Year: 2017 | Month: August | Volume 8 | Issue 2
Addressing Perception of Geoethics Through Geoscience Curriculum at IGNOU
Abstract:
Geoscience provides us with an overall understanding of earth’s physical environment and its finites besides a perspective on why and how things happen around us. It also attempts to find solutions for global environmental problems in relation to place and time. Geoscientists can play an important role in addressing these global challenges and disseminating knowledge and awareness in the society. Although Geoscience is the basic element of all natural sciences, it is limited to a few chapters in the geography and environmental science books at school level in India. Hence, children remain unaware about the internal and external processes operating within and on the earth’s surface and also the perception on geoethics as compared to their counter parts in the west. Unlike western world, our youth are perhaps less aware of implications of depleting and dwindling natural resources. Thus, it is a challenge for the educators to develop geoscience education programmes with a strong component and perspective on geoethics and sustainable development. The paper discusses the possible impact of geoscience education at IGNOU in developing graduates with an understanding and inclination on geoethics. Presently, in distance mode a wide range of programmes are being offered in subjects like environment, physics, chemistry, mathematics, biology except geology. Mega universities like IGNOU are at an advantageous position for offering geoscience education owing to its wide reach to cater to millions of learners. Keeping this in view School of Sciences at IGNOU is in the process of developing B.Sc. Courses in Geology after carrying out an extensive Need survey. The curriculum for bachelor degree programme, which includes the courses on physical and structural geology, petrology, mineralogy, environmental geology, hydrology, ore geology, remote sensing and GIS has been designed and developed with help of several eminent experts across India. The courses are expected to enhance understanding of the necessity to conserve our soil, mineral, water, fossil fuels and appreciate the concepts of geoethics and sustainable development.
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