Students with Dr.Ranjit Daniels during    field trip

The course is organized into three semesters of course work and a final semester of field research project and thesis preparation.

1. The first semester would give a theoretical and practical introduction to the diversity, distribution, biology and distribution of plant and animal life, with particular emphasis on India. It would also develop basic skills in mathematics and statistics, within the framework of the practice of science.
2. The second semester would provide a theoretical grounding in population ecology, conservation biology, behavioral ecology, and habitat ecology. It would  also provide hands on training in the application of modern tools in conservation such as remote sensing, GIS, and conservation genetics.
3. The third semester would address the historical, social and economic framework within which conservation operates. It would also develop
   communication  and  problem  solving skills  that are  necessary  to
   effectively practice conservation.
4. During the final semester the students would design and implement a
   field project, using the theoretical and practical skills that they learned.

There would be equal emphasis on providing theoretical understanding and developing practical skills. Classroom lectures, assignments, debates, group discussions and extended field visits are therefore given equal importance.