Name of the Programme: Ph. D in “Climate Change and Animal Agriculture”

Total duration: Three Years

Scope:The foremost scientific challenges presently being faced by the global community are present and future climate change, and issues related to climate variability. In all environment-related aspects of animal agriculture and associated activities, there is a recognition and demand for climate change-related expertise and services. It is the need of the hour to train the manpower as a part of capacity building in climate change education, research and extension to meet the national and global demand of resource personnel in this field of specialization of Climate Change and Animal Agriculture for sustenance of food security. KVASU is taking initiatives as the part of Worldwide Universities Network to facilitate the climate change education as a long term strategy in Global Framework for Climate Services (GFCS).

Pattern of course (Semester/annual): Six semesters

Mode of teaching (Regular/distant): Regular

Language of teaching: English

Eligibility for admission: M.V.Sc/M.S (Integrated) CCA / PG degree in Agriculture Sciences/ Fisheries/ M.Sc Biological Sciences/Physical Sciences with at least 50% marks or equivalent Overall Grade Point Average (OGPA) are eligible to apply. For SC/ST candidates, the minimum marks required for application is 45% in the Post-graduate Examination. In-service candidates who wish to apply to this programme should have published a minimum of 2 peer reviewed research articles

Mode of selection and admission:. As per KVASU academic rules and regulations

Seat reservations: Nil

Syllabus (Provide as a separate document)/ Link to Syllabus in case of VCI & AICTE

Mode of evaluation: As per KVASU academic rules and regulations

Attendance requirement: As per KVASU academic rules and regulations

• Fee structure (semester wise) on as on …………………………. (Date)
   

SYLLABUS

CAM 701: Weather and Climate (1+0)

Objectives:

Students acquaint the relevance of science of meteorology and climatology in the field of Livestock Meteorology. Students understand and are well equipped with the interactions between weather, climate and physical environment of animal agriculture.

Theory
Unit I
Science of climatology and meteorology – Livestock Meteorology and Biometeorology-introduction to weather and climate-composition of atmosphere- global warming and greenhouse gases-weather and climate variables-temperature-humidity-pressure-sunshine-radiation-clouds and precipitation – wind – evaporation – snow and dewfall – General circulation
Unit II
Seasons - seasons in India – seasonal variations of weather variables-Influence of geographical co-ordinates on weather variables – thermal structure of atmosphere-land and sea breeze – Climate of India
Unit III
Weather extremes - Heat and cold waves - droughts and floods - cyclones - fog-thunderstorms - duststorms, snowstorms and icestorms – cloud bursts- mudslips, landslides and avalanches-forest fires-sea level rise

Unit IV
Monsoon season – summer and winter monsoons-southwest monsoon - post and northeast monsoon seasons - climatological features of monsoon - monsoon depressions- monsoon trough and oscillations and associated weather phenomenon- rainfall and intra seasonal and inter annual variations - annual and monsoon rainfall over the country
Unit V
Components of the climate system-atmosphere, hydrosphere, cryosphere, biosphere and lithosphere-Radiation and heat balance of the earth's atmosphere and hydrological cycle

CAM 702 Environment and Stress Physiology (1+1)

Objectives

To acquaint the students about co-relation of various environmental factors on growth and performance of animals, and to teach the mechanism and effect of stress on production and reproduction in domestic animals under the projected climate change scenario

Theory

Unit I
Ecology of farm animals, biological rhythms, mammalian circadian rhythms, their regulation. Components of physical environment, biometeorology and principles of thermoregulation in mammals and birds. Physiological response of farm animals to heat and cold. Effect of various climatic components on health and production (growth and egg production), reproduction and climatic adaptation.
Unit II
Concept and definitions of cellular, prenatal and postnatal growth- patterns in different species of domestic animals. Factors affecting live weight growth viz. nutrition, hormones, vitamins, antibiotics, environment. Ageing and senescence. Growth anomalies.
Unit III
Definition of stress, various types of stresses, their effect on animal production and reproduction. Physiological basics of temperature regulation in domestic animals. Physiological and productive consequences of heat stress. Genes associated with thermo-tolerance in livestock. Development of thermal indices for animal studies.
Unit IV
Physico-chemical changes of blood composition due to exercise and work. Energy utilization and requirement of muscles during work and exercise. Capacity of work under field and controlled laboratory conditions, factors that regulate it. Effect of multiple stresses on endocrine status of animals, endurances in animals.
Unit V
Climatic factors (temperature, radiation, humidity, wind) affecting the thermal balance in animals-Animal energy exchange processes and the need for the maintenance of thermal balances in animals- Thermal indices for animal studies and management- Physiological and productive consequences of environmental stresses and extreme weather events- loss of water from the body, growth rate and body weight, food intake and milk production in relation to climate change/variability
Practical

Growth measurement and growth curves, recording of various climatic variables, effect of climatic variables on growth and production. Measurement of various biochemical parameters during stress and /or exercise in animals, measurement of various hormones during different stresses in animals – physiological measurements during stresses.

CAM 703 Statistical Techniques in Climatology (1+1)
Objectives

To acquaint students with the statistical techniques in relation to climatology and climate change and variability

Theory

Unit I
Descriptive statistics, Graphical representation of data, Probability Theory, Probability Distributions, Correlation coefficient and regression, Testing of Hypothesis, Parametric and Non-parametric tests.

Unit II

Matrices and Vector spaces, Harmonic Analysis, Principal Component Analysis, Factor Analysis, Canonical Correlation Analysis, Cluster Analysis,

Unit III

Time series analysis and climate data processing, Statistical methods in weather and climate forecasting, Auto regressive Integrated Moving Average for short term forecasting, Datamining Techniques, Statistical packages for Time series Analysis.
Unit IV

Climatological data base and processing - climatological records and normals - use of climatic data in various fields. International co-operation, World Meteorological Organization(WMO), World Weather Watch(WWW), Global Atmospheric Research Programme (GARP), Global Observing System(GOS), Global Telecommunication System (GTS), National and world data centres, global data processing systems(GDPS), storage and retrieval of data.

Practicals

Analysis and interpretation of climatological data using softwares namely spreadsheets, SPSS, Gretl. Handling tabled data sets for plotting charts, Correlations, Linear and non linear regression, Tests of significance, Multiple regression, Principal components, Factor analysis, cluster analysis, Time series methods for climate forecasting.

CAM 704 Climate Change- Past, Present and Future (1+1)

Objectives

To understand the science of climate change and its implications in the society. Understanding the Earth’s climate and being able to visualize climate change and its triggering factors. The course will inculcate students with knowledge of the impacts of climate change on society and its economics and lead to an understanding of climate change impacts in various sectors and the possible policy options for mitigation and preparedness

Theory

Unit I

Climate Change and variability - Role of Greenhouse Gases with respect to global warming and climate change - Livestock and GHGs - Meaning and definition of climate change; Different types of climate (geological, anthropological, geological, archeological, historical, climatological and hydrometeorological)
Unit II
Origin of earth-atmosphere - water system and timeline of its evolution; Methods of determining past climate (pollen, ice cores, tree-rings, sediments, corals, sea-shells and rocks); Theories of causes of climate change - Natural causes (continental drift, volcanoes, earth-sun geometry, ocean circulation etc.); and Human causes (human population, deforestation and other human activities, greenhouse gases etc.)
Unit III
Global circulation models (GCMs) - 4th and 5th IPCC ARs
Unit IV
Global, regional and local climate change and climate projections
Practicals
Analysis and interpretation of GCM outputs – downscaling – Analysis of climate change trends - Estimation of methane-Direct and indirect methods -

CAM 705 Climate Change Adaptation and Mitigation (1+1)

Objectives
Acquaint the students with the adaptation and mitigation techniques to minimize the ill effects of climate change and variability for the sustenance of food security. The course will inculcate students with knowledge of the impacts of climate change on society and its economics and lead to an understanding of climate change impacts in various sectors and the possible policy options for mitigation and preparedness

Theory

Unit I
Equatorial, tropical, temperate, polar climates and altitudinal climates-Classification of climates - genetic and empirical classifications, Koppen and Thornthwaite's' schemes - other classifications - homoclimates -climatic types and climatic zones-agroclimatic zones and agro-ecological zones

Unit II

Climatic zones and animal distribution- Tropical, temperate and polar animals – Bioclimatology and Adaptation of Farm Animals in a changing climate-Animal behavior and adaptation to climate variability and change. Pollution effects on livestock and its products. Weather and climate effects on animal production and reproduction. Photoperiod and light response in production of animal species, Rehabilitation methods with special reference to the livestock.

Unit III

Micro - climate - definition and its importance in relation to animal agriculture- principles and layout in animal house planning - farmstead and animal houses - site selection and housing requirements for various livestock farms and farm structures - effects of microclimate in grazing and housed animals - heat and cold tolerance in animals-measurement of microclimate - climate chambers-disease control measures and sanitation of all types of livestock.

Unit IV

Climate change and animal nutrition-Animal reproduction and environment-climate change and integrated farming includes livestock production management, poultry, dairy farming and homestead gardens- Risk assessment and mitigation measures - Vulnerability assessment - Human response survey to assess their readiness to face the natural disasters with special reference o the live stock.

Unit V

Novel approaches for alleviation of climatic stress in farm animals. Strategies for Improvement of Thermal and Reproductive Responses under Heat Stress- Adaptive capacity for the alleviation of climatic stress in livestock- Contribution of animal husbandry to climate change and adaptation strategies to reduce the resulting effects.

Practicals
Measurement of microclimatic observations and analysis - construction of wind roses- Automatic weather station including self recording instruments for microclimatic observations- Duvdevani dew gauge; measurement of humidity using station hygrometer, psychrometers, psychrons and leaf wetness recorder and leaf wetness counters; thermograph, hygrograph and thermohygrograph - Barograph - Installation of weather instruments; recording and tabulation of weather observations within shelters and database management-score cards for animal houses-time and motion study in animal houses-planning for various animal housing-Thermal stress alleviation in animal and bird shelters

CAM 706 Weather, Climate Forewarning and Livestock Advisory (1+1)
Objectives

To acquaint the students with the weather and climate forewarning in relation to preparation and dissemination of livestock advisory for the benefits of livestock farmers
Students will develop an understanding of the interactions between climate, animal physiology and animal production. They will develop a capacity to recommend improved animal husbandry management through livestock advisory based on weather forewarning

Theory
Unit I
Weather forecasting: Introduction of various fields of meteorology (Synoptic, Physical. Dynamical and Numerical meteorology). - Basic principles of weather forecasting-
Weather forecasting and animal agriculture-importance and relevance. Organisation of Meteorological Department- Observational network, (basic observations, Radars and satellites and their uses)
Unit II
Preparation of weather Charts- Identification (Lows, Highs, Jet Streams, troughs and ridges etc.) , and interpretation of weather systems from the surface and upper air charts - Tropical systems and extra-tropical systems and their interaction - tropical cyclone and other weather systems. Use of Satellite and Radar data in weather forecasting- Definition of short, medium, long range and extended forecasts including now-casting. Methods of forecasting for different ranges – Extended weather forecasting- GCM modelling and outputs -Live stock and climate analysis - Indigenous Technological Knowledge (ITK) base - signals from flora, fauna, insects, birds, and animals behaviour
Unit III
Weather modification techniques - Artificial cloud seeding and rain making-Livestock Advisory based on weather and climate forewarning - Verification of weather and climate forecasting - use of various techniques in live stock advisory dissemination and feedback from livestock farmers
Unit IV
Climate modelling – GCM models
Practicals
Preparation of livestock advisory based on weather forewarning and dissemination - visit to IMD station (SMC) for hands on experience on weather forewarning –field visits.

CAM 707 Epidemiology, Zoonoses and Disease Forewarning (1+1)

Objective

To learn about different epidemiological aspects of major diseases and to develop suitable disease forewarning systems

Theory

Review of epidemiological concepts and applications, recent concepts. Epidemiology of economically important diseases in the region (haemorrhagic septicemia, foot and mouth disease, surra, brucellosis, PPR, swine fever, IBD and fowl typhoid).Geographical Information System and its applications in epidemiology, various expert systems and their role in epidemiology. Modeling and application of various models in disease forecasting. Epidemiological software. Zoonoses- Introduction to the concept of zoonatic infections, definitions, various classifications of zoonoses , host parasite relationships, modes of infections, factors influencing prevalence of zoonoses- A detailed study of transmission, epidemiology, diagnosis and control of major protozoa of zoonotic importance-A detailed study of transmission, epidemiology, diagnosis and control of major helmintha of zoonotic importance-A detailed study of transmission, epidemiology, diagnosis and control of major anthropods of zoonotic importance in relation to climate change and variability.

Practical

Epidemiology exercises of economically important diseases in the region, use of Geographical information System in epidemiology, various expert systems, modeling and various models used in disease forecasting, use of various epidemiological softwares –case studies in case of transmitted diseases

CAM 708 Computer Science and Climate Modelling (1+1)

Objective

This course builds an understanding of the structure of computers and how they execute programs, data representation and computer arithmetic in relation to climate science. The course is also aimed to develop problem-solving strategies, techniques and skills to help students develop the logic, ability to solve the problems efficiently using C programming and climate related programs.

Theory
Computer Fundamentals and applications, I/O devices, primary and secondary memories. Word processing, Spread sheets, Slide presentations, DBMS, ICT Tools, Programming Fundamentals with C - Algorithm, techniques of problem solving, flowcharting, stepwise refinement; Representation of integer, character, real, data types; Constants and variables; Arithmetic expressions, assignment statement, logical expression. Arrays, string processing. functions, operators, recursion, pointers and files. Program correctness; Debugging and testing of programs- ARIMA models and GCM models.

Practical

Word processing, Spread sheets, Slide presentations, Data storage and retrieval, Applications of Information Communication Technology, Conversion of different number types; Creation of flow chart, conversion of algorithm/flowchart to program; Mathematical operators, operator precedence; functions, Sequence, control and iteration; Arrays and string processing; Pointers and File processing-Hands on experience in ARIMA and GCM Models and models related to climate and weather predictions

CAM 709 GIS and Remote Sensing (1+1)

Objective

To impart knowledge about the basic concepts of remote sensing, aerial photographs and imageries, and their interpretation; application of remote sensing in general and with special reference to soil, plants and yield forecasting; to impart knowledge about geo-statistical techniques, and GIS and applications in agriculture. To acquaint and equip with the techniques of Remote Sensing and application of GIS for animal distribution and identification, land and water resources management. To study the emerging applications of Remote Sensing and Geographic Information System for identification of animal diseases and hot spot zonation and mapping.

Theory

Unit I

Basic principles of remote sensing and sensors. Elements of photogrametry. Electromagnetic spectrum. Energy interaction with surface features, Aerial photo and satellite imagery. Photo and image interpretation. Principles of Geographical Information System tools, their types and capabilities, Advantages of GIS over conventional methods. Importance of ground truth establishment, GIS and remote sensing for land and water resources data collection, analysis and interpretation

Unit II

Introduction and history of remote sensing; sources, propagation of radiations in atmosphere; interactions with matter. Sensor systems - camera, microwave radiometers and scanners; fundamentals of aerial photographs and image processing and interpretations.

Unit III

Application of GIS in water and land resource development and management. Basic principles of Remote Sensing, satellite and imagery sensor systems, spectral signatures, interpretation of satellite imagery, digital image processing. Fundamentals of GIS, raster data representation, vector data representation, GIS data management, data input, editing, analysis and modeling. GIS output as maps.

Unit IV

Application of remote sensing techniques - land use soil surveys, crop stress and yield forecasting, prioritization in watershed and drought management, wasteland identification and management. Significance and sources of the spatial and temporal variability in soils; variability in relation to size of sampling; classical and geo-statistical techniques of evolution of soil variability. Introduction to GIS and its application for spatial and non-spatial soil and land attributes. Integration of RS and GIS. Applications of RS and GIS in parasitology, case studies related to vector and vector - borne parasitic diseases, soil transmitted helminths.

Practical
Familiarization with remote sensing and GIS hardware, software and their principle of working, Methods of establishing ground truth, Comparison between ground truth and remotely sensed data, Application of GIS packages. Understanding maps and map projections, maps as models. IRS data products, visual interpretation of image, Digital image processing, contrast enhancements, spatial filtering techniques, image transformations, image classification. Applications of Remote Sensing in parasitology. Components of GIS, creation of digital database in a GIS, GIS operations, data analysis and modeling. Case studies of applications of GIS in parasitology. Application of GIS in modeling the spatial and temporal spread of parasites. Global Positioning System (GPS), its applications and hands-on practice. Hands-on practice on RS and GIS software’s like ERDAS Imagine, ArcGIS, ILWIS etc. Internet as resource for RS data products. Familiarization with different remote sensing equipments and data products. Interpretation of aerial photographs and satellite data for mapping of land resources. Analysis of variability of different soil properties with classical and geostatistical techniques. Creation of data files in a database programme. Use of GIS for soil spatial simulation and analysis. To enable the students to conduct soil survey and interpret soil survey reports in terms of land use planning.

Minor Courses/Supporting Courses (Course Content)

CAM 710
Meteorological Instruments and Database Management
1+1
CAM711
Research Ethics and Methodology
1+1
CAM 712
Climate Policy and Planning
1+0
CAM 713
Renewable Energy
1+0
CAM 714
Bio-diversity and Conservation
1+1
CAM 715
Biotechnology Tools to Combat Climate Change
1+1
CAM 716
Climate Change: Forestry, Wildlife and Human Conflicts
1+0

CAM 710 Meteorological Instruments and Database Management (1+1)

Objectives

To acquaint the students with the meteorological instruments and data base management for climate analysis and services

Theory
Fundamentals of measurement techniques; theory and working principles of barometers, thermometers, psychrometers, hair hygrometer, thermohygrograph; exposure and operation of meteorological instruments/equipments in agromet observatories-single and double Stevenson screen- Radiation and temperature instruments -sunshine recorder, dew recorder, and infra-red thermometer. Precipitation and dew instruments: working principles of rain gauge, self recording rain gauge, Duvdevani dew gauges. Wind instruments: working principles of anemometer, wind vane, anemograph. Automatic weather station – data logger and sensors, computation and interpretation of data- Data and information; types of data; biophysical data including livestock; Importance of database management; data requirements; data collection and recording (Automatic and manual). Data structure/format; quality control of data; techniques of climatic data generation; missing data; introduction to different software for database management. Processing and analysis of data and data products; value addition of data and data products; data users, public, commercial, academic or research. Availability, accessibility and security of data; evaluating the cost of data; e-management of data.
Practical
Working with the above instruments in the meteorological observatory- taking observations of relevant parameters. Computation / interpretation of the data- Types of instruments and data recording, AWS data retrieval, storage and transfer, Exposure to different software for livestock-met data analysis; exposure to statistical software, Temporal and spatial analysis of data; Value addition to data, Introduction to internet protocols, Uploading and downloading data, password and security of data, E-management of data
CAM 711 Research Ethics and Methodology (1+1)

Objectives

To acquaint the students with in depth knowledge in selection and management of research projects for developing new technologies for transfer of technology

Theory

Current and emerging ethical issues as professional researchers, mentorship, authorship, honesty, and other responsibilities to colleagues, society, and the common good. Origin and development of Agricultural research. Definition of research, research methodology; Motives and benefits of doing research. Philosophy of research; Methods of research - Induction and Deduction; Art of scientific investigation. Chance discoveries. Types of research - Basic and Applied; Collection of qualitative and quantitative data. Methods of sampling - experiments and surveys. Experimental designs; Ensuring the quality of data - Precautions and vigilance Survey designs; Case studies; Action research; Participatory research. Survey tools - Interview schedules, questionnaires etc. Items analysis; Pilot study. Fixing the sample size. Role of information in research planning and management; Information sources. Introduction to library and its services, information management. Library classification systems - Colon classification, Dewey Decimal classification etc.; Selective Dissemination Services (SDS), Current Awareness Services (CAS). Sources of information - primary, secondary and tertiary. Information retrieval systems - Online and Offline information sources and databases, CD-ROM databases. Indexing and abstracting; Library networks; Modern information systems - AGRIS, CABI, CARIS, AGRICOLA etc. Fixing the objective of research, research hypothesis and time and venue of research. Finding the funding agencies for agricultural research experiments/ field surveys. Research management - Manning the research and building the research infrastructure. Collection and analysis of data. Statistical analysis - Tests of hypothesis, Drawing inference. Data entry and verification. Use of Statistical packages - Packages for Statistical investigation and Social Sciences. Preparing diagrams and charts. Validation and correction of data and results; Importance of safe storage of data and results. Documenting and reporting research results - Preparation of research papers - Structuring, Content validation, Acknowledgement etc. Reference citation - styles - Style adopted for Journal of Tropical Agriculture (KAU). Tips for technical writing. Proof reading. Public presentation of research results - Tools and tips for effective communication. Preparation of slides - Conventional methods, Computer Aided presentations - Power of PowerPoint.
Practical
Familiarization with various features of library. Locating books and other documents using library catalogue- Colon and DDC. Computer-aided literature search - Familiarization of important databases such as CABS, CARIS, AGRIS, AGRICOLA, Biological abstracts etc. Paraphrasing, Note taking and preparation of index cards. Structure of a research paper and Structure of a thesis. Exercises on citing and listing references, Exercises on processing of data and illustrations. Formulation of a research project. Presentation of scientific papers. Common errors in technical writing, Errors in using ‘units’ - SI system and familiarization with units. Proof correction practice. Preparation of a poster for display and use of “PowerPoint” package. Familiarization with internet and search engines.
CAM 712 Climate Policy and Planning (1+0)

Objective

To acquaint the students with the polices and planning in relation to climate change adaptation and mitigation in the field of animal agriculture

Theory

Evolution of climate change policy-making and the growth in the role of the State at the national and supra-national level in directing environmental policy: history and current trends in climate change policy in India; the value of the Kyoto protocol and its implementation mechanisms; post-Kyoto global scenarios; issues of policy-making and planning in the face of uncertainty; the Indian political experience; Indian climate change policy and planning in relation to energy, agriculture, water resources, biodiversity and coastal environments; the Copenhagen-post Copenhagen agreements; policy directions of states both individually and collectively, with particular reference to the role of the USA, the European Union, India and Chin- Napcc-Sapcc-Nicra-Sicra.

CAM 713 Renewable Energy (1+0)

Objectives

To acquaint the students with the renewable energy resources and practises as a part of alternative energy for climate change mitigation so as the reduce the impact of global warming

Theory

Renewable Energy sources - Introduction, Classification, Energy from Biomass, Types of biogas plants, constructional details, Biogas production and its utilization, Agricultural wastes, Principles of combustion, pyrolysis and gasification, Types of gasifiers, Producer gas and its utilization. Briquettes, Types of Briquetting machines, uses of Briquettes, Shredders. Solar energy, Solar flat plate and focussing plate collectors, Solar air heaters, Solar space heating and cooling, Solar energy applications / Solar energy gadgets, Solar cookers, Solar water heating systems, solar grain dryers, Solar Refrigeration system, Solar ponds, Solar photo voltaic systems, solar lantern, Solar street lights, solar fencing, Solar pumping systems. Wind energy, Wind measurement, wind energy devices - Types of wind mills, Constructional details & application of wind mills. Wind farms .Wave power – wave patterns and devices. Tidal current/stream power . Liquid Bio fuels, Bio diesel and Ethanol from agricultural produce, its production & uses.

CAM 714 Biodiversity and Conservation (1+1)

Objectives

To impart knowledge and skills related to biodiversity conservation to minimise the ill effects
of climate change

Theory

Climate and natural vegetation. Conservation of natural resources (hotspot areas and biosphere reserve). Global warming. Green House Effect and its consequences. Ozone depletion. Conservations laws and acts. Advanced topics in forest ecology including forest population, forest community dynamics, forest community structure and analysis, forest productivity on a global scale, ecology of forest landscapes spatial heterogeneity; Hierarchy issues in ecology. Conservation of soil, water resources and marine life. Climate projections and its impact on flora and fauna including weed management. Introduction to Conservation Biology, Conservation of biodiversity, Patterns and processes; concepts of biodiversity, levels of biodiversity, patterns of losses. Conservation Genetics, Management and conservation of genetic variation in natural populations. Ex-situ conservation. Documentation and evaluation of forest, plant genetical resources, in situ and ex situ conservation of gene resources. Biological diversity and its significance to sustainable use.
Practical
Study of natural vegetation, its fauna and flora. Estimation of productivity of forest and agro-ecosystems, Trip to different regions of the state to study natural vegetation, Collection and preservation of specimen, Methods of vegetation analysis, Measurement of biomass and productivity, Quantification of litter production and decomposition, Visit to national parks, wldlife sanctuaries, botanical gardens and arboreta.

CAM 715 Biotechnology Tools to Combat Climate Change (1+1)

Objectives

To acquaint the students with the biotechnology tools to combat Climate Change

Theory

Role of biotechnology in animal agriculture – techniques to combat climate change- PR proteins (glucanase, chitinase, osmotin, thaumatin-like proteins).Genes associated with thermotolerance in livestock. rDNA tools-methods of gene isolation-forward and reverse genetic approaches-DNA and RNA isolation, gel electrophoresis, spectrophotometry for quantification of nucleic acids and proteins. Restriction analysis, PCR, gene cloning-vectors-recombinant selection. Molecular markers-RFLP, AFLP, RAPD, SSR and DNA Probes-mapping and QTL. Blotting and hybridization techniques-Southern, Northern and Western. Bioinformatics tools. In vitro screening for stress tolerance. Genetic transformation in farm animals-methods and applications-GM food-prospects and consequences.
Practical
Techniques in tissue culture- Media preparation, sterilization techniques, inoculation of explants. Micropropagation of important crops. Hardening. Molecular Biology techniques-isolation of DNA, RNA and proteins-gele electrophoresis-in vitro amplification of gene by PCR-designing of primers for defense genes-restriction analysis. Molecular markers- RFLP, AFLP, RAPD, SSR. Blotting techniques-Methods of gene transfer in plants-indirect and direct methods-confirmation of transformation by PCR, Southern, Northern and Western.Heat shock protein isolation and characterization, Expression profiling of genes associated in livestock for climate change

CAM 716 Climate Change: Forestry, Wildlife and Human Conflicts (1+0)

Objectives

To understand the relationships among forestry, wildlife and human conflicts in projected climate change scenario
Theory
Geographical distribution of forests and animals- Hopkins bioclimatic law-major tropical forest formations- vegetation animal dynamics- species richness of tropical forests- cover types- Ecosystem structure and functions - nature of competitive interactions- Forest influences - radiation, temperature, precipitation patterns, and wind- Forest fires-deforestation – wild life and human conflicts- climate reconstruction of the past using tree rings - techniques for climate reconstruction - Ecology of high altitude habitats (alpine, subalpine and upper temperate), species diversity & abundance, vegetation structure and composition- quantification of habitats and animal use, conservation issues and management practices. Research in the high altitudes of the Himalaya: use of modern tools and techniques. Guided Discussion and Self Learning (2 Credits): High altitude rangelands, pastoralism and wildlife conservation in the Himalaya, habitat degradation and loss: impacts of anthropogenic pressures and developmental projects; long-term. monitoring sites, climate change impact monitoring, Strategic Environmental Assessment; involvement of local communities in conservation; landscape and trans-boundary approaches to conservation and management – Project Snow Leopard, Regional Rangeland Management Programmes & other initiatives- Park-people interface conflict and objectives of human dimensions in management; Eco-development-what, why, where, and whether; Community participation; Conservation-Development linkages; Livelihood analysis; Stakeholders in conservation; Conflict management; PA-People Mutual Influence Zone Analysis and village prioritization for pilot ecodevelopment projects; Project planning, monitoring and evaluation.