PRACTICAL TRAINING AND RESEARCH PROJECTS

The newly created research center of Tropical Green School with the co-operation of Tropical Institute of Ecological Sciences provides courses, hands on training, workshops, projects and research on subjects related to Tropical Biology, Ecosystems and Environment. This research center has more than 20 well qualified scientists and professors selected from prestigious research institutions in Kerala. This institute is located in Kottayam, 70 Km from the Cochin International Airport with close proximity to diverse tropical ecosystems like Western Ghats (the Biodiversity hot spot) and Vembanad Lake (Ramsar site). The strategic location of the training center will allow US students to explore and experience the varied ecosystems, tropical rain forests, mangrove forests, wildlife, plantation crops, spice gardens, well equipped research stations, nurseries, agro centers, plantations etc.. to involve in cutting edge field and laboratory research from ecosystems to bimolecules.   
      
 The following training courses, directed lab exercises and research projects can be provided to any US student on an individual basis throughout the year on mutually agreed dates. Accommodation can be provided in nearby college hostels and host families.
 

SECTION A: PRACTICAL / HANDS- ON TRAINING

TGS 350 :    Taxonomic identification of common tropical flora and fauna-3 cr

TGS 351 :    Weed diversity of tropical wetland ecosystems-3 cr

TGS 352 :    Water quality analysis techniques –field methods-3 cr

TGS 353 :    Soil quality analysis techniques-3 cr

TGS 354 :    Tropical biodiversity estimation techniques-3 cr

TGS 355 :    Phytochemical extraction techniques-3 cr

TGS 356 :    Mushroom cultivation practices-3 cr

TGS 357 :   Invasive alien species to tropical ecosystems - 3 cr.

SECTION B: RESEARCH PROJECTS

SECTION C: ADVANCED RESEARCH ON SPECIAL REQUEST

COLLABORATIVE AND THESIS RESEARCH OPPORTUNITIES AT MACFAST

1. Algal resources of southwest coast of India- systematic study and evaluation of food and nutritional supplements – 3 cr
2. Creating improved varieties of banana through tissue culture – 3 cr
3. Micro propagation of nutmeg-3 cr.
4. Identification of propagation of medicinal mushrooms. -3 cr
5. Clonal propagation of fruit, ornamental and herbal plants through tissue culture techniques. -3 cr
6. Conservation of endangered species of plants of Western Ghats. -3 cr
7. Micro propagation of disease free high yielding clones-3 cr.
8. Development of transgenic plants of high nutritional quality. -3 cr
9. Development of pest and drought resistant plants by genetic transformation. -3 cr
10. Development of cosmeceuticals from marine algae-3 cr.
11. Testing edible algae for nutraceuticals properties and pharmacological properties-3 cr.
12. Taxonomy of marine algae-3 cr.
13. Herbal extracts for allopathic and ayurvedic drugs-3 cr.
14. Nutraceutical products from herbal plants-3 cr.
15. Evaluation of heavy metal contents and toxic chemicals in herbal plants-3 cr.
16. Collection, identification and documentation of medicinally important mushrooms with nutraceuticals and pharmacological properties-3 cr.
17. Identification of new fungal and bacterial pathogens to control plant diseases and field experiments-3 cr.
18. Development of organic insecticides and manures for organic farming-3 cr
19. Ethano pharmacology of medicinal tuber crops-3 cr.

20. Commercial products from under utilized and under exploited fruits, vegetables and tuber crops-3 cr.

ENVIRONMENTAL TECHNOLOGY

1. Development of biosensors to solve various environmental problems – 3 cr
2. Development of optical fiber biosensors based on ATP bioluminescence array for rapid hygiene monitoring in hospitals for effective deterrence of nosocomial infections. -3 cr
3. Biodegradable plastics-3 cr
4. Bio detergents using   protelytic and lipolytic organisms. -3 cr
5. Bio fuels from industrial residues, cellulose and starch. -3 cr
6. Generation of bacteriological data in potable/ waste water samples. -3 cr
7. Assessment of microbiological data in the ready to drink products prepared locally-3 cr.
8. Utilization of cashew apples and pineapple wastes for bioenergy-3 cr.
9. Identification and characterization of diseases and disease resistant genes. -3 cr
10. Crop improvement and marker assisted selection in different plant species-3 cr.

SECTION D: SAMPLE SYLLABUS FOR A RESEARCH PROJECT IN INDIA

International Research in Tropical Medicine

International Internship; INDST 502: SUPERVISED RESEARCH – 3 RESEARCH CREDITS                               
Title of the internship    :  Tropical Zoonotic Diseases
Research topic:  Common Pelage Fungi of Domestic Animals and Sensitivity to Indigenous Herbal Extracts
Research Coordinator: Prof. Sunny Luke, IISAC (www.semesterinindia.org )
Research guide: Prof. Punnen Kurian
Location of Research: Tropical Institute of Ecological Sciences, Kottayam Kerala
Hours of Research per week: 30 hrs
Duration of the program: 30 days
Program cost: $ 250/ research credit
Total cost: $600
Program fee payable to: IISAC, USA
Accommodation: Home stays are provided with extra cost.
 

Course content

 This International Research internship will concentrate on laboratory research in IISAC’s approved research laboratory for a month. This internship will concentrates on skill development and discovery in the field of tropical fungal diseases transmitted by domestic animals (Zoonotic diseases).
 

Research outline

Zoonotic diseases are emerging worldwide and both wild and domestic animals have crucial role in disease transmission. Domestic animals are of great significance in today’s society, especially the pet animals and the risk of infectious disease transmission is ever increasing.  Several reports suggests that domestic animals constitute important reservoir of many fungal pathogens including dermatophytes. The typical climatic conditions prevailing in tropical countries are favorable to the growth and survival of fungal pathogens too.  The State of Kerala is unique with its climate, landscape and culture. Domestication of pet animals like cats and dogs; and agriculture like poultry and cow are widely practiced in the state.   

The present study is confined to isolation and identification of fungal pathogens prevalent in skin coats of three groups of domestic animals; dogs, cats and cattle. A detailed health survey among the interacting community with domestic animals is also envisaged. The sensitivity pattern of selected fungi towards a panel of indigenous plant extracts (Lawsonia inermis leaf, Ayapana triplinervis leaf, Punica granatum fruit and Aegle marmelos leaf) which are commonly used by traditional medicinal practitioners, for the treatment of fungal infections on skin, also will be studied. The programme include a review of related literature, secondary data collection, sample collection (animal fur and plant parts); isolation through culture; Soxhlet extraction of dried plant parts; antifungal test through agar diffusion technique & survey among interacting community .
 

Evaluation Method

The intern will be evaluated by Professors from both Institutions ( Tropical Institute of Ecological Sciences and US Institution) based on research proposal, actual data collected and research findings summarized in a lab report.

SECTION E : NATURE, CULTURAL AND SERVICE LEARNING PROGRAMS FOR HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS IN KERALA, INDIA