How to pursue ecology in India after Class 12?
Ecology is a discipline of science that revolves around the study of the environment and mutual relationships between those who live in it. Ecologists are scientists who research and analyse the interactions between many living and non-living elements in the environment. The environmental ecosystem is made up of both living and non-living organisms.
Until a few years ago, nature was self-sustaining and it was still able to preserve the ecological equilibrium. However, nature’s ecological equilibrium is now being shattered, thanks to pollution, and global warming on the Earth. As a result, an increasing number of ecologists are the need of the hour.
Students who aspire to be ecologists must possess a love for nature and conservation of life in all its forms. Adaptability to a range of different working modes and environments, excellent observational skills, creativity and problem-solving skills, ability to gather, analyse and interpret data, are some of the major attributes required to be an ecologist. Here is everything an aspiring ecologist needs to know
Courses available
Students interested in pursuing ecology can take up undergraduate courses after Class 12.
The undergraduate courses (3 years) include:
- B.Sc in Environmental Science
- B.Sc (Hons.) in Environmental Science
- B.Sc in Ecology
- B.Sc in Applied Environmental Pollution
Institutes for studying ecology/ environmental science in India
Delhi University, University of Pune, The Global Open University, Nagaland, CMJ University, Shillong, Amity University, Kolkata, Prof Rajendra Singh University, Prayagraj, KK University, Nalanda, Fergusson College, Pune, NIMS University, Jaipur, Lovely Professional University (LPU) Jalandhar, Integral University, Lucknow and Dr Shyama Prasad Mukherjee University, Ranchi are some of the renowned institutes where students can pursue their graduation in ecology or environmental science.
Eligibility criteria
Candidates must have completed Class 12 from Physics, Chemistry and Biology stream with a minimum of 50% aggregate from an Indian recognised board. Some colleges offer undergraduate courses on a merit basis, while others require applicants to take entrance exams. Delhi University Entrance Test (DUET) is one such entrance exam that candidates need to appear for.
Subjects taught in ecology course
Ecological systems, natural resource management, environmental management, basics of biostatistics, ecosystem dynamics, components of biodiversity and its conservation, environmental microbiology, eco-restoration and development, ecotourism, environmental monitoring and techniques,
Career options and Placement opportunities
Every year, the number of ecological disasters grows, necessitating a greater number of ecologists. They can work as researchers/ecologists, natural resource managers, wildlife managers, conservation scientists, environmental scientists, wildlife biologists, forest officers and botanists, environmental consultants, restoration ecologists, among other positions. Ecologists work for a variety of federal, state, and local governments, as well as for private enterprise in a variety of capacities. CSIR, universities, agricultural research institutes, agriculture departments, department of environmental affairs, forestry departments, departments of nature conservation, national parks, museums, and many other organisations employ ecologists.