Biodiversity Semester Program

BIODIVERSITY AND NATURE BIOLOGY LECTURE COURSES

TGS 300: Foundation course – Tropical Biodiversity – 3 cr

The course will introduce the students to typical and unique features of tropical biodiversity through power point presentation, films and laboratory exercises.
 

Lecture 1 – Introducing Kerala

Introduction to Kerala - Physiography (lowland, midland, highland); Rivers, backwaters, lakes, estuaries and oceans; Seasons  and climate of Kerala; Soils and  rocks- classification and types ; Ground water, rain water, fresh water, and minerals; Food resources  of Kerala; People, culture and customs.

Lecture 2 – Basic Concepts of Tropical Ecology

Concept of Ecology- Ecosystem structure  and function, habitats and niches; Cycles of matter- water cycle, carbon cycle and nitrogen cycle; Relationship in the eco system- predators, parasitism and symbiosis; Endemism and species extinction.

Lecture 3 – Habitat Diversity of Kerala

Ecosystem diversity of Kerala; Terrestrial, fresh water and marine eco systems; Western Ghats and hotspots of biodiversity; Forest types and  forest wealth.

Lecture 4 – Tropical Biodiversity

Introduction to tropical bio-diversity and bio-resources; Plant and animal diversity; Marine and fresh water life forms; Microbial and fungal diversity with special reference to Kerala.

Lecture 5 – Taxonomical identification of Fauna and Flora (Terrestrial)

Basics in taxonomy- Plants and animal species of Kerala; Flowering plants (angiosperms) and gymnoperms); Lower green plants (algae, fungi, byrophytes, and pteridophytes); Invertebrates (butterflies, dragonflies & damsel flies), vertebrates (pisces, amphibia, reptilia, aves and mammals).

Lecture 6 - Marine Taxonomy

Coastal and marine biodiversity of Kerala; Basics in marine taxonomy- Diatoms, dinoflagellates, sea weeds (marine algae), sea grasses, mangroves; Marne animals and coral reefs

Lecture 7 – Fish Diversity and Economics

Biology and taxonomy of fishes; Aquaculture- prawn farming; Shell fish harvesting; Fish products, fishing crafts and gears

Lecture 8 – Agro-Biodiversity and Crop practices of Kerala

Agro- bio diversity and crops of Kerala- food crops, fruit and vegetable crops, plantation crops, and spices; Agricultural practices, organic farming, agro – forestry; Basic principles of horticulture; Sustainable agriculture

Lecture 9 – Genetic Diversity and Conservation efforts

Genetic diversity of crops and importance of their wild relatives in agriculture development; Plant breeding and tissue culture

Lecture 10 -Threats of Biodiversity and Conservation

Threats to bio-diversity; Conservation techniques- in situ and other conservation methods; Principles of wild life management; Tribal population and ethnic knowledge; Ethno botany and Ayurveda

Lecture 11 - Biodiversity Utilization and Economics

Economics of tropical bio –diversity; Eco- tourism in Kerala; Kerala model of sustainable development and its global attraction

Lecture 12 - Biodiversity field techniques:

• Observation skills and hypothesis generation
• Population estimation and monitoring; Direct and indirect counting; Sampling techniques- quadrate, transects 
• Exploration, characterization and assessment of biodiversity
• Specimen collection and plant identification

• Insect collection and identification

• Avian inventory techniques
• Arthropod sampling and identification
• Aquatic sampling
• Wildlife management

Lecture 13 – Ecological Issues of Kerala

Eco and environmental technology; Energy resources of Kerala; Environmental issues and public health- pollution in Kerala, urbanization and sewage issues; tropical diseases and pathogens

Lecture 14 – Frontier Biological Research in Kerala

Bioprospecting, biotechnology, phytochemistry   and   bioinformatics

Lecture 15- Ecotourism, sustainable development and hospitality management

ELECTIVE COURSES

Advanced Courses