Geography

Geography- the Science of Earth, is a diverse term which deals with aerial differentiation of the surface of the earth. Derived from the Greek words 'Geo or Gaea' ( Earth) and 'graphein' (to describe or to map), geography literally means 'to describe or write about the earth'. Hence geography can be described as the study of earth; location and distribution of its physical and cultural features; land forms; climate; soils; vegetation; mineral; water and human resources. Geography is not a mere academic subject, but it involves finding out the facts on earth. The individuals associated with geography are called Geographers. Geographers are scientists who study about the physical details of the environment, its effects on human and wildlife, weather and climate patterns, economics and culture. The Greek Scholar of third century BC, Eratosthenes who had calculated the circumference of the earth for the first time is considered as the father of Geography while Alexander Von Humboldt is regarded as the founder of modern geography. The modern geographer's scope extends far beyond describing the earth. Physical Geography and Human Geography are the major branches of Geography which are closely inter connected. Also known as Geosystems or Physiography, Physical geography is the study of physical features of earth such as rivers, landforms, climate, hazards and many more that occupies the atmosphere, biosphere and geosphere. It is further subdivided into geomorphology, hydrology, coastal geography, oceanography, quaternary science, landscape ecology, climatology and environmental geography. Human geography deals with the study of human, political, economic, social and cultural activities. The subdivision of human geography includes economic geography, cultural geography, political geography, health geography, urban geography, historical geography, marketing geography and social geography. Geography provides numerous options for those who have a keen interest in subjects like countries, people, economy, climate etc. Due of the latest technological developments like Remote Sensing and Geographical Information System (GIS), careers in geography are becoming more promising and challenging than ever before. Remote Sensing is the science that acquires information about an object, area or anything, without direct contact with the objects. The information's are transferred with the help of electromagnetic radiation (EMR) which is a form of energy that reveals its presence by the observable effects it produces when it strikes the matter. GIS is a computer based information system which is used to digitally represent and analyze the geographic features present on the earth surface and the events that take place on it. In GIS data collection, GPS (Global Positioning System) technology which uses satellites and computers to compute positions anywhere on earth with unequalled accuracy and flexibility, has tremendous amount of applications. Eligibility Graduation in Geography is the basic qualification needed to get into the field of geography. But for enhanced career prospects, masters and doctoral degrees are essential. Various institutes and universities in India offer courses in various field of geography. Candidates who have passed 10+2 with high marks in social sciences including geography or equivalent can apply for the bachelors course in geography which is offered in both arts and science stream (i.e B.A Geography and B.Sc. Geography). A base in Maths, statistics and computer science is needed in graduate studies. On completion of bachelor's degree, an aspirant can do masters/ M.Phil/ Ph.D programs. Bachelor degree with a minimum of 50% marks is required for masters degree and at the master level one can choose any specialized courses in geography like cartography, urban and town planning, regional planning, physiography, climatology, oceanography, population studies, environmental geography etc. Some institutes offer courses in Remote Sensing and Geographical Information Systems (GIS) like courses in Geo informatics which are the most demanded module of this era. A course in geography covers almost all the subjects such as environment, people, economy, ocean, physical features of earth, agriculture, natural resources etc. Personal skill: Perceptive and probing mind, keen observation, analytical and logical thinking and computer skills are the much needed qualification in the field of geography. Interest in mathematics and science can help one to be good in this profession and as any other careers, communication skill plays a major role. Field work sometimes may require travel to remote and less developed areas, Geographers must be physically fit and be healthy to work in any situation & locale, and must keep an updated data regarding the earth and the changes occurring. They should enjoy travelling, reading, studying and be able to work independently