BNHS Online Courses in Biodiversity, Entomology and Botany
- Last Date : 16th January 2013-

Field botany trip - Karnataka - by Swapna Prabhu

BNHS Online Courses in Biodiversity, Entomology and Botany
To include online learning, field trips and project work

Mumbai: 20 Dec: BNHS has announced the 2013-14 batches of its popular online natural history courses in Biodiversity, Entomology (insect study) and Field Botany. These popular courses, which are open to all who have studied till the 10th standard, play a vital role in sensitizing the participants about the biodiversity of the country and the need for its conservation.

The year-long courses give a first-hand learning experience about the chosen topic and exposure to the natural world. Thus, they are a hybrid of online learning and field activity. Weekly assignments and monthly course modules are sent to the participants online. The courses include regular field trips, field camps, project work and online expert guidance. On successful completion of course work students will receive a certificate with appropriate grades from BNHS. School teachers, IT professionals, journalists, college students, housewives, activists and people from various walks of life have successfully completed these courses in the past years. Participants should have a basic liking for the natural world, proficiency in use of computer and internet and willing to dedicate regular time for course work.

Leadership Course in Biodiversity Conservation

This is a foundation course for developing better understanding about biodiversity and its current conservation scenario. It is a good course for anyone who wishes to learn everything about the natural world and environment in a short time and also for those who are planning to have a change in career from corporate world to natural world.

The syllabus covers topics such as Introduction to Biodiversity, Ecology, Floral Diversity, Insects, Marine Life, Reptiles and Amphibians, Mammals, Birds, Issues and Environmental Concerns, Environmental Impact Assessment, Environmental Law and Sustainable Development.

Course Duration: January 2013 – December 2013

Course Fees: Rs 8990 (includes optional overnight inaugural and wrap-up camps at BNHS CEC Mumbai, local field trips and visit to BNHS natural history collection)

Minimum group size: 15 students

Registration: Ms Priti Choghale, Senior Education Officer: 9594929107 / 9223513425

Last date of application: 16th January 2013

Insect study - by Atul Sathe

Basic Course on Entomology (Insects)

This is an intensive course for those who wish to develop expertise in insect studies and take on entomological research in future. It prepares the student to identify insects up to order level and understand their role in nature. It is a good course for post graduate students who wish to pursue wildlife research as a career option.

The syllabus covers topics such as Insect Introduction, Butterflies and Moths, Grasshoppers and Crickets, Cockroaches and Praying Mantis, Stick Insects and Leaf Insects, Wasps, Bees, Ants, Bugs, Beetles, True flies, Dragonflies and Damselflies, Termites and Miscellaneous Insect groups.

Course Duration: January 2013 – December 2013

Course Fees: Rs 6990 (includes optional overnight inaugural and wrap-up camps at BNHS CEC Mumbai, local field trips and visit to BNHS natural history collection)

Minimum group size: 15 students

Registration: Ms Priti Choghale, Senior Education Officer: 9594929107 / 9223513425

Last date of application: 16th January 2013

Course in Field Botany

Field Botany is the science of collecting, identifying, classifying, naming and preserving plant part specimens; studying plant evolution and their relationships with other species and habitat and their environment. The benefits of this course range from basic knowledge of the green world to planning a successful forest management strategy. It is an effort to popularize the science of field botany and plant conservation and inculcate scientific approach in identification of plants, while appreciating the plant diversity around us. Moreover, the course generates volunteers’ brigades to work for conservation.

The syllabus includes topics such as plant morphology and related terminology, adaptations, life forms, classification, methods of collection and preservation of plant material, identification, biogeography, various habitat types and their representative flora, basic plant ecology and conservation. There would be five field visits (of which three are compulsory) to places around Mumbai such as Borivli, Maharashtra Nature Park, BNHS CEC, Karnala and Tungareshwar. There would be two residential field camps of 4-5 days each (of which one will be compulsory). There will also be an optional visit to Blatter herbarium in Mumbai.

Course Duration: February 2013- January 2014

Course Fees: Rs 4500 for members, Rs 5100/ for non-members (does not include cost of field trips)

Registration: Dr Swapna Prabhu, Taxonomist / Systematic Botanist: [email protected]

Last date of application: 15th January 2013

--- Atul Sathe,
Manager-Communications, BNHS