Core | 4 | Introduction to Food Science, Nutrients, Food Composition, Food Preservation, Food Quality |
| HSO105C01 | Introduction to Textiles and Clothing | Core | 4 | Introduction to Textiles, Natural Fibres, Man-made Fibres, Yarn Manufacturing, Fabric Construction |
| HSO106FC01 | Communication Skills in English | Foundation Course | 2 | Basics of Communication, Listening Skills, Speaking Skills, Reading Skills, Writing Skills |
| HSO107P01 | Practical in Fundamentals of Family Resource Management | Practical | 2 | Practical Application of Management Principles, Budgeting Activities, Resource Allocation Exercises |
| HSO108P01 | Practical in Fundamentals of Food Science | Practical | 2 | Food Preparation Techniques, Nutritional Analysis Methods, Food Ingredient Identification |
| HSO109P01 | Practical in Introduction to Textiles and Clothing | Practical | 2 | Fabric Identification, Basic Stitching Techniques, Fibre Property Testing |
Semester 2
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| HSO201C01 | Nutritional Biochemistry | Core | 4 | Introduction to Biochemistry, Carbohydrate Metabolism, Lipid Metabolism, Protein Metabolism, Vitamins and Minerals |
| HSO202C01 | Housing and Interior Design | Core | 4 | Housing Concepts, Principles of Design, Elements of Design, Space Planning, Furniture Arrangement |
| HSO203C01 | Child Development | Core | 4 | Growth and Development in Infancy, Early Childhood, Middle Childhood, Adolescence, Play and Learning |
| HSO204C01 | Principles of Dietetics | Core | 4 | Principles of Nutrition, Balanced Diet, Therapeutic Diets, Dietary Assessment, Community Nutrition |
| HSO205C01 | Textile Wet Processing and Care | Core | 4 | Textile Finishing, Dyeing, Printing, Textile Care, Laundry Science |
| HSO206FC01 | Environmental Studies | Foundation Course | 2 | Ecosystems, Biodiversity, Environmental Pollution, Natural Resources, Environmental Ethics |
| HSO207P01 | Practical in Housing and Interior Design | Practical | 2 | Design Elements and Principles, Space Utilization Techniques, Color Scheme Planning |
| HSO208P01 | Practical in Principles of Dietetics | Practical | 2 | Diet Planning for Various Conditions, Food Calculations, Dietary Counseling Techniques |
| HSO209P01 | Practical in Textile Wet Processing and Care | Practical | 2 | Dyeing Techniques, Fabric Finishing, Textile Care Procedures |
Semester 3
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| HSO301C01 | Family Dynamics | Core | 4 | Family Structure, Family Functions, Family Life Cycle, Marital Adjustment, Family Counseling |
| HSO302C01 | Consumer Economics | Core | 4 | Consumer Behavior, Consumer Rights, Market Structures, Consumer Protection, Financial Planning |
| HSO303C01 | Food Preservation | Core | 4 | Principles of Food Preservation, Methods of Preservation, Canning, Freezing, Dehydration |
| HSO304C01 | Fashion Design and Illustration | Core | 4 | Elements of Fashion, Principles of Design, Fashion Sketching, Pattern Making, Garment Construction |
| HSO305C01 | Family and Community Nutrition | Core | 4 | Community Nutrition Problems, Nutritional Programs, Assessment of Nutritional Status, Nutrition Education, Food Security |
| HSO306SEC01 | Computer Applications | Skill Enhancement Course | 2 | MS Office Suite, Internet Basics, Data Management, Presentation Skills, Spreadsheet Operations |
| HSO307P01 | Practical in Food Preservation | Practical | 2 | Preservation Techniques Application, Product Development, Quality Control in Preserved Foods |
| HSO308P01 | Practical in Fashion Design and Illustration | Practical | 2 | Design Creation, Pattern Drafting, Garment Assembly |
| HSO309P01 | Practical in Family and Community Nutrition | Practical | 2 | Community Nutritional Assessment, Program Planning and Implementation, Nutrition Education Materials Development |
Semester 4
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| HSO401C01 | Extension Education | Core | 4 | Concepts of Extension, Principles of Extension, Methods of Extension, Program Planning, Evaluation |
| HSO402C01 | Human Resource Management | Core | 4 | HR Planning, Recruitment, Training and Development, Performance Appraisal, Employee Relations |
| HSO403C01 | Advanced Nutrition | Core | 4 | Macronutrients, Micronutrients, Energy Metabolism, Sports Nutrition, Clinical Nutrition |
| HSO404C01 | Interior Decoration | Core | 4 | Color Theory, Lighting, Furniture Styles, Accessories, Window Treatments |
| HSO405C01 | Dyeing and Printing | Core | 4 | Natural Dyes, Synthetic Dyes, Printing Techniques, Resist Printing, Digital Printing |
| HSO406SEC01 | Entrepreneurship Development | Skill Enhancement Course | 2 | Entrepreneurial Traits, Business Plan Formulation, Market Survey, Financial Management, Legal Aspects of Business |
| HSO407P01 | Practical in Extension Education | Practical | 2 | Field Visits and Surveys, Awareness Program Design, Communication Material Development |
| HSO408P01 | Practical in Advanced Nutrition | Practical | 2 | Nutritional Assessment Techniques, Diet Counseling Skills, Case Study Analysis |
| HSO409P01 | Practical in Interior Decoration | Practical | 2 | Design Projects, Material Selection and Sourcing, Space Planning Applications |
Semester 5
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| HSO501C01 | Life Span Development | Core | 4 | Theories of Development, Prenatal Development, Infancy and Toddlerhood, Childhood, Adolescence |
| HSO502C01 | Family Resource Management and Housing | Core | 4 | Housing Trends, Sustainable Housing, Ergonomics, Kitchen Planning, Home Safety |
| HSO503C01 | Institutional Food Management | Core | 4 | Food Service Systems, Menu Planning, Quantity Food Production, Food Costing, Hygiene and Sanitation |
| HSO504C01 | Apparel Production and Quality Control | Core | 4 | Garment Manufacturing Process, Quality Standards, Inspection, Finishing, Merchandising |
| HSO505DSE01 | Early Childhood Care and Education | Discipline Specific Elective | 4 | Principles of ECCE, Curriculum Development, Teaching Methods, Child Assessment, Parent Involvement |
| HSO506DSE01 | Principles of Community Development | Discipline Specific Elective | 4 | Rural Development, Urban Development, Participation, Empowerment, Social Change |
| HSO507DSE01 | Dietetics and Public Health Nutrition | Discipline Specific Elective | 4 | Clinical Dietetics, Diet Therapy, Public Health Interventions, Epidemiology, Nutrition Policies |
| HSO508DSE01 | Textile and Apparel Marketing | Discipline Specific Elective | 4 | Market Research, Product Development, Branding, Retail Management, Export Marketing |
| HSO509P01 | Practical in Life Span Development | Practical | 2 | Observation Techniques, Case Study Analysis, Developmental Assessment Tools |
| HSO510P01 | Practical in Institutional Food Management | Practical | 2 | Quantity Cooking, Food Service Management, Menu Planning Practice |
| HSO511P01 | Practical in Apparel Production and Quality Control | Practical | 2 | Garment Construction, Quality Check Procedures, Defect Analysis |
| HSO512P01 | Practical in DSE | Practical | 2 | Practical Application of Chosen Elective, Field Work, Project Implementation |
Semester 6
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| HSO601C01 | Gerontology | Core | 4 | Theories of Aging, Physical Changes in Elderly, Psychological Aspects of Aging, Social Aspects of Aging, Care of Elderly |
| HSO602C01 | Entrepreneurship in Home Science | Core | 4 | Business Opportunities, Project Formulation, Funding Sources, Marketing Strategies, Legal Framework |
| HSO603C01 | Advanced Diet Therapy | Core | 4 | Diet in Diseases, Diabetes Mellitus, Cardiovascular Diseases, Kidney Diseases, Liver Diseases |
| HSO604C01 | Fashion Merchandising and Retail | Core | 4 | Visual Merchandising, Retail Operations, Supply Chain Management, E-commerce, Customer Relationship Management |
| HSO605DSE01 | Family Welfare | Discipline Specific Elective | 4 | Population Dynamics, Reproductive Health, Family Planning, Maternal and Child Health, HIV/AIDS |
| HSO606DSE01 | Communication and Media | Discipline Specific Elective | 4 | Theories of Communication, Mass Media, Audio Visual Aids, Print Media, Social Media |
| HSO607DSE01 | Food Quality and Safety | Discipline Specific Elective | 4 | Food Standards, HACCP, Food Adulteration, Food Laws, Microbiological Safety |
| HSO608DSE01 | Traditional Indian Textiles | Discipline Specific Elective | 4 | Handlooms, Embroideries, Printing Traditions, Regional Textiles, Conservation |
| HSO609P01 | Practical in Gerontology | Practical | 2 | Care Planning for Elderly, Activities for Elderly, Geriatric Assessment Tools |
| HSO610P01 | Practical in Entrepreneurship in Home Science | Practical | 2 | Product Development, Business Plan Creation, Market Research Application |
| HSO611P01 | Practical in Advanced Diet Therapy | Practical | 2 | Case Study Analysis, Diet Modifications, Patient Counseling |
| HSO612P01 | Practical in DSE | Practical | 2 | Practical Application of Chosen Elective, Field Work, Project Implementation |
| HSO613PJ01 | Project Work | Project | 6 | Research Methodology, Data Collection, Report Writing, Presentation Skills, Field Study |
Semester 7
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| HSO701C01 | Theories and Models of Communication | Core | 4 | Linear Models, Interactive Models, Transactional Models, Lasswell''''s Model, Shannon-Weaver Model |
| HSO702C01 | Program Planning and Evaluation in Extension | Core | 4 | Principles of Program Planning, Steps in Program Planning, Needs Assessment, Monitoring, Evaluation Techniques |
| HSO703C01 | Rural Development and Policies | Core | 4 | Concepts of Rural Development, Rural Poverty, Government Policies, Community Participation, Sustainable Development |
| HSO704C01 | Methods and Media in Extension | Core | 4 | Individual Contact Methods, Group Contact Methods, Mass Contact Methods, Audio-Visual Aids, Digital Media |
| HSO705P01 | Practical in Communication Theories | Practical | 2 | Case Studies, Media Analysis, Communication Strategy Development |
| HSO706P01 | Practical in Program Planning | Practical | 2 | Developing Program Plans, Field Visits, Stakeholder Analysis |
| HSO707P01 | Practical in Extension Methods | Practical | 2 | Designing Communication Materials, Conducting Demonstrations, Facilitation Skills |
| HSO708PR01 | Project Work/Dissertation Part I | Project/Dissertation | 6 | Problem Identification, Literature Review, Research Design, Data Collection Techniques, Methodology Formulation |
Semester 8
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| HSO801C01 | Communication for Development | Core | 4 | Role of Communication in Development, Health Communication, Agricultural Communication, Environmental Communication, Social Marketing |
| HSO802C01 | Media Production and Management | Core | 4 | Script Writing, Audio Production, Video Production, Graphic Design, Media Campaign Management |
| HSO803C01 | Gender and Development | Core | 4 | Gender Concepts, Gender Roles, Women Empowerment, Gender Mainstreaming, Development Initiatives |
| HSO804C01 | Entrepreneurship in Extension and Communication | Core | 4 | Startup Ideas, Business Models, Funding Sources, Marketing Strategies, Ethical Considerations |
| HSO805P01 | Practical in Communication for Development | Practical | 2 | Campaign Design, Field Implementation, Impact Assessment |
| HSO806P01 | Practical in Media Production | Practical | 2 | Producing Audio/Video Clips, Graphic Design Tasks, Editing Techniques |
| HSO807PR01 | Project Work/Dissertation Part II | Project/Dissertation | 8 | Data Analysis, Report Writing, Thesis Defense, Public Presentation, Drawing Conclusions |
| HSO808IN01 | Internship | Internship | 6 | Industry Exposure, Professional Skill Development, Report Submission, Presentation, Workplace Ethics |




