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Geography - a studies with great scope - 3-Jan-2012
During school and college days most of the students would like the subject Geography. Searching for a known country, state, district, river, mountain and desert on a map are the happiest moments for students.
Curiosity and the desire to explore other countries, culture, language and economy are the main aspects of growth in geography. It is believed that only in 9th century A.D, the first map was developed.
After usage of maps began in sea explorations and other important human activities, the division of Geography began to grow to a greater extent. Modern dimensions of geography are geographic information system, urban planning and meteorological science.
Old History
Scholars and Mathematicians of China, Arabia, Greek and Rome had done much to the growth of Geography. History says that a Greek scholar Erestothanis, who lived in 3rd century B.C., used the word 'Geography'.
Islam also contributed to the growth of Geography, through its scholars, merchants and travelers.
Despite, Europeans contributed much during the middle ages to the field of Geography, their major explorations started after the Ottomon's conquest of Constantinople. As, muslims blocked the regular routes between Europe and Asia after the fall of Byzantium (Constantinople). Europeans vast sea explorations led to 'the art of mapping'.
Geography was introduced as a subject in European universities in the 19th century, but it was introduced only in 1930s in Indian Universities. Earlier, the subject of Geography dealt with various environmental issues, places, earth's structures and theirs' connections.
Current situation
In this industrial revolution era we need to examine the growth of Geography. Geography is used to analyse the things like unprecedented growth, constant growth, urbanization and meteorological issues. Thus, Geography has changed to a situation of analysation from the state of datas.
Between science and society
It is important to sort any issue based on political, social and economical backgrounds, it is also important sort it out geographically. Geography is the connecting point between social science and physical science.
Since Geography comprises of multiple aspects, it contributes towards planning, utilization of natural resources, environmental management and to carry out special analysis. As we use remote sensing and communication technology for creating databases about earth and environment we would understand the importance of Geography.
Higher education in Geography
The field of Geography is divided into physical Geography and Human Geography. Physical Geography deals with layers of earth, environment, soil, flora and fauna, rock structures and changes in earth structures.
Human Geography deals with the relationship between human being and environment to establish the possible means to form human societies. It also provides deep insight about the world for readers.
Conceptions
Geography subject is taught as a part of social science or as an independent subject in school education system. A student, who did not take Geography as a subject in higher secondary level, can take Geography in UG level.
If a student studied mathematics and biology in higher secondary level, it would be easy for him/her to understand about techniques of Geography in higher studies.
Undergraduate courses
Today, Geography is taught as a subject, mostly in India. Some institutions provide this as an art subject while others provide it as a science subject. One can opt BA-Geography or B.Sc-Geography.
In Jamia Milia Islamia, students of science stream and arts stream in schools can get admission into B.Sc, and B.A. Geography respectively.
The UG syllabus, generally focuses on theory of rock structure, meteorology, oceanography, Human Geography, Source Geography, South Asian Geography, Mapping, Assessment and survey technology, Remote sensing and Geographic information system.
History, Economics and Mathematics are generally the ancillary subjects in BA and B.Sc honours (Geography) degree.
Post Graduate courses
To do specialisation in any one of the Geographical subjects, you need to pursue PG degree in Geography. Many universities allow students to do specialisation from second year onwards in their PG studies. Before joining, a student should know that the choice of his/her subject is available or not in that particular institution.
Some universities are famous for the courses it provides in geography and other relative studies. Some universities provide PG degrees in urban development, environmental management, disaster management, GIS and remote sensing to develop human sources in the above-mentioned fields.
PG degree in Geography is not only for specialization, but mainly to bring a balance in research between social and physical science.
Job opportunity
If you have obtained PG degree in Geography, you can carry out research activities, teach and opt for other jobs. Little amount of training is a must to get jobs. Here we provide details of some job opportunities,
Urbanisation and Regional planning
In the swiftly growing field of urbanization the need for human sources has become enormous. After completing PG in Geography, one can pursue specialized course in urbanization.
Those completing a diploma in urbanization, after having completed PG degree in Geography can achieve a lot and can get good pay package.
As the study of geography comprises valuable features, a Post Graduate in Geography is capable of achieving great things in the field of Urbanisation. To pursue a specialisation course in Urbanisation, you should have minimum 55% marks in PG degree. Admission would be provided based on an entrance exam and interview.
Environment and Resource management
Degree holders in Geography could get lucrative jobs in departments related to the above-mentioned division.
Job opportunities are also available in government, research organisations, NGOs and business consultancies.
Disaster management
Disaster management is a part of geography curriculum at Delhi University. Those completed diploma in disaster management along with a PG in Geography can get lucrative jobs. IGNOU and National institute of disaster management - New Delhi are some of the prominent institutes to pursue this course.
Geoinformatics
If you complete this course, there are several opportunities in town planning, forest planning, mineral searching and transport planning. Indian institute of remote sensing - Dehradun offers M.Sc, M.Tech and PG diploma in Geoinformatics.
In Tamilnadu, Madras University and Annamalai University offers course in Geoinformatics. Students having completed studies in Geoinformatics, can obtain job opportunities in ISRO, National remote sensing agency, National information centre and Mateorological centres etc..
Challenges and possibilities
In India, people are not much aware of the benefits of studying Geography. Educationist say that the importance of geography would increase in India, only if Geography is used in facing challenges in general policy making and tackling social problems.
If Geography is used in general policymaking, it would provide solution to most of the prevailing social problems.
Indian younger generation should not only think about lucrative jobs and fantastic careers in pursuing the study of Geography, but they should realize that Indian Geography is useful to face real challenges and obtain practical solution.
Skills of good geographers
* Ability to focus and speculate with help of datas and maps.
* Computing skills.
* Good analytical and research skills
* Physically and mentally fit for fieldwork.
* Passion for new inventions.
* Good attentive skills
* Good writing and verbal skills.
Who provides job for Geographers?
Government sector
Census office, Survey of India, Space application centre, Urban and rural development departments, Metropolitan development corporation, Social and environmental research organisations and educational institutions are the areas in which job opportunities are available in Government sector.
Private sector
In the private sector jobs are available urban development, Environment and infrastructure planning, real estate, special planning, GIS, Transportation and export - import departments.
