MPhil Ecological Informatics

University of Kerala has recognized M.Phil Ecological Informatics as equivalent to the following courses.

• M.Phil. Physics [pdf]  
• M.Phil. Botany [pdf]  
• M.Phil. Environment Science [pdf]

M.Sc. in Natural (Botany, Zoology, Environmental Science, Plant Sciences, etc. or Physical (Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics) Sciences with a score of 60 % marks or above or CGPA of 6.5 or above in 10 points scale in the qualifying examination . SC/ST candidates are eligible for admission, if they have minimum pass marks in the qualifying examination. Students those who are in final semester/year can also apply.

The programme in Ecological Informatics has a strong emphasis on trans-disciplinarity. It is perhaps the first academic exercise in India to impart computational and IT/informatics skills to students with background in natural sciences. The programme aims to prepare students for a future in ecological sciences research, with a special emphasis on using Information Technology in the context. The inclusion of social dimension will complement development of critical thinking ability of the students Hands on programming and first hand research exposure, particularly in another institution is a constructive innovation adopted.

Upon successful completion, the students will develop a holistic understanding of the relevant concepts in ecological sciences, be competent to identify appropriate computational method, use computational tools to analyze and understand key theoretical, methodological and practical issues that underpin the flow of information within the biosphere, appreciate the contribution of a range of scientific and social disciplines in understanding and constructing environmental information pathways, demonstrate competence in the substantive areas covered by the course and develop skills that they can use in careers within, and beyond the field of environmental informatics.

The course is an ideal stepping-stone towards a doctoral research fellowship or a research career.

Ecological Informatics (EI) is a trans-disciplinary subject that integrates ecology, computational sciences, informatics and social sciences, in order to improve our understanding of ecological processes and expand socio-ecological theory to integrate the earth’s natural systems, human values, human health and well-being. A suite of disciplines; ecology, informatics, computational sciences, ecological economics, anthropology, sociology and demography constitutes EI.

The M. Phil-EI is a one-year full time program and adopts a credit system. Students earn their degree by completing 36 credit points, split among course work, seminar and a thesis. The programme is so designed that students spent their first six months at IIITM-K, when they earn a maximum of 18 credits, before proceeding to one of the participating institutions to carry out either a research project or complete a pertinent review and write a thesis, which can earn them a maximum of 18 credit points.

• Center for Ecological Sciences, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore
• Indian Institute of Remote Sensing, Dehradun
• The French Institute, India, Pondicherry

Core Courses

• Research Methodology
• Literature Review & Seminar (First Semester)
• Project Evaluation And Viva Voce (Second Semester)

Electives

• Informatics (Information Systems, Spatial Informatics, Programming And Database)
• Ecology (Ecological Physics and Landscape Ecology, Quantitative Ecology, Ecological Economics, Ecological Anthropology, Social Ecology.)
• Urban Ecology (Urban ecology, sustainable urbanism, Urban greens, Spatial dimensions of urban ecology, Industrial ecology and symbiosis,  Environmental Impact Analysis, Climate modifications, Adaptation and mitigation measures.)
• Biodiversity And Conservation (Importance of Biodiversity, Ecosystem, Energy Flow,  Pollution, Global warming, Bio energy and energy conservation. conservation of fauna and flora, Biodiversity –Types, values, threats and “Hotspots, IUCN classification – Red data book, Human dimension in ecosystem management)
• Application of Remote Sensing and GIS in Environmental Management (Energy sources – Electro Magnetic Radiation, Satellites and Sensors, Aerial Photography, Principles of photography, Elements of photography, Aerial Cameras, Stereoscopic Viewing, Concepts of RADAR and Microwave Remote Sensing, Principles: Data encoding and decoding, Methods of image enhancement, Introducing GIS and spatial data analysis, Introduction to GPS – Integration techniques, Tracking and navigation. Advantages and Applications, Future GPS, Natural Resources Management, GIS for Disaster Management, Web mapping programs – mobile GIS)

For graduation, the student must satisfy all the requirements as per the CUSAT rules.

The course fee for M.Phil programme is Rs.1,00,000/-. The fee is payable in two equal installments of Rs.50,000/-